Camps

Camp Schedule & Registration

See the 2023 Camp Schedule below 

 

DATE

 

CAMP

 

AGE RANGE

 

June 26-

June 30

 

Young Adult Camp # 1

 

Ages 18-40

 

July 3 –

July7

Mixed Diagnosis #1 + Leadership In Training (LIT)

 

Ages 7-17 + Ages 15-25 (LIT)

 

July 17-

July 21

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

Ages 7-17

 

July 24-

July 28

Autism Spectrum Disorder #2

 

Ages 7-17

 

July 31-

Aug 4

 

Mixed Diagnosis #2

 

Ages 7-17

 

Aug 7-

Aug 11

 

Mixed Diagnosis #3

 

Ages 7-17

 

Aug 21-

Aug 25

 

Young Adult Camp #2

 

Ages 18-40

Completed applications are due 3 weeks prior to the start of camp.

Summer Camp 2023 COVID-19 Policy
Zajac Ranch will follow the guidelines and health mandated provided by the Provincial Health Order.  Campers ages 12+ will be required to show their COVID-19 Passport. Masks are currently required to be worn indoors. Please click here for more information on the current Province-wide restrictions. 

 2023 Overnight Camp Operations – COVID-19 Protocol Guidelines 

The nursing director will start reviewing the applications after our COVID-19 protocol is released in March or April. All registered campers will receive an email when the Zajac Ranch COVID-19 protocol is released.  Your spot at camp is not guaranteed until the requirements below are met.

a.) The camper is in compliance to the COVID-19 protocol provided by Zajac Ranch. 

b.) The camper’s online application is fully complete.

c.) The camper has received an approval by the Nursing Director to attend camp.

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate contact us at info@zajacranch.com

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Camps

Each Autism Spectrum Disorder Camp offers a place for 50 children who have diagnoses on the autism spectrum to attend this specialized summer camp. Campers will take part in all of our summer camp activities: horseback riding, ropes courses, climbing wall, canoeing, swimming… all while being among, and communicating with, their peers.

If camp is full, you may request to be put on the waiting list by emailing rentals@zajacranch.com

Mixed Diagnosis Camps


Our Mixed Diagnosis Camps are structured for individuals with various medical concerns. Applications will be reviewed and considered by the Nursing Director to determine if the medical diagnosis is appropriate for this camp.

Mixed Diagnosis #1 will host a variety of children from: Children’s Heart Network, Oncology, Hematology at Children’s Hospital, the Vancouver Thalassemia Society, Balding for Dollars, and BC Children’s Gastro-intestinal Clinic.

Mixed Diagnosis #2, medical organizations such as the Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society and Center for Epilepsy and Seizure Education assist in finding campers for this summer camp.

Mixed Diagnosis #3 will host a variety of children from BC Children’s Craniofacial Differences Clinic.

These camp weeks are also open to children not affiliated with these aforementioned organizations, and who have other medical concerns.

 


Mixed Diagnosis Camp #2: is proudly sponsored in part by Mayne Inc.


Mixed Diagnosis Camp #3: is proudly sponsored in part by Mr. Lube Canada

 

Young Adult Camps

Zajac Ranch created the Young Adult Camp after recognizing that many individuals, once past the age of 17, would not be able to experience our standard medical summer camps. Our Young Adult Camps, for campers 18-40 years of age, are open to a variety of chronic illnesses and disabilities and serve to continue to deliver summer camp activities and fun peer-oriented communication experienced in our standard summer camps.

 

STaRS / Alderwood / Tsawwassen First Nation Camp

Southlands Camp is a camp for clientele, aged 7-17 years from Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) and Alderwood Family Development Centre. We have opened a limited number of spot in this camp week to accommodate children not affiliated with these aforementioned organizations. During this camp, staff from Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) join with the staff of Zajac Ranch to run a summer camp program that provides campers with plenty of outdoor adventures! All campers are encouraged to participate in horseback riding, ropes courses, lake swimming, campfire sing-alongs, an award ceremony and, even an end-of-camp dance!

For Tsawwassen campers, please contact the Tsawwassen First Nation directly for information about this camp.

General Camp Information

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Why should my child go to camp at Zajac Ranch?

