DESCRIPTION:
Employment EnvironmentWorking at Between Friends brings so much fun into your professional life! We are an organization that respects the need for a work-life balance! We are passionate about our employees' well being. As an agency, we focus on bringing inclusive and accessible recreation programming to the people who mean the most to us, our members! We work to break down barriers and adapt to individual and communal needs. Between Friends creates opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, grow, and belong through social, recreational, and development activities.
Job OverviewThe Volunteer in Training (VIT) program at Between Friends Camp Bonaventure provides participants with hands-on opportunities to build the skills needed to become confident, capable volunteers within a camp environment and beyond. VITs work toward personal goals while developing teamwork, communication, and leadership skills in a fun, safe, and inclusive camp setting.
The VIT Leader plays a key role in supporting this growth by working directly alongside VITs during camp program and activities. Through mentorship, coaching, and modeling inclusive camp practices, the VIT Leader helps VITs build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging. As VITs develop their skills, the VIT Leader gradually steps back, encouraging independence and allowing camp staff to naturally integrate VITs into their teams.
Note: The VIT Leader role is not intended to provide 1:1 support or act as a personal aide.
Key Responsibilities
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Support VITs throughout daily camp programs and activities, encouraging inclusion, engagement, and active participation.
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Guide VITs in setting and working toward meaningful personal, camp, and volunteer-related goals.
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Provide in-the-moment coaching and feedback—stepping in to support skill development and stepping back to foster independence.
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Build positive, respectful relationships with VITs, camp staff, and participants to promote a collaborative and supportive camp environment.
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Communicate regularly with families, guardians, and support networks to share updates on progress and align on goals.
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Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator and camp leadership team to ensure consistent support and development for each VIT.
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Complete weekly progress tracking, documenting growth, achievements, and levels of support provided.
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Uphold Between Friends’ policies, procedures, and participant confidentiality at all times.
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Attend and actively participate in all required training sessions and staff meetings.
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Represent Between Friends Camp in a professional, positive, and inclusive manner at all times.
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Carry out additional duties as assigned by the supervisor to support overall VIT success.
You might be the person we are looking for if:
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Fun & Engaging -You bring energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to each day, helping create a camp environment where VITs feel excited to participate and grow. You model a positive attitude and look for opportunities to make everyday moments memorable.
- Intentional & Supportive - You lead with purpose, supporting VITs in setting goals, building confidence, and developing leadership skills. You communicate clearly and directly, and can think on your feet to problem-solve in dynamic or high-pressure situations. Experience working with individuals with disabilities is an asset.
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Caring & Inclusive -You foster a welcoming environment where all VITs feel respected, valued, and included. You approach each individual with empathy and dignity, supporting them in developing independence while also providing assistance when needed.
- Adaptive & Resourceful -You are flexible and responsive, adapting activities and programming to meet diverse needs and learning styles. You support VITs in navigating camp routines while helping remove barriers to participation. Experience in program planning or activity facilitation is an asset.
- Safe & Responsible -You prioritize the physical and emotional safety of all participants, creating a space where VITs can take positive risks, learn, and have fun. You meet all safety and screening requirements, including a clear Backcheck, Intervention Record Check, and current Standard First Aid & CPR Level C certification prior to the start date.
Overview of Working Hours:
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Hours: Minimum 30 -35hours per week (may vary based on organizational needs).
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Regular Schedule: Primarily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday
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Mandatory Training: June 21, 2026 typically from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Camp Dates: Camp Bonaventure runs from June 29, 2026 - August 21, 2026 (excluding Statutory Holidays).
Working Location:
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Assigned Between Friends Location
Job Requirements
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Minimum age: 18 years
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Experience working directly with individuals with disabilities is required.
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Post-secondary education (completed or in progress) in Community Development, Education, Disability Studies, Social Work, Community Rehabilitation, or a related field is considered an asset.
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Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
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Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, provide constructive feedback, and promote inclusive practices.
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Skilled in fostering positive relationships among volunteers, staff, and participants.
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Professional, approachable, and able to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
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Must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check (completed and paid for by Between Friends).
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Valid First Aid & CPR Level C certification required.
At Between Friends, we value diversity and recognize that individuals come with a unique set of experiences that can contribute to our mission of providing quality social, recreation, and development opportunities so that people with disabilities can connect, grow, and belong. We believe that adding new ideas and diversity of thought to our teams is essential to our success.
Posting Close Date:This posting will be open until June 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Privacy and Hiring Process:We may use artificial intelligence (AI)–based tools to assist with parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications or resumes. These tools support, but do not replace human judgment, and all final hiring decisions are made by people. Personal information is collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). For more information, please contact us.