About The YES
The Youth Excellence Society (The YES) delivers overnight leadership summer camps for teens ages 14–18 at our site on Lake Cowichan, British Columbia. Each summer, youth from across the province come together to build confidence, connection, resilience, and leadership skills through hands-on, community-based experiences.
YES programs focus on self-awareness, communication, cooperation, inclusion, environmental sustainability, and leadership. Through social-emotional learning, outdoor education, and interactive programming, we create spaces where young people feel supported, challenged, and a strong sense of belonging.
About the Position
The YES is seeking a trained Educational Assistant to join our summer camp team and help support participants who may need additional social, emotional, behavioural, or practical support during their time at camp.
This role is similar to a Camp Coordinator support position, but is specifically designed for someone with experience supporting youth in school, camp, or community settings. The Camp Educational Assistant will work closely with the Camp Manager, Program Directors, and staff team to help participants feel safe, included, and able to participate meaningfully in camp life.
This is a great role for someone who is calm, flexible, compassionate, and skilled at supporting teens with a variety of needs while still encouraging independence, confidence, and belonging.
What You’ll Be Doing
The Camp Educational Assistant may support with:
- Helping participants navigate the daily flow of camp
- Providing one-on-one or small group support when needed
- Supporting participants with emotional regulation, transitions, routines, and social situations
- Helping participants understand expectations and participate in activities
- Assisting staff in creating inclusive and accessible program spaces
- Checking in with participants who may be overwhelmed, anxious, homesick, or having a hard time engaging
- Supporting conflict resolution and peer interactions in a calm, respectful way
- Communicating participant needs or concerns to the Camp Manager and Program Directors
- Helping adapt activities or expectations so participants can participate meaningfully
- Supporting the overall emotional safety, inclusion, and care of the camp community.
This Role Is a Good Fit For Someone Who:
- Has experience working as an Educational Assistant, Child and Youth Care Worker, Behaviour Interventionist, support worker, or similar role
- Enjoys working with teens and understands that youth may need different kinds of support to succeed
- Can stay calm and grounded in busy, emotional, or unpredictable situations
- Is comfortable supporting youth with anxiety, ADHD, autism, learning differences, emotional regulation needs, or social challenges
- Understands the importance of dignity, privacy, and strength-based support
- Can work as part of a collaborative staff team
- Is flexible, observant, and willing to jump in where support is needed
- Believes that all young people deserve to feel included, respected, and capable
Qualifications and Experience
Preferred qualifications include:
- Educational Assistant certificate, Special Education Assistant certificate, Child and Youth Care training, or related education
- Experience supporting youth in schools, camps, recreation programs, or community settings
- Understanding of inclusion, neurodiversity, behaviour support, trauma-informed practice, or social-emotional learning
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Current First Aid certification is an asset
- Experience in overnight camp or youth leadership programming is an asset, but not required
Applicants must be willing to complete a criminal record check.
Why Work With The YES?
Working at The YES is a chance to be part of a meaningful summer camp community where teens are supported to grow, connect, and discover their leadership potential. This role is ideal for someone who wants to use their educational support skills in a fun, relational, and community-based environment outside of the traditional classroom.
You will be part of a team that values care, inclusion, humour, creativity, and the belief that every young person has something important to contribute.
Pay: $24.00-$28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
