Founded in 1980, the Oakville Suzuki Association Performing Arts Summer Camp offers children an exciting experience with a variety of performing arts classes such as music in several different instruments (cello, violin, viola, piano, flute, voice, drum), musical theatre, drama, visual arts, crafts, and dance. This dynamic day camp attracts students, teachers, and guest conductors from all over the world and has grown from 50 campers to more than 300 each summer. Held for two weeks in July, this fast-paced camp exposes campers to many activities that will challenge them to grow musically and personally.
We are looking to hire a Summer Camp Childcare Lead for the 2023 summer camp.
Salary: $18-$20 per hour, commensurate with experience
Expected start and end dates: July 3 - 21, 2023
Type of work: Leadership role and seasonal with full-time hours
Dates and hours of work:
This is a full-time position for a total of 3 weeks (July 3 – 21, 2023)
- These are the fixed days that you must work during the prescribed hours:
- Camp set up day: July 7, between 9am-1pm
- Camp: July 10-21, between 8am-5pm
- The remaining days can be flexible hours and may include some weekends (e.g. training days)
Locations:
- The camp set-up day and the 2 weeks of camp take place at Gaétan-Gervais Secondary School (1075 McCraney St E, Oakville, ON L6H 1H9)
- Planning and communication with the Summer Camp Committee may be done remotely and/or in person; meetings and training will take place at a couple of locations in southwest Oakville
Job Summary:
This is a leadership position that requires a person who is comfortable working with up to approximately 24 young campers (between the ages of 4 and 7), as well as lead a small team of childcare staff to provide a positive, and supportive learning environment.
In general, the Summer Camp Childcare Lead:
- Works with the Summer Camp Committee to develop a childcare program to provide childcare for campers between the ages of 4 - 7 years old. This childcare program is an integrated part of the overall camp program and experience
- Oversees the organization, implementation, and evaluation of childcare program once approved by the Summer Camp Committee
- Reports directly to the Summer Camp Committee
- Supervises, supports, and provides overall leadership and guidance on a daily basis to 2-4 childcare staff
- Establishes and maintains open, friendly and cooperative relationships with each of the campers in the childcare program
- Works collaboratively with childcare staff and volunteers to provide constant and hands-on supervision to ensure the general safety and well-being of childcare campers
- Is aware of and can safely execute the fire and safety protocols (e.g. fire escape drills, including the escape routes and the location of the outside meeting place). The Lead will ensure that the childcare staff and volunteers also have this knowledge and can execute the protocols, if need be
- Ensures that campers’ allergic protocols, as well as the safe handling of food and drinks, are adhered to at all times
- Prepares, organizes, cleans, and maintains the necessary childcare equipment, (e.g. movie projector, outdoor games and toys, Fab Fifteen activities, etc.) and childcare space
- Creates a welcoming, safe, caring and positive learning environment
- Ensures current COVID-19 safety protocols are administered and followed when the need arises
- Procures/purchases food, drink, and supplies as required for the childcare program (to be reimbursed upon submission of receipts)
- Maintains accurate daily record keeping of attendance, daily log-books, incident reports, etc.
Before camp starts the Summer Camp Childcare Lead, in consultation with the Camp Committee, will:
- Be available for onboarding sessions and training
- Plan, organize, and implement a developed childcare program
- Establish childcare expectations and train childcare staff
- Collect existing and/or purchase new games and toys, equipment, and supplies for the childcare program. (Reimbursement is available upon receipt submission)
During the 2 weeks of camp, the Summer Camp Childcare Lead will work from 8am-5pm and be involved in most aspects of daily camp, as below:
- Greet and receive campers from 8am-9am
- During camp hours, maintain an active awareness of where the childcare campers are, and be available to assist as needed to keep camp running smoothly
- Assist campers with their daily camp schedule and to transition between classes, when needed
- Monitor and step in to help childcare staff when necessary
- Close up camp venue at the end of the day, as well as at the end of the Camp period
After camp ends, the Summer Camp Childcare Lead will:
- Provide to the Summer Camp Committee a post-camp summary report with feedback and recommendations on how to improve the childcare program
The ideal candidate:
- Is currently studying or has recently graduated from one of the following programs: Early Childhood Educator, Early Childhood Assistant, Child and Youth Care, Child Youth Worker, Ontario College of Teachers, Recreation and Leisure Services, Educational Assistant, or other relevant diploma or degree programs
- Has experience working with young children, preferably in group or camp settings, and can support the childcare function within the overall OSA Performing Arts Camp
- Is able to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
- Is enthusiastic, self-motivated, and friendly
- Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Must have a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen dated within 6 months of the 2023 camp dates. If you don’t have one, you must be able to pass this Check. Fee reimbursement is available upon receipt submission
- Must be attentive, reliable, dependable and flexible/adaptable
- Is able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Exhibits positive and professional behaviour with teachers, campers, parents, and co-workers
- Has some First Aid Training (Standard First Aid/CPR Level C)
- Has up to date immunization, including proof of vaccination against COVID-19
- Must be willing to wear a mask if requested by vulnerable campers, staff, teachers, or parents
We welcome any applicant meeting the above requirements, including those who self-identify as being part of underrepresented groups or as having additional barriers to entering or staying in the labour market.
To apply, please email the Oakville Suzuki Association at info@oakvillesuzuki.org
