Zajac Ranch Job Description – Ranger (Activity Specialist)
Organizational Overview:
Located on the shores of Stave Lake in Mission, BC, just one hour east of Vancouver, Zajac Ranch for Children is situated on over 40 acres of pristine forested land. During the summer months, Zajac Ranch provides camps for children and young adults with chronic, life threatening and/or debilitating conditions. In the off-season, Zajac Ranch welcomes school groups and private rentals. Revenue raised from site rentals goes to supporting Zajac Ranch for Children summer medical camps.
Reporting to: Program Coordinator
Direct Reports: None
Position Type: Contract, Seasonal
Length of Contract: 2.5 months (June 15, 2026 – September 4, 2026) *some camp session exceptions apply due to private camps
Compensation: $150.00 per day; MANDT Relational and Technical Training & Certification; plus, meals and accommodation provided during camp sessions.
Number of Positions Available: Multiple (See below)
Position Summary: Ranger are our Activity Specialists during summer camp. They work either individually or as part of a team, depending on the activity, to deliver programming for their designated activity area. Rangers are also camp counsellors who are assigned to a camper cabin for the duration of the week and are expected to perform all the duties of a counsellor whenever they are not running programming.
Specific Duties include but are not limited to:
Camper Care:
- Facilitate and assist campers in having a safe, fun and enjoyable session. At the Zajac Ranch for Children, cabin counsellors and are responsible for the constant supervision and overall health and safety of a group of children with special medical needs.
- Serve as a role model in providing support by helping campers to stay motivated and have fun throughout their stay, they are knowledgeable and aware of any medical issues in the group and provide support to those who request assistance.
- Attending and participating in regular staff meetings.
- Ensure that campers are fully prepared and ready for each activity (i.e. dressed appropriately and have the correct equipment for the activity), they lead campers safely to and from activities while providing constant encouragement and positive reinforcement and they provide supervision and assistance in all aspects of the camper’s daily routine, including but not limited to meals, cabin clean-up, camper hygiene, rest hour, scheduled medication times, behaviour management.
- Work with other counsellors to create a cabin team that will best meet the needs of campers, assist in all camp programs with assigned staff (i.e. evening programs, campfires, theme days, etc.) assist campers in having a safe, fun, and enjoyable session.
- Managing a cabin’s welfare, safety and security by promoting a safe environment and responding to crisis using trained Non-Violent Crisis Intervention techniques.
- Using collaborative problem solving and negotiation to maximize a camper’s engagement with the program.
- For camper care related matters the Rangers will receive direction from the Unit Leaders (and Camper Care Team Leads).
- During the hour in which something is planned, counsellors should be actively attempting to get their camper to the activity.
- Example: Bob and his camper Rick are having a lot of trouble getting to baking. Bob pushed hard for Rick to attend for 15 minutes. He decides that the pushing isn’t working and so engages him in something else for 5 minutes. When that activity reaches a positive place, Bob uses the excitement and momentum to push Rick again to attend Baking. Repeat until the hour is complete and then attend the next activity.
Programming:
- Responsible for facilitating a safe and fun programming environment.
- Create and implement an activity program suitable to the interest and ability of each camper each session.
- Coordinate group programs with available resources to ensure optimum participation in the camp activities by each camper.
- Provide an inventory list of all program items at the beginning and end of the camp season.
- Encourage and provide positive reinforcement to each camper during activity sessions, using the therapeutic recreation model (covered during staff training).
- Adhere to Local Operating Policies and Procedures and Standards for activities.
- Attending and participating in regular staff meetings.
- Assigned to a cabin group if not scheduled for leading an activity.
- Assist in facilitating all camp programs with assigned staff (i.e. Evening programs, Campfires, Theme days, etc.)
- Any other duties deemed necessary by the Zajac Ranch for Children.
Ranger Positions Available:
- Lifeguard (3 positions)– NLS qualifications to act as a Lifeguard at our lakefront dock and indoor pool. See other posting for Lifeguards
- Canoe and Kayak (2 position)– NLS qualifications and canoeing and kayaking experience to teach campers how to canoe and kayak at our waterfront.
- Ropes Course (3 positions)– Lead campers through our high and low ropes course and climbing wall (site specific training provided). Previous ropes course/teambuilding experience an asset.
- Creative Arts (1 position)– Facilitate with arts and craft projects and dramatic programs.
- Outdoor Adventure / STEM (1 position)– a nature loving person to lead campers in outdoor pursuits including: archery, orienteering, hiking, campfire building, and many more.
- Equestrian (2 positions)– Experience working with horses to help care for the horses and other animals and ensure that campers have a safe and fun time during the program.
- Archery (1 position)- Facilitate archery activity rotations and responsible for the maintenance and repair of archery equipment (training provided)
Required Qualifications
- Standard First Aid
- CPR
- Ability to pass criminal reference check with vulnerable sector screening
Joining our team as a Ranger (Activity Specialist) offers the opportunity for professional growth, competitive compensation, and a dynamic work environment. If you have the skills and experience required for this role, we invite you to apply today.
How to Apply:
Interested parties should submit a resume by following the link below. Only applicants that meet the requirements will be contacted. No phone calls please.
Zajac Ranch for Children is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation at any point in the application process, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We thank all interested parties, however only those invited for an interview will be contacted.