Opportunity:

As a Lifeguard Certified Facilitator, you will be allocated to water activities during most activity periods, including assisting in the canoeing/kayaking activities. As a Ranger, you will also assist other staff run various programs as well as meal service, fun games, and evening campfires. Rangers are also camp counselors who are assigned to a camper cabin for the duration of the week and are expected to perform all the duties of a counselor whenever they are not running programming.

Reporting to: Program Coordinator

Direct Reports: None

Position Type: Contract, Seasonal

Length of Contract: 2.5 months (June 9, 2025 – August 29, 2025)

Number of Positions Available: 2

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.
• Attend and participate 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, behavior management.
• Work with other counselors 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, counselors 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.
• Attend and participate 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.)
• Ensure that activity areas are properly maintained, and program spaces are cleaned up after each rotation
• Any other duties deemed necessary by the Zajac Ranch for Children.

Required Qualifications

• NLS qualifications to act as a Lifeguard at our lakefront dock and indoor pool.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working as a lifeguard
• Bronze Cross (preferred)
• 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 letter of intent along with an updated 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.