Program Staff

IN THIS SECTION: Work at Camp Ten Oaks

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

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

Camp Ten Oaks camper

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

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

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

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

Project Acorn participant

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

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

Youth Advisory Committee member

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 utilises 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.

program staff

Our Program Staff members have flexible roles that support camp programs, maintain smooth operations, and contribute to the overall camp environment. This may include, but is not limited to, facilitating programming, providing coverage and support to camp counsellors, set up and take down of activities or meals, and other areas as needed.

Role and responsibilities

The Craft Centre Coordinator is a Program Staff responsible for planning and preparing arts and crafts programming; working with the Camp Director, Assistant Director of Operations, and other camp staff to purchase or collect craft shack inventory; maintaining the craft centre building and inventory; delivering a crafty weeklong program and other craft centre programs throughout the week; and supporting counsellors to plan and deliver their own creative programming.
Program Staff are responsible to be a part of cabin activities, support all camp activities, and work with the Assistant Director of Programming to support where necessary to help programs run smoothly.
Assist with program planning, set-up, and delivery.
Working with our host site to assist in coordinating dining room set-up and clean-up
Assisting with out-tripping food prep
Work with counsellors and campers and participate in a variety of daily activities as catalysts, leaders, helpers, guides, listeners, and, above all, as role models.
Each Staff will either lead or assist in activities that match their skills during the day
Replace camp staff unable to attend camp at the last minute or unable to stay throughout the duration of the program.
Maintain the confidentiality of all staff and campers

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
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 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.

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 this position is $500/week. 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 this position are open until 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 26th, 2023.

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