Assistant Director of Programming

IN THIS SECTION: Work at Camp Ten Oaks

At Project Acorn, I realized that I can have a powerful voice.

Youth Advisory Committee member

The best part of Project Acorn for me was seeing how much love and support is built in such a short span of time.

Project Acorn volunteer

When I left Project Acorn, the world was a different, more magical, and more manageable place.

Project Acorn participant

Being a camper has opened my eyes to the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, to the diversity of the group I’m a part of.

Camp Ten Oaks camper

I can credit the beautifully diverse chosen family that I now have to Ten Oaks. It’s filled a great void in the community for me.

Camp Ten Oaks camper parent

As staff, we create an intentional space for our campers where for one week, they don’t have to be afraid or ashamed of anything about themselves.

Camp Ten Oaks volunteer

The sense of belonging and community that I get from Ten Oaks is something that I can feel year-round.

Camp Ten Oaks camper

Camp Ten Oaks has shown me that I can be whoever I want to be. And, nobody can ever judge me for that.

Camp Ten Oaks camper

assistant director of programming

camp ten oaks

Launched in 2004, Camp Ten Oaks is a one-week, sleep-away camp for children and youth from 2SLGBTQ+ identities, families, and communities ages 8-17. Camp Ten Oaks is the first and only summer camp of its kind in Canada, and is a program of the Ten Oaks Project. Our programming variety allows campers to receive instruction, strengthen old skills and develop new ones with the option to participate in outdoor adventure, waterfront, arts, social justice activities, and sports.

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

assistant director of programming

The Assistant Director of Programming is responsible for facilitating the creation and implementation of a vibrant camper-centered program based on the principles of fun, inclusivity, social justice, anti-oppression, and capacity-building. The time commitment for this position is May to September 2022 (pre-camp, at camp, and post-camp).

role and responsibilities

Work to enrich overall camp life by thinking of the ‘little things’
Maintain the confidentiality of all staff and campers
Provide leadership to the overall program of camp

PRE-CAMP:

Solicit input from the camp staff team on the design of the program schedule
Coordinate special guests at camp
Work with the Programs Manager to finalize camp schedule

DURING CAMP:

Act as a program resource for all camp staff
Coordinate round-ups, campfires, theme days, evening activities, and special events

POST-CAMP:

Complete an end of summer review with recommendations for next camping season

qualifications

Demonstrated understanding of the needs of children and youth from 2SLGBTQ+ identities, families, and communities
Demonstrated understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppressive practice
Strong background in program development
Completion of a police record check for the vulnerable sector

time commitment

The time commitment is from May to September. On-site requirements at camp include the Staff Orientation weekend from May 13th – 15th, CTO East (Kingston, ON) July 29th – Aug 7th, and CTO West (London, ON) Aug 23rd – 30th. Off-site requirements include developing and implementing risk management strategies (May- June), reviewing camper and staff medical details, volunteer evaluations, and de-briefs (September- October).

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 $500/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. 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 submit a cover letter and resume along with the application found here.

Applications for all leadership positions will be open until 11:59 PM on Friday, March 4th, 2022.

If you are a returning staff member, please submit 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 you explore or accomplish while at camp this summer.

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