Job Posting

Camp Kandalore currently has an opportunity for an

Outdoor Education Centre Director

Full-time

Starting Fall 2023

WELCOME TO KANDALORE

Camp Kandalore helps kids to know and be themselves. We believe in authenticity of character; that challenging our campers develops resilience and independence; that the outdoors is an ideal environment where kids can learn and have fun; that an accepting environment promotes belonging and connection; and that our facilitators and staff inspire our campers. Most importantly, we believe that a positive camp culture promotes highly transformative experiences for young people. We do this by connecting our campers with the outdoors, and valuing participation, kindness, and respect.

Kandalore has long been regarded as one of the leading camps in Canada. The Camp prides itself on its warm and supportive community where children are made to feel included in the camp culture. The supportive nature of the camp allows for the campers to try new activities and develop new skills with the help of caring staff members. Kandalore operates as a summer camp in the summer months and an outdoor education centre hosting groups from September to June.

Partnering with the summer program, the Kandalore Outdoor Education Centre (OEC) has been providing quality outdoor recreation and education programs for schools and groups for almost 30 years. As a year-round OEC, we host over 4000 visitors per year. We also work with businesses, agencies, educators, and other adult organisations offering unique and customised programs. The Kandalore OEC caters to participants from grade five to 12, as well as College and University students. Our program encourages participants to discover personal strengths, practice problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fun and challenging outdoor environment.

OUR TEAM

Our team is highly engaged and committed to excellence in camping and outdoor and experiential education. Working at Kandalore means you believe in supporting a positive camp culture that values participation, kindness and respect, and promotes highly transformative experiences for young people. Our exceptional team is the reason we provide an outstanding educational experience to our visitors. Kandalore’s foundation for success is attracting and retaining employees who thrive in our dynamic team and recognizes individual strengths and talents.

THE ROLE

• Develop, plan, and implement the Outdoor Education Program, philosophy and direction in consultation with the Director
• Be responsible for marketing, recruitment and promotion of the Kandalore OEC
• Work and communicate with teachers, school administrators, and other potential groups to coordinate visits, scheduling dates and bookings
• Responsible for Kandalore OEC’s client service and responsiveness in customization of programs to a groups individual needs
• Provide functional and logistical support for the ongoing operations (site and catering) of Kandalore
• Ensure safe and comprehensive OEC organisation and planning, from the assessment of risk and safety, menu planning, food ordering, and formation of student groups
• Work with the Director to ensure the development of procedures and protocols for the consideration of staff and participants’ safety and well-being, including risk and crisis management
• Assist with inventory and supplies, maintenance and purchasing of equipment for Outdoor Education Centre Programs
• Provide support to co-curricular programs that are seeking Outdoor Experiences.
• Oversee and contribute to areas of budget responsibility
• Visit schools for parent and student information presentations
• Confirmation and management of all school bookings
• During the summer months, actively contribute to camp life for 4 weeks in an area of expertise agreed upon with the Director (for example as an Explorer Tripper, Quartermaster, or Program Support)
• Work to create a supportive, caring and positive staff team
• Work with the OEC Program Director in the following areas:
  • Hiring and training staff
  • Setting schedules and assigning staff to groups
  • Ensuring program equipment and resources are in good condition and supply
  • Ensuring that the needs and expectations of the students, teachers, and visiting groups are being met and that feedback is solicited

WHAT YOU BRING 

• Previous experience in the outdoor education field
• Experience in planning and leading outdoor experiential programs in all seasons including wilderness skills, canoe trips, winter camping and quinzhee construction, and overnight programs with focus on safety and risk management
• Strong understanding of Experiential Education pedagogy
• Bachelor of Education, equivalent or higher preferred
• Current holder of Wilderness Advanced First Aider (WAFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
• Current NLS certification
• Valid driver’s licence with clean driving records
• Current Boat Licence (Pleasure Craft Operator)
• Certification in canoeing: ORCKA and/or Paddle Canada in Canoeing/flat-water and canoe tripping
• Experience and certification with ropes and climbing wall
• Knowledge of outdoor education initiatives and trends in the broader educational world, and integration of outdoor experiential learning with classroom-based curricula
• Team building, mentoring, and facilitating expertise

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation package that includes a group benefits plan
• Outdoor education facility and accommodations located at Camp Kandalore, Algonquin Highlands
• Training opportunities
• A collaborative, engaging and fun community

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR TEAM?

If you or someone you know wants to join the Kandalore team, please connect with us at people@kandalore.com. Your application matters to us and we will review it carefully. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only those chosen for interviews will be contacted. As a condition of employment, both a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required.

Kandalore website: www.kandalore.com

Land Acknowledgement 

At Camp Kandalore, we recognize that our work takes place on traditional, ancestral land that has been inhabited by Indigenous people for thousands of years. We are located on Treaty 20 territory, known as the Williams Treaties First Nations: Curve Lake, Rama, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Beausoleil and Georgina Island First Nations. Kandalore canoe trips also travel through many traditional Indigenous territories across the provinces, predominantly through Treaty 9, Nishnawbe Aski Nation. We respect their past, present, and future generations, the land, and their traditions. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather, learn, and travel on these lands and waterways.