Head Lifeguard - Camp YMCA Kanawana

Camp YMCA Kanawana is Québec’s oldest residential summer camp, offering innovative programming and traditional YMCA values-based camping. Staff members live on-site for the duration of the summer, from June to August. Salaries include food, lodging and transportation to and from camp.

Reporting to the camp director and/or section directors, the inclusion specialist is responsible for integrating children with special needs into camp. They may act as a one-on-one companion to integrate a camper with a group of children of the same age, assist in leading activities and encourage participation when appropriate, touch base with multiple children throughout the day to offer their counsellors advice or assist with additional supervision for certain activities. The inclusion specialist must be a full participant in camp life, and establish and maintain positive relationships with the children, parents and the camp team.

This position requires camper supervision during the entire day. The inclusion specialist will supervise children with special needs during all meals and activities and, depending on the level of care needed for an individual child, may accompany them to the washroom and spend time with them during the scheduled free period in the day. The inclusion specialist may sleep in the cabin/tent with the campers to ensure they can provide optimal care if needed throughout the night.

WHY JOIN THE YMCA?

YMCA Kanawana offers great benefits and a unique natural environment to work in, but being part of our team also means you will:

• Develop your expertise and gain experience;
• Have a positive impact on your community;
• Really make a difference in people’s lives;
• Have an opportunity to take on exciting challenges;
• Collaborate with people who love camp and working with children.

WHAT CHALLENGES WILL YOU TACKLE?

• Ensure the safety, health and well-being of all campers, staff and program participants at all times;
• Work as a team with other counsellors and lifeguards;
• Lead specialized activities daily (interest groups) for campers;
• Plan activities for groups in one cabin/tent for four sessions (each session lasts twelve days);
• Attend regular section meetings;
• Attend meetings for all staff, as needed;
• Supervise campers at designated times, as assigned (may include night-time supervision);
• Oversee equipment inventory and maintenance and ensure equipment is properly stored throughout the summer;
• Signal all safety risks or maintenance issues to the program director;
• Report to the program staff manager daily;
• Follow Camp YMCA Kanawana’s policies and procedures;
• Provide a general camp evaluation to the director at the end of the summer;
• Adhere to the YMCA’s Protection of Children and Vulnerable Persons Policy;
• Understand and integrate the value of philanthropy in your position and in the Association and participate in fundraising activities/events

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Have valid First Aid & CPR certificate
• Has a valid National Lifeguard certificate;
• Has a National Lifeguard Waterfront certificate (an asset);
• Have experience working with youth or in a camp setting;
• Have strong oral and written English language skills and spoken French;
• Has experience working with children;
• Has experience working as a lifeguard (as asset);
• Have no criminal record in connection with employment.

CONDITIONS

• Location: Camp YMCA Kanawana in Saint-Sauveur (673 Saint-Elmire Street, Saint-Sauveur, J0R 1R1)
• Status: full-time from June to August 2024
• Salary: to be discussed