Located in Mission, BC, on 44 acres of pristine forested land on Stave Lake, Zajac Ranch for Children welcomes children and young adults with a variety of medical diagnoses from across BC and Canada. In a study from the University of Waterloo, researchers confirmed the benefits of participating in camp programs, identifying positive outcomes that showed improvements in five key areas of personal growth:

  • Social integration and citizenship
  • Attitudes towards physical activity
  • Self-confidence and personal development
  • Environmental awareness
  • Emotional intelligence

All children deserve the opportunity to participate in a camp experience that is both supportive and accepting. For many children with special medical needs, the care they require is often too great to allow them to attend a traditional camp. Facilities at Zajac Ranch are fully accessible by children of all abilities. Full accessibility does not just mean a section for wheelchairs in the amphitheatre – it means the entire seating area is accessible so campers can sit among their friends anywhere in the audience. It means specially designed Action Track chairs give campers with mobility challenges the opportunity to go hiking through the woodland terrain with their peers. It means campers can receive the daily medical care they require – whether that means receiving medications or spending time in a special Snoezelen sensory room – at our 24 hour on site medical centre, The OK Corral, which is staffed by highly qualified volunteer doctors and nurses.

Zajac Ranch is fully accredited by the BC Camping Association

How old does my child need to be to attend camp?

For general medical camps, campers must be between the age of 7 and 17 years old at the time of camp.

For LIT/CIT Camps, campers are generally 16-18 years old.

Campers over the age of 18 must apply to one of the Young Adult Camps – either Young Adult Camp #1 (18-30) or Young Adult Camp #2 (18-40).

How do I register my child for camp?

Registration for our Summer Camps are available online HERE.

Camp application forms are accepted only once complete, on a first come first serve basis. Camper Registration forms must be submitted no later than 6 weeks prior to the camp start date. Applications submitted after this date will not be be processed.

What happens after I send in my application?
Once a complete application is received, the camper is automatically put on a wait list. Our Nursing Director reviews registration forms and accepts campers on an individual basis. You will be informed by email whether the camper is accepted or not (typically within three weeks after receiving the application).
Which camp should my child attend?

Review individual camp sessions above for more information about each camp.If you are unable to find a camp that fits your child’s diagnosis, please send in an application form anyway. Our Nursing Director will recommend a camp that matches your child’s needs.

Family Camp News, Information and Updates

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Last year we introduced Family Camps with great success and we are looking at options to include some family camps this year for Spring and Fall. Registration for Family Camps will be announced at a later date

Check back here later for an update.

If you have further questions, please review our Information for Families or contact our Sales & Registration Coordinator at (604) 739-0444 or email us at rentals@zajacranch.com.

Information Video on Our Camp

Testimonials

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"I want people to experience what they can do at this amazing camp. The can build things, create things. Start living their dream, go out and see the world. And that's why I want people to join me on this amazing adventure"

Quinn - Age 15
{

"I just returned from another excellent camp at Zajac Ranch with my children. We really cannot tell you how much we appreciate all the hard work that goes into making a program of this quality and magnitude run! Thank you sincerely!"

Deborah - A Camper's Mother
{

"It was a thrill for me to be able to take both autistic children to camp and my son managed to stay for 2 nights there. They both enjoyed the horseback riding so much! Alex and Justina were extremely patient and kind, took their time with us during canoeing."

Camper Family
{

First of all, thanks SO MUCH for accommodating all of us and our friends! Both kids and adults had a blast and it was definitely a highlight of our summer...the kids keep asking us when they can go again!! The counselors especially were awesome for making accommodations and being flexible with our special kids, Alex, Adbul, Joe, Devon, Emily, Justina, etc....all amazing! It was really nice to see familiar faces and they had recognized Calvin from last year and the year before. The consistency of your staff is to be commended as being a business owner, I know how hard it may be to hire and retain staff during the pandemic...well done!

Vania - A Camper's Mother
{

"We had the most incredible time at Zajac Ranch and enjoyed every single minute of it. The staff as usual were terrific and accommodating, so nice to see some familiar faces from last year!"

