Fostering an appreciation for the natural world in today’s youth is key to ensuring long-term support for environmental initiatives and stewardship of natural spaces. Our main goals are to foster an appreciation of biological diversity, develop a sense of stewardship, and to encourage advocacy for the preservation of the natural environment. We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to assist with the Destination North Discovery Group 2015 summer Discovery Camps. Destination North is an incorporated not-for-profit located in and serving Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and the broader Algoma region. Destination North is designed as a place for visitors (both locals and tourists alike) to learn about, and engage with, the natural sciences of the area; build and nurture an understanding of local culture and history; and drive the local economy through tourism within the wilderness experience sector in the region.

Position Description

Primary Responsibilities: The Summer Camp Program Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Summer Camp Program Lead. The incumbent will assist with organizing and implementing all facets of the Discovery Camp programs and act as an ambassador of Destination North and its partners to the community. Tasks and responsibilities may be variable, but include the following:

Deliver summer camp content linked to weekly themes and grant
Successfully deliver partner programming or use partner infrastructure (Entomica, Mill Market, Canal District Community Garden)
Assist with planning of day’s activities and take instruction from Summer Camp Program Lead
Assist with maintaining schedules and timing of children’s activities
Assist with preparing activities and supplies needed for each activity, set-up and wrap-up at the beginning and end of each day, and maintaining a clean and tidy workspace
Lead children’s activities and teach new skills
Find ways to engage children and encourage hands-on learning where appropriate; keep children on task and actively learning
Safely lead children to off-site locations on foot, on public transit, and with hired coaches/buses
Create a nourishing environment that fosters creative learning
Be considerate of neighbours and partners such as Mill Market, Entomica, Canal District Community Garden, and Parks Canada with regards to their staff, space, vendors, and volunteers
Ability to handle (or learn) various insects safely and give presentations on all of the Entomica specimens (live and pinned)
Act as an ambassador of Destination North and affiliates and have a conversational knowledge of programs and projects

Core Requirements:

University/College student currently studying Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences, Recreation, Teaching, or a related field with an interest in working in the both the environmental and educational sectors.
Experience working with children, especially those aged 6 through 12
Some teaching experience, including ability to learn various types of information and then translate it into teachable material
Self-motivated, well-organized, and energetic
Ability to work long days and maintain a professional and friendly demeanour
Tactful
Works well as part of a collaborative team, as well as independently
Have reliable transportation

Note: This position may include working with vulnerable people and therefore a successful Vulnerability Sector Check will be required through the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department. Destination North will conduct the records check for the successful candidate. Please do not apply for a record check in advance of being offered the position as Destination North has a specific system that we are required to use.

Location and working environment: The position is for up to 40 hours per week for a maximum of 16 weeks in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Our office is located at 75 Huron Street, however this position will be primarily located nearby at 35 Canal Drive (the Mill Market building). We have an open, hard-working, fun, and creative team environment, and work closely with many partner organisations.

Please note that this position is funded by a Service Canada grant. As per Canada Summer Jobs guidelines, the position is only open and eligible to students aged 15 – 30 (inclusive) who were registered as a full time student last term and plan to return to school full-time in the fall. Unfortunately, non-residents and part-time residents of Canada are not eligible under the program guidelines. You must be legally able to work full-time in Canada without restrictions.

Compensation: $13.00/hour for 30 to 40 hours/week for up to 16 weeks

Preferred start date and term: June 29th, 2015 – August 31st, 2015 (start/end may be earlier or later)

Application Process

Applications: Please send a cover letter and resume with the subject line: “your last name – 2015 Summer Camp Program Assistant” to the attention of the Destination North Hiring Committee at:
info@millsquare.ca

Please ensure that your cover letter indicates how you meet the Canada Summer Jobs program guidelines (we have no flexibility with these) and Destination North’s Core Requirements, as well as how your past experience will make you successful with this position’s Primary Responsibilities.