The Camper Care & Inclusion Lead provides specialized support within the Camp Spirit environment, ensuring that all campers—including those with diverse behavioural, emotional, sensory, or developmental needs—are able to fully participate in the camp experience.
This role blends direct camper support with staff mentorship, helping create a camp culture rooted in belonging, care, and inclusion. The Camper Care & Inclusion Lead works alongside the Team Lead, Program Lead, Counsellors, YouthCrew, and Site Hosts to support both individual camper needs and overall team capacity.
This position holds both relational and responsive leadership, offering real-time guidance, coaching, and support in a dynamic, travelling day camp setting.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Camper Support & Inclusion
- Provide one-to-one and small group support for campers with identified or emerging needs
- Support campers with emotional regulation, transitions, social interactions, and participation
- Adapt activities and environments to ensure all campers can engage meaningfully
- Respond to moments of dysregulation with calm, respectful, and relationship-based approaches
- Help create a camp environment where every child feels safe, included, and valued
2. Behavioural Support & Safety
- Support implementation of individualized strategies and safety plans where needed
- Assist staff in responding to challenging behaviours using developmentally appropriate approaches
- Monitor environmental and sensory factors (noise, transitions, group size)
- Support safe, respectful responses during moments of escalation
- Contribute to a culture of emotional, physical, and relational safety
3. Staff Mentorship & Capacity Building
- Model inclusive practices and support strategies in real-time camp situations
- Coach Counsellors and YouthCrew in: Supportive language, De-escalation techniques, and Inclusive facilitation
- Provide informal training, encouragement, and feedback
- Help staff grow in confidence supporting diverse camper needs
4. Team Collaboration & Communication
- Work collaboratively with the Camp Caravan staff team across all sites
- Share insights and strategies to support consistency across the team
- Participate in daily check-ins, planning, and weekly debriefs
- Support clear communication around camper needs and support approaches
5. Program Support & Participation
- Participate in daily programming, large group gatherings, and transitions
- Support smooth flow of the day by anticipating and responding to camper needs
- Assist with creating inclusive, engaging program experiences for all campers
- Assist with setup, takedown, and care of program spaces and materials
- Support attendance tracking and basic administrative tasks as required
QUALIFICATIONS
Skills & Abilities
- Strong relational and emotional intelligence
- Ability to remain calm and grounded in dynamic situations
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Confidence supporting diverse learning and behavioural needs
- Commitment to inclusion, belonging, and child-centred care
Education, Training & Experience
- Experience as an Educational Assistant, Child & Youth Care Worker, or similar role (or equivalent lived/volunteer experience)
- Experience supporting children with behavioural, emotional, or neurodiverse needs
- Experience in camps, schools, or community programs (asset)
- Experience mentoring or coaching youth (asset)
Certifications (Required or Willing to Obtain)
- Standard First Aid & CPR Level C
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Commit to Kids (or equivalent)
- Mental Health First Aid (asset)
- Food Safety Certificate (asset)
Pay: $22.00-$26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