Camper Family
{

"Justin is knowledgeable, efficient and so helpful. He goes the extra mile to answer and deal with all our questions and concerns regarding your ranch and our child's special needs. Justin's customer service skills are truly excellent and it has been such a pleasure to have Justin to assist us."

Mary - A Camper's Mother

Summer Staff

Do you love children? Do you love the high energy and excitement of summer camp? Do you encourage others and go the extra mile to make someone’s day special? We are looking for dedicated, caring, fun-loving people who will help make our summer medical camps a safe and magical experience for children with serious and chronic illnesses and disabilities.

At our residential summer camp you will be working and living with like-minded people from all over the world and together you will make the impossible possible! We are currently hiring Camp Counsellors and Activity specialists for different activity areas so take a look at all our job postings!

General Qualifications

All Zajac Ranch staff members must:

  • Be camper-focused with a professional attitude.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be able to facilitate an empowering organized program through encouragement and support.
  • Have leadership and communication skills.
  • Have experience with outdoor recreation/camp activities.
  • Be willing and able to work in a physically and mentally demanding environment on a daily basis.
  • Have a friendly, caring personality.
  • Be effectively able manage self-care.
  • Be able to apply behaviour management techniques (as covered in staff training) to ensure a caring, positive, and fun experience for all campers.
  • Provide original Criminal Record Check and valid First Aid Certificate

Positions Available

Ranger Position - 2022

Ranger Positions (Activity Specialists)

General Information

The Zajac Ranch for Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing outdoor and camp experiences to young adults and youth living with special needs and chronic illnesses. Children who attend camp will improve their self-esteem and confidence in a stimulating, supportive, empowering and fun environment, while ensuring their physical and emotional wellbeing.

You, as a potential employee, have the opportunity to gain experience in the areas of leadership, communication, organization, teamwork, conflict resolution and community building. Pre-camp staff training will cover topics that will orient you with the knowledge and skills to effectively and confidently mentor those attending our camps.

Working at the Zajac Ranch for Children will allow you to develop skills working with groups with diverse challenges. These skills and experiences have applications in many future careers and are positively recognized by employers and post-secondary institutions. Not only will you develop and build upon your professional skills, but you will have the opportunity to explore who you are, and let your true personality shine. You will meet people from all over the world, whom share similar interests and the desire to make a difference in a child’s life.

Ranger Responsiblities:
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 reinformcent to each camper during activity session, using the therapeutic recreation model (covered during staff training).
Adhere to Local Operating Plicies and Procedures and Standards for activities.
Attend and participate in regular staff meetings.
Assigned to a cabin group if not scheduled for leading an activity.
Assist in the facilitate all camp programs with assigned staff (ie. Evening programs, Campfires, Theme days etc.)
Any other duties deemed necessary by the Zajac Ranch for Children.

Ranger Postions Available:
Lifeguard– NLS qualifications to act as a Lifeguard at our lakefront dock and indoor pool.
Canoe and Kayak– NLS qualifications and canoeing and kayaking experience to teach campers how to canoe and kayak at our waterfront.
Ropes Course– Lead campers through our high and low ropes course and climbing wall. Previous ropes course/teambuilding experience an asset.
Creative Arts– Facilitate with arts and craft projects and dramatic programs.
Outdoor Adventure– a nature loving person to lead campers in outdoor pursuits including: archery, orienteering, hiking, campfire building, and many more.
Equestrian– 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.

 

Apply Now

Wrangler Position

General Information

The Zajac Ranch for Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing outdoor and camp experiences to young adults and youth living with special needs and chronic illnesses. Children who attend camp will improve their self-esteem and confidence in a stimulating, supportive, empowering and fun environment, while ensuring their physical and emotional wellbeing.
You, as a potential employee, have the opportunity to gain experience in the areas of leadership, communication, organization, teamwork, conflict resolution and community building. Pre-camp staff training will cover topics that will orient you with the knowledge and skills to effectively and confidently mentor those attending our camps.

Working at the Zajac Ranch for Children will allow you to develop skills working with groups with diverse challenges. These skills and experiences have applications in many future careers and are positively recognized by employers and post-secondary institutions. Not only will you develop and build upon your professional skills, but you will have the opportunity to explore who you are, and let your true personality shine. You will meet people from all over the world, whom share similar interests and the desire to make a difference in a child’s life.

