Job Posting
One-to-one Aide
Wanapitei
One-to-one Aide for a 13 year old camper – 2-Week Contract
Camp Wanapitei is a wilderness canoe tripping camp based in Temagami, Ontario. Our site is beautiful, but rustic. It’s a great place to unplug from city life and explore the beauty and challenges of the wilderness.
Camp Wanapitei is looking for a friendly, confident and experienced person willing to be a camper’s support and Chief Encouragement Officer for two weeks during our 2021 season. We have a 13 year old camper who has Down Syndrome and needs one-to-one support to manage additional health challenges while participating in our summer program. Our program is built around canoe-tripping, and we are excited to offer opportunities for campers with developmental and physical challenges. This specific opportunity would include being with the camper, Helen, for the duration of her session, including arriving a day before she arrives, several days of in-camp fun and instruction followed by a 6-day, 5-night canoe trip in the local wilderness. Working with the Trip Leaders and supporting staff while on site, Helen’s aide will provide personal support for her in a fun-loving, positive manner to ensure that this awesome girl is enjoying her time while at camp.
Helen has been to Camp Wanapitei before and LOVES our program. This will be her first time coming for two weeks, and her first time with us on an extended canoe trip. She comes from a family of canoe trippers and is an incredibly capable and eager camper who loves singing, playing, swimming and exploring. She does not need a babysitter or best friend – more of an aunt/uncle-type who can help her push her limits while ensuring she is following the routines she needs to stay healthy.
Responsibilities include:
Administering regularly timed medications throughout the day while on trip and ensuring Helen visits the Health Centre on her schedule while in camp
Ensuring Bi-Pap machine and battery is correctly utilized and charged for nightly use during her time in camp, and that she wears it each night
Offering support with canoe tripping skills (sometimes helping Helen teach them to her trip mates!) and ensuring skills are being taught in a fun, positive, and memorable way, and partaking in her choice of in-camp activities (she loves arts & crafts!)
Ensuring she is eating regularly, especially while on trip, and encouraging her to participate in activities with her group
Being a role model and supportive in all situations, helping Helen to be a part of her group and negotiating developing friendships
Acting as additional support for other campers in the trip group as needed
Qualifications:
Demonstrable skilled and empathetic, creative teaching ability with people who have developmental and physical challenges
Canoe tripping experience is helpful, but not mandatory. Experience teaching these skills is an asset.
A willingness to work in a team environment
Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR C
Bronze Cross (not required, but an asset)
Previous experience working at camp is an asset, especially supporting campers with special needs
START DATE: July 15th, 2020 (arrival after lunch)
END DATE: July 30th, 2020
Application due: March 15th, 2021
If you’d like to help a camper reach their goal of going to Camp Wanapitei while living in a beautiful location and a fantastic community, send us a cover letter and C.V. to erin@wanapitei.net