Summer Camp Inclusion Leader

Children ages 5-10 that are attending or have already completed kindergarten.

Required Experience:

• Two years of coursework, employment, or a combination of both in a related field such as a Special Needs Educator certificate, ABA or behavioural interventionist training 

• Ability to speak and write fluently in English 

• At least one year experience with children ages 5-10 in a recreational setting 

• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions with a positive attitude 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully as part of a team 

• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, especially in stressful situations 

Key Responsibilities:

The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA) is the joint operating partner - with the City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (Park Board) - of VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory. Our mission is to engage people of all ages and walks of life in the importance of biodiversity to our lives, and to foster a lifelong love of plants and gardens by virtue of their participation in our programs and services. 

Situated in Vancouver, BC, on the unceded Ancestral shared lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre urban green space. Bloedel Conservatory is a domed lush paradise located in Queen Elizabeth Park atop the City of Vancouver’s highest point. Tropical birds, koi fish, and over 500 exotic plants and flowers thrive within its temperature-controlled environment. Both are ideal locations for connecting with nature. 

The VBGA is seeking an Inclusion Leader to support nature-based Summer Camps for children ages 5-10 at VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory. VBGA Camps promote environmental stewardship and a love of the natural world through a fun blend of science, gardening, games, crafts and garden exploration. Visit our website to learn more about our programs at vandusengarden.org/learn/camps/.    

 Responsibilities 

• Follow VBGA’s health and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all participants  

• Ensure that the medical, emotional, mental, and physical needs of campers are met 

• Encourage inclusive practices and programming and provide a supportive environment for all children 

• Provide campers with a safe, educational, fun, and meaningful experience 

• Assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors to develop their skills managing behavioural challenges and supporting specific needs in group settings 

• Communicate effectively and regularly with parents/guardians, including developing and reporting on individual care plans and any specific needs 

• Liaise with Youth Programs admin team regarding behaviour escalation, managing care plans, etc. 

Salary & Benefits:

Wage $23.00 per hour (8 hours per day; 40 hours per week) + 4% in lieu of vacation

Additional Notes:

Eligibility  

This is a grant-funded position; to be eligible you must be:   

• Between 16 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment  

• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada 

• Legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid Social Insurance Number) 

Based on funding priorities from Canada Summer Jobs, as well as our organization’s mission and values, we highly encourage applications from equity-seeking groups and youth facing barriers.