Zajac Ranch Job Description – Program Coordinator
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: Assistant Camp Director
Direct Reports: Rangers (Activity Specialists)
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: $162.00 per day; MANDT Relational and Technical Training & Certification; plus, meals and accommodation provided during camp sessions.
Number of Positions Available: 1
Opportunity:
This position is part of the senior camp management team. Its functions are to handle the scheduling of all personnel with the priority of maximizing coverage, and to design and deliver innovative, discovery and skill focused programs for the entire camp population (evening, daytime electives, special themes, day trips, visitations, etc.) It requires the incumbent to work with other senior staff members prior to the opening of camp to review and to establish program objectives, to establish an operating budget, to make recommendations on the acquisition of equipment and / or materials and to identify outside resources that could enrich the quality of the camp program. The Program Coordinator supervise some activity staff, act as first responders in the event of a crisis and report regularly to the Directors.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Programming Staff Supervision and Management (Summer):
- Facilitating training for Rangers in individual program areas.
- Managing equipment and maintenance requests from individual program areas and ensuring all necessary materials are purchased in advance of the beginning of camp.
- Being an active, visual presence at program areas throughout camp sessions.
- Planning, leading and adapting staff training sessions.
- Conducting checks in meetings with Rangers to consistently improve quality of program delivery.
- Ensuring effective communication between all levels of camp.
- Attend daily senior staff meetings to enhance communication and facilitate effective management of the summer camp operations.
- Knowing, enforcing, and adhering to the policies and procedures.
- Conducting mid-summer and end of summer staff evaluations with the Camp Director/Assistant Director.
- Functioning as part of a creative team for managing ad hoc issues and challenges at camp.
Regular Camp Program Delivery and Development
- Scheduling all activities during summer season.
- Supervising program development and ensuring activity binders are kept up to date.
- Maintaining an inventory for all activity area materials/equipment/supplies
- Visiting each activity area on a regular basis to ensure their safety, and that the activities are fun and engaging for all campers.
- Designing and implementing an appropriate evaluation system to determine whether camp activities effectively meet camp goals.
Special Programs
- Designing programs suitable for evening programs, elective activity choices, and theme days.
- Selecting appropriate special programs to fit the needs of campers in individual sessions.
- Facilitating sign-up process for elective activities and Teepee Sleepout sessions.
- Assigning campers to groups and sessions for special program activities.
- Managing campfires and talent shows.
- Ensuring that weather appropriate back up plans are in place.
- Ensuring that all necessary materials are purchased in advance for special programs.
- Assigning staff to deliver and setup of programs.
- Managing set-up and clean-up process.
Safety
- Managing any emergency situations in the absence of the Camp Director/ Assistant Director and Nursing Director
- Managing escalation of behaviour management issues on site with Camp Director/ Assistant Director and Nursing Director
- Promoting strong safety awareness among all staff
- Along with directors, planning and delivering all emergency procedure training with on-site staff
- Making sure activity areas are clean, tidy, and safe before and after each camp session.
- In rotation with the Camp Director / Assistant Director/ Unit Leaders, providing “On Call” coverage (can be contacted by phone or radio) from bedtime to Breakfast in case of emergency.
Off-Season Rental Groups
- Along with Directors, managing preparations for incoming rental groups.
- Assisting with setting up for, serving, and clean-up process for meals.
- Facilitating Outdoor Education programs for groups as required.
- Checking in with groups to ensure satisfaction and that all needs have been met.
- Helping to manage clean-up process after departure of rental groups.
Qualifications
- A firm belief in the value of summer camp for children with special medical needs.
- Bachelor’s degree in camp administration, recreation, social work, education, or related field an asset.
- At least two years of camp administrative experience.
- Experience working with developmental disabilities, special needs, and behavioural management asset.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Proficient computer skills: Microsoft Office and Camp Brain (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.
- 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 Program Coordinator is required to live on-site; private living quarters will be provided.
- Experience in typical camp programming (canoeing/kayaking, ropes, archery, orienteering, etc.)
- NLS certification an asset.
- Experience in Leadership Programs and Leadership Development, ideally in a camp setting.
Joining our team as Program Coordinator 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.