General Applicant Requirements
Camper-focused with a professional attitude.
Able to facilitate an empowering organized program through encouragement and support.
Leadership and communication skills.
Experience with outdoor recreation/camp activities.
Willing and able to work in a physically and mentally demanding environment on a daily basis.
Friendly, caring personality.
Effectively able manage self-care.
Able to apply behaviour management techniques to ensure a caring, positive, and fun experience for all campers. (as covered in staff training)
Must provide clear Criminal Record Check and valid First Aid Certificate.
Be at least 18 years of age.

Wrangler Positions (Camp Counsellor)

Wranglers are the Zajac Ranch for Children cabin counsellors. For each camp session you’ll be a part of a support team responsible for a small group of children with special medical needs. This rewarding position allows you to interact daily and develop a rapport with children with a wide variety of challenges. No two days will be the same and as a Wrangler you’ll be a key influence on a Zajac Ranch camper’s stay.

Wrangler Responsibilities:
Live in the cabin with the campers serving as a role model and support.
Assist campers in having a safe, fun and enjoyable session.
Lead campers to and from activities while providing constant encouragement and positive reinforcement.
Ensure positive and appropriate camper-staff and camper-camper interactions.
Provide supervision and assistance in all aspects of the camper’s daily routine, including but is not limited to: meals, cabin clean-up, camper hygiene, rest hour, scheduled medication times, and behaviour management.
Report all accidents, illnesses and incidents to the Director and/or Medical Staff, in a timely and appropriate manner.
Work with your co-counsellors to create a cabin team that will best meet the needs of your campers.
Responsible for knowing and adhering to the policies and procedures contained within the camp manual.
Assist in and facilitate all camp programs with assigned staff (i.e. evening programs, campfires, theme days, etc.)
Attend and give updates during regular staff meetings.
Any other duties deemed necessary by the Zajac Ranch for Children.

 

Apply Now

Assistant Camp Director - 2022

Assistant Camp Director

2022 Job Description

ABOUT US:

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.

Reports to: Camp Director Zajac Foundation Management

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Staff Supervision and Camp Management (Summer and Rental Seasons):

Assist with recruitment, interviewing, and training of staff team
Provide team development, guidance, direction and support
Plan, lead and adapt staff training and individual weekly training exercises and reviews.
Maintain on-call list of programming staff for rental season
Ensure effective communication between all levels of camp
Knowing, enforcing, and adhering to the policies and procedures
Conducting mid-summer and end of summer staff evaluations with the Camp Director
Part of a creative team for managing ad hoc issues and challenges at camp.
Facilitate regular check-ins with counselling staff in order to ensure consistent improvement and that all issues are met.
Provide regular support in cabin groups to ensure best practices when dealing with challenging behaviours and to ensure positive group dynamics.

Camp Program Management

Assume the duties of Camp Director when the camp director is absent
Manage escalation of behaviour management issues on site with director.
Ensure all special diets are being met by food service staff.
Ensure all meals are appropriate for campers and staff.
Petty Cash Balancing, and tracking
General Store stocking and float maintenance.

Volunteer Training and Management

Actively recruit volunteers for camp sessions.
Review volunteer applications and conduct brief interviews to determine suitability.
Create and distribute volunteer manual.
Maintain up-to-date paperwork for incoming volunteers (applications, criminal record checks, etc.)
Conduct volunteer training sessions in advance of each session.
Conduct regular check-ins with volunteers in order to address issues and ensure satisfaction.
Safety

Take control in emergency in the absence of the Camp Director and Nursing Director
Assist in developing and coordinating emergency response procedures and crisis management
Promote strong safety awareness among all staff
With director, plan and execute all emergency procedure training with on-site staff.
Ensure emergency on-site list is up to date and available.
Making sure activity areas are clean, tidy, and safe before and after each camp session.
In rotation with the Camp Director, provide “On Call” coverage (can be contacted by phone or walky talky) from bedtime to Breakfast in case of emergency.

