Assistant Director of Operations

Camp Ten Oaks

Launched in 2004, Camp Ten Oaks is a one-week, sleep-away camp for children and youth from 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, families, and communities ages 8-17. Camp Ten Oaks was the first summer camp of its kind in Canada, and is a program of the Ten Oaks Project that has grown to two separate weeks of programming in two different camp sites. Rooted in play and grounded in social justice, our fun and affirming camp utilizes intentional magic to build community, facilitate accountable environments, and create possibility models of the world we want to live in. 

Camp Ten Oaks works from a camper-centered, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist framework. We strive to offer an environment as diverse as the campers who enjoy our programming. 

Assistant Director of Operations

The Assistant Director (AD) of Operations is a member of the Leadership Team. The AD of Operations works with the Camp Director and Leadership Team to ensure the smooth functioning of the daily operations of camp, which include overseeing the daily programming and is responsible for supervising the Program Staff and the Outdoor Adventure Coordinators. 

Role and Responsibilities

• Oversee, orient, and support daily operations (including food services, waterfront, facilities, out-tripping, and risk management) in consultation with the Leadership Team
• Ensure the Camp Ten Oaks program adheres to all regulations and accreditation standards, including but not limited to insurance, waterfront, and Public Health regulations
• Provide leadership and organization to the camp community from an anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework
• Take initiative before, during, and after camp to ensure all areas of camp operation are well supported and working smoothly
• Coach staff and campers in emergency safety procedures
• Maintain the confidentiality of staff and campers

Pre-camp:

• Work with Camp Director to develop and implement risk management strategies: review and update area manuals, and planning and leading emergency procedures

During camp:

• Oversee risk management
• Liaise with our host camp to ensure we are adhering to their site procedures
• Conduct daily site inspections and address issues around health and safety at camp in a timely manner

Post camp:

• Complete an end of summer review with recommendations for next camping season
• Oversee risk management
• Coordinate campfires, theme days, evening activities, and special events

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of the needs of children and youth from 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, families, and communities
• Demonstrated understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppressive practice
• Experience supporting teams working with children
• Ability to perform some physical tasks (including carrying firewood, washing dishes, etc.)
• Experience in risk management planning and implementation
• Standard First Aid & CPR C
• Completion of a police record check for the vulnerable sector. Record checks are confidential to the Camp Director, and checks with incidents on them are reviewed in collaboration with the Executive director to determine appropriateness for the camp using a social justice lens.
• Knowledge of and experience working with Ontario Camps Association accreditation standards is considered an asset

Time Commitment

The time commitment is from March to September. On-site requirements at camp include the Staff Orientation weekend from May 11 – 14, CTO East camp week from July 28 – August 6, and CTO West camp week from August 23 – September 1. Virtual training sessions will also be required. There is a potential for this position to become a full-time temporary position from March to September, dependent on funding. Preference will be given to candidates with the flexibility to take on a full-time position.

Remuneration

Since 2018, we have moved from a volunteer staff team to hiring all roles as paid staff. This change comes from an effort to make it easier for CTO staff to join us for both weeks of camp; to take valuable time away from their lives and jobs to support our campers. Pay for positions on the leadership team is $600/week for on-site requirements. Honorariums will be offered for ad hoc off-site duties. Please note that if the position becomes full-time, remuneration will change accordingly. Returning staff who attended CTO in 2022 are offered an additional $50/week. 

Commitment to Equity

In keeping with the Ten Oaks Project’s commitment to equity, applicants are strongly encouraged to self-identify in their applications. Applicants are encouraged to share accessibility needs in the application process, and every attempt will be made to accommodate them.

All returning staff are asked to reapply every year regardless of their previous roles at camp by submitting a letter of intent outlining what role you are interested in taking on, any opportunities for growth you see for camp from within your role, as well as any personal goals you may seek to explore or accomplish while at camp this summer. We do this to ensure our commitment to disrupting historical patterns of power in the camping industry. Any new staff interested in learning about any roles are encouraged to reach out to the Programs Manager for more information at camp@tenoaksproject.org.

Selection Process

Applicants will be selected based on experience, skills, and demonstrated commitments aligned with the goals of Camp Ten Oaks.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please complete the application form found here.

Applications for all this position will be open until 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 26th, 2023.

Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest.