Camp Counsellor - Theatre March Break Camps

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4^th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being accepted for Theatre Performing Arts Camp Counsellor (March Break) positions at the Flato Markham Theatre. Please submit your cover letter and resume by Thursday January 9^th, 2025.

We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed and candidates may be contacted prior to this date.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Location: Flato Markham Theatre

Dates: The contract period is from February 24, 2025 to March 17, 2025

• Part time training hours between February 19, 2025 to March 8, 2025
• Applicants must be available for in-person training on Monday March 3, 2025 from 4pm
• Full time hours from March 10 to 14, 2025 (minimum of 35 to 44 hours per week).

Flato Markham Theatre operates four performing arts camps which run concurrently. Kinder Theatre Camp for ages 4-5, Junior Stars Camp for ages 6-7, Rising Stars Camp for ages 8-9, Drama Camp for ages 10-12, and Perform for the Big Screen for ages 12-15. The Junior Stars, Rising Stars and Drama Camp programs work both individually and in cooperation to rehearse and perform a musical play that is specifically adapted for children. A fully staged performance is planned for the last day of camp on the Flato Markham Theatre stage. Those interested in working in these programs require some background in the performing arts and experience working with children.

Kinder Theatre Camp is an introduction to the performing arts for younger campers. Each day they will learn songs, dances, and lines for a play specifically written for their age group. The days are rounded out with games, crafts, and other activities Kinder Theatre Camp has a performance on Friday afternoon, during regular camp hours. Counsellors in this program require some background in the performing arts and experience working with young children.

Perform for the Big Screen is designed to gain experience in both performance and creative skills in the Performing Arts, TV and film. This camp explores various screen acting techniques including scene work, character development, choreography and singing. Campers collaborate to create a filmed showcase to be presented on the prestigious stage of the Flato Markham Theatre. This camp is designed and implemented by professional performing artists in the industry.

All March Break camps are one-week in length.

Job Description

Supervises a group of campers in one of the Flato Markham Theatre's camps with responsibilities including preparation of camp materials, facilitating activities and assisting in program delivery and some minor administration.

Through effective leadership and programming, enables children and youth to develop skills, make friends, socialize and build self-esteem. Accountable for the well-being of a group of campers under the guidance of the Discovery Programs Coordinator, Artistic Director, Director Team and Supervisors, ensuring camp activities are safe, educational, inclusive, high quality and meet the Theatre's overall goals and standards.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Supports the delivery of activity plans as written and approved by the Discovery Programs Coordinator and Artistic Director
• Facilitate daily camp activities during program time and indoor/outdoor snack and lunch breaks
• Supports inclusive programming by assisting with program adaptations that are considerate of camper needs, health and safety and City of Markham Camp policies and procedures
• Ensures supervision of campers at all times to provide a safe and enjoyable experience by being mindful of camp attendance, ratios, and by adhering to City of Markham Camp policies and procedures
• Prioritizes child well-being, safety and protection throughout the camp. Evaluates situations for potential risks to the safety, protection and well-being of campers and staff, proactively taking mitigating actions to address such risks
• Serves as a liaison with parents of campers, reinforcing City of Markham customer service, diversity and inclusion (special needs, ethno-cultural, English as second language, socio-economic)
• Prepares and organizes program equipment and supplies, reporting any inventory shortages to the Artistic Director and Camp Director
• Organizes and assists with set-up and clean-up of camp events, activities and programs
• Participates in the supervision and delivery of either the before and after care program
• Follows City of Markham policies and procedures in program activities
• Maintains positive, constructive relationships with camp staff and volunteers in order to prioritize larger camp objectives and camper well-being. Works with inclusion staff as needed to ensure all campers are able to participate
• Coaches and mentors volunteers and campers
• Provides regular updates and feedback to the Director Team
• Participates in orientation and training sessions, supporting the Director Team and Discovery Program Coordinator where necessary
• Attends and participates in staff meetings before and after camp program hours
• Other duties as required

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum 16 years of age or older at start of employment
• Currently enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution. Education or training related to performing arts (drama, dance, music) are an asset
• Experience working with children and/or youth
• Knowledge of child development, confident in teaching various ages and skill levels
• Previous experience in a live performance setting is an asset
• Experience in a leadership capacity is an asset i.e. student council, athletic team captain, extracurricular club president, etc…,
• Previous experience as a camp counsellor is an asset
• Excellent communication and organizational skills required
• Completion of a counsellor-in-training/leader-in-training program is an asset

Licenses/Certifications

• Current Standard First Aid with CPR 'C' required
• HIGH FIVE certificate in Principles of Healthy Child Development is required
• Vulnerable Sector Check

All required certificates must be in good standing by February 14, 2025 and valid for the duration of employment.

Core Behaviours:

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices, and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

We thank all those applicants who have applied; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by email early January.