News

Job Opportunity - Day Camp Counsellor

Published: May 12 2025 09:49

Employment Opportunity

DAY CAMP COUNSELLOR

Position Title:  Day Camp Counsellor
Department: AFN Youth Centre
Salary: $17.70 per hour
Term: Full-time/Term/July to end of August 2025
Location:  AFN Youth Centre
37 Robinson Road, Highway #3 Yarmouth NS B5A 5J7
Estimated Start Date July 2025

Wasoqopa’q First Nation (formerly Acadia First Nation) is governed as a custom band under the provisions of the Indian Act with established bylaws, policies and procedures. The First Nation's electoral system constitutes an election once every five (5) years with positions for one Chief and eight (8) councillors. Chief and Council elect, are the governing body responsible for making decisions for the overall health and well-being of communities, Elders, youth and families.   

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is unique in its geographical composition, spread throughout the Southwestern regions of Nova Scotia spanning five counties from Yarmouth to Halifax, encompassing six (6) reserves - Yarmouth, Ponhook, Medway, Wildcat, Gold River, and Hammonds Plains, in both rural and urban settings.  To support administration and business operations, Wasoqopa’q First Nation, with supporting staff, provides programs and services within two (2) Health Centres, a Youth Centre, two (2) Community Centres, six (6) administration offices, and six (6) business establishments, including economic development, education, employment, fishing, forestry, health, housing & maintenance, human resources, and social.

Wasoqopa’q First Nation, owns and operates the AFN Youth Centre located in Yarmouth, NS.  The Centre offers an Aboriginal Head Start Program, Afterschool and Drop-in Program, and Summer Day Camps for WFN members children. 

POSITION OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVE

WFN is currently recruiting for a Day Camp Counsellor responsible for working as a part of the Day Camp team to provide the supervision, activities and guidance for the Day Camp activities of the Youth Centre.  The Day Camp Counsellor, with the team, ensures the events and activities operate efficiently and in accordance with the Centre’s philosophy, policy, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

  • Collaborate with other Day Camp employees to plan and coordinate age appropriate events and activities
  • Create a positive, fun, physically active and educational experience for Day Camp participants
  • Ensure the Day Camp environment is one of safety, healthy play and learning for camp participants
  • Ensure all health, medical and safety needs of the Day Camp participants are attended to and documented, being responsible for the children to support health and safety needs and address any emergency situations
  • Monitor Day Camp participants to ensure compliance with camp rules and prevent incidents, accidents and or injury
  • Clean, maintain and ensure proper use of Day Camp facilities and equipment
  • Report and record details of incidents, such as accidents or rule violations, to parents and Day Camp employees
  • Provide support in set up and clean-up of Day Camp activities and other day to day camp operations as directed by the Early Childhood Development Coordinator
  • Identify and address the emotional needs of Day Camp participants, and resolve problems in a non-judgmental manner, with discretion
  • Foster self-esteem in Day Camp participants, and implement problem solving and conflict resolution to address situations that may arise
  • Establish and be a positive role model for Day Camp participants and employees
  • Establish and maintain a professional relationship with parents, be polite and helpful at all times, greet both parents and children during entering, stay and leaving the Day Camp
  • Maintain the utmost confidentiality of information that is accessible regarding Day Camp participants and their families
  • Provide informal updates to parents of children’s progress and activities throughout the day
  • Maintain an appropriate attendance records and daily log
  • Recognize and respect cultural and social differences amongst children and families, understanding there are different parenting styles and values
  • Support the promotion and inclusion of Mi’kmaq language and culture through materials and program activities, providing a reflection of the cultural variance of children at the Centre and establishing an accepting atmosphere to all children
  • Adhere to all Wasoqopa’q First Nation Policies, Procedures and administrative procedures, as required
  • Working in a team environment, there may be other duties, training and activities related to the position, as required

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Early Childhood Education diploma is considered an asset but not required
  • Knowledge and experience working in a Mi’kmaw community is considered an asset
  • An understanding of Mi’kmaq culture and traditions is considered an asset
  • Access to reliable transportation is required
  • First Aid and CPR, WHMIS and OHS certification considered an asset
  • Non-Violence Crisis Intervention (NVCI) certification considered an asset
  • Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check upon hiring

REQUIRED ABILITIES, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Ability to work well with children
  • Ability to build strong positive relationships with parents, children and employees
  • Ability to work with Elders, Knowledge Holders, family members, volunteers and other professionals who attend the Centre and support programming
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • A commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Hours of work are expected to occur during regular WFN Centre hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • A great deal of time is spend working outdoors
  • Physically fit and ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments, standing for long periods of time, handling some equipment, weighing less than 20 pounds
  • Ability to handle uneven surfaces and challenging terrain
  • Access to reliable transportation is required

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to **Please quote DAYCAMP# on your cover letter and indicate your salary expectations for this position.

WFN appreciates the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  WFN does not assume candidate expenses related to this recruitment process.

In accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, if all qualifications are equal, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry and if a Wasoqopa’q First Nation Band member.

Deadline to Apply: May 25, 2025

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is committed to fostering a safe workplace that provides an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment, where employees are treated professionally and with dignity and respect. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and participation as part of the WFN team.

We are a community. We make a difference.

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