Rental Season

Act as “host” to rental groups in shoulder season, providing customer service and hospitality to all guests
Liaise with “Sales & Registration Coordinator” at Zajac Foundation head office to ensure that preparations are made for each rental group, including programming needs.
Communicate feedback from guests to head office; continually work to promote positive experiences for everybody who visits the Zajac Ranch
Assist in gate and barn duties as required.

Foundation initiatives

Assist in recruitment and training of volunteers throughout both mandate season and rental season. This could include visiting organizations, community meetings, universities etc. and making presentations.
Assist in marketing, fundraising and spreading awareness of the Zajac Ranch as directed by the Foundation office and Camp Director
Host tours for potential donors, volunteers, camp groups when necessary

Qualifications:

A firm belief in the value of summer camp for children with special medical needs.
At least two years of camp administrative experience.
Experience working with developmental disabilities, special needs, and behavioural management an asset.
Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
Proficient computer skills; Microsoft Office and CampBrain (camp registration system) is an asset, but not required
Ability to proactively manage multiple work tasks in a timely manner
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Not for profit experience an asset
Must have own transportation
Hold valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C or the ability to obtain.
Possess and maintain a clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search
The Assistant Camp Director is required to live on-site; private living quarters will be provided.

 

Apply Now

Camp Lifeguard - 2022

Please do not apply unless you have a valid lifeguard certificate.

We are looking for a lifeguard to join our team this summer! As a lifeguard certified facilitator, you will be allocated to water activities during most activity periods. This does not necessarily mean you will be lifeguarding, for example if the groups go on a canoe trip, you would be asked to go on that trip which also involves helping groups getting ready and getting in and out of the canoes. When there are no water activities going on, you will help other staff run other things (eg: an all camp theme afternoon). In the evenings, you will help run fun games and campfires. You will also assist with meals, sometimes in the kitchen and sometimes serving the families. Our camp lifeguards do the same variety of things as our general facilitators, but are mostly allocated to water activities during activity times. You are required to be available from Fri-Sun each weekend and occasionally on Mondays

 

Apply Now

Medical Volunteers

Our 24 hour medical centre, The OK Corral, provides care for every camper. Staffed by volunteer medical professionals who donate their time, children can receive medical care while experiencing the joys of summer camp.

Are you a medical professional who wants to change lives this summer? Apply Now

FAQ

How do I apply?

  • Read the General Qualifications to see if you are the kind of fabulous person we are looking for.
  • Take a look at the Job Descriptions and decide which is best suited for you
  • Fully complete the online application online
  • Participate in an interview
  • Pack your bags and head to the Zajac Ranch for Children for an awesome summer!

Apply Now

When do the jobs start and end?

Staff training starts mid-June and the summer season ends at the end of August. Your exact employment dates will be included in your offer letter.

I can't commit to working the whole summer. Can I still help out?

Yes! Every year we have a number of Rangers, Wranglers, Kitchen Staff and Maintenance Staff who volunteer their time for anything from a few days to a few weeks. Contact us for more details and to discuss your availability.

I'm under 18. Can I be a counsellor?

You must be 18 or over to work or volunteer as a counsellor at the Zajac Ranch for Children. However, you can still apply to the Kitchen or Maintenance Staff. Sixteen and 17 year-olds interested in volunteering as counsellors should check out our Leadership in Training and Counsellor in Training programs, where you can develop your leadership skills and help our counsellors with camp activities like campfires.

I don't have any experience with special needs children. Is training provided?

In many ways, working at the Zajac Ranch for Children is like working at any summer camp; camp staff deal with homesickness, disputes between campers, minor cuts and bruises, and a lot of fun activities, however, there are extra things to be aware of when your campers have serious and chronic illnesses and disabilities. We provide over a week of staff training, covering emergency procedures, safety, and behaviour management.

Before each camp session, the Camp Director and Nursing Director will tell you all about the campers you’re about to meet. They’ll let you know the challenges the campers face, the most common issues with mobility, communication, or behaviour, and how to deal with them.

Best of all, you’re not alone! The Assistant Camp Director and Camp Director are there to help, with daily staff meetings to give you advice and support. Plus, for any medical issues, there’s a 24 hour on-site Medical Centre staffed by volunteer doctors and nurses. You don’t need to be an expert on special needs, just a empathetic, caring and patient person who loves kids and summer camp!