The following is meant to summarize responsibilities and some expected qualifications for various positions on the Camp Douglas Summer Staff.

WARNING! Actual positions will likely be both more challenging and more rewarding than you expect!

Cabin Leaders

Cabin Leaders are responsible for constant care and supervision of campers through out the week.  Cabin Leaders are paired with a different partner each week.  The partnered Cabin Leaders sleep in a cabin with 6-10 campers.  Beyond designated hours and nights off, Cabin Leaders are expected to be available to campers as needed.  It is the Cabin Leader who will get to know the campers best by participating in all program activities, eating meals and attending worship with campers.  Cabin Leaders help, talk, laugh and share with campers.  Cabin Leaders notice when camper needs are not being met and bring that to the attention of their supervisors.  Cabin Leaders will be supervised and supported by the Head Cabin Leader and the Camp Director.  Evening devotions and one morning of worship every two weeks are planned by Cabin Leaders and their partners.  A sense of his or her position as a role model for campers is one characteristic of a good Cabin Leader.  A comfort and enthusiasm for sharing his or her faith with children is vital.  Compassion, patience and a willingness to seek help from supervisors are essential.

Summer Administrator

The Administrator works closely with the Camp Director to handle organization, communication, publicity, and registration. He/she organizes transportation to and from the camp including checking in & dropping off campers at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal and arranging buses and luggage vans. He/she will work with the Head Cabin Leader to prepare cabin assignment lists, and communicate registration information to the Head Cook and the First Aid Attendant.  The Administrator is responsible for working with the online registration system, receiving paper registrations, sorting payments, making bank deposits and purchases as necessary.  The Administrator must be prepared to speak directly with parents and other care givers in a knowledgeable and polite manner.  It is advantageous if the Administrator has his or her own car and a valid driver’s license. The Summer Administrator manages the Tuck Shop including all transactions and organization of stock.  There is opportunity for the Administrator to participate in camp programs periodically in the week.  This person will have an understanding that God calls people to service in a variety of roles. - this position is currently filled -

Head Cook

The Head Cook is responsible for ordering food, preparing menus and meals within budget and on time.  He/she must ensure that the special dietary needs are met, that the Canada Food Guide is adhered to and that adequate hydration is always available to staff and campers. The cook is also responsible for training and supervising kitchen staff and volunteers, and for keeping a clean and friendly kitchen.  The Head Cook will have Food Safe certification and ample experience producing healthy meals for large numbers of people.  Participation in meal time antics is a plus; working with Program staff in planning theme meals is a must.  The Head Cook is expected to attend as many worship and Bible study sessions as possible. - this position is currently filled -

Kitchen Assistant

The Kitchen Assistant works full-time in the kitchen, aiding the Head Cook with meal preparation, clean up, stock organization, hydration supply and meal service.  The Kitchen Assistant will aid in training volunteers new to the kitchen and in upholding the kitchen rules.  This person will have experience working in kitchens, a current Food Safe certification and a willingness to learn.  Kitchen Assistant is a great position for those who love the camp atmosphere but are not interested in cabin leading.  The Kitchen staff are able to express their creativity through their participation in theme meals, kitchen raids, formal dinners and other meal-time antics.  Our kitchen has become known as a fun and well-structured work place where you will learn many new skills for future employment.  Kitchen staff are expected to participate in worship & chapel services and staff Bible studies as much as possible.   

First-Aid Attendant

The First-Aid Attendant is responsible for collecting, recording and distributing medication, providing first-aid to staff and campers who are sick or injured, and monitoring the cleanliness of the camp environment, among many other things.  Daily medication and incident logs are kept and individual cabins are inspected daily by this person.  It is advantageous if this person has his or her own vehicle and has a valid driver’s license.  This person must be at least 19 years old and hold a current Basic First Aid Certification – Advanced First Aid Certification is preferred. (see British Columbia Camping Association accreditation standards for a list of acceptible certifications)  The First Aid Attendant must be comfortable speaking with parents, care givers and doctors concerning individual health needs of campers.  Discretion and compassion are important characteristics for a First Aid Attendant.

Waterfront Staff

Waterfront staff are responsible for conducting camper swim tests, waterfront training of staff & volunteers, supervision of all waterfront activities, maintenance of waterfront equipment, enforcement of waterfront rules and policies.  The Waterfront Director needs a current pleasure craft operating license which can be obtained online at Highway Canada as well as current National Lifeguard Service and First Aid certification as per British Columbia Camping Association accreditation standards.  Waterfront staff will also be expected to plan and supervise a variety of activities such as beach walks, kayak trips, canoe paddling lessons, craft boat races and Sandy Beach days.  Encouraging healthy lifestyles,sun protection, fun and safety at the beach are important.

Program Staff

Program Assistants report directly to the Program Director and help to plan themes and activities for the summer in conjunction with the Camp Director.  Program staff will work with the Worship Director to integrate the Bible study themes into the daily program.  They also must ensure that adequate supplies are available for all program activities, adjust daily program as necessary, maintain lines of communication with Program Assistants, Head Cabin Leader and Camp Director regarding program issues, teach and lead program activities.  Program Staff communicate schedules and activity information to the whole camp and must be comfortable with public speaking – a good dose of humour and flexibility is essential.  It is an advantage for the Program Director to have his or her own car and a valid driver’s license.

Worship Director

Worship Director is not responsible for leading each and every worship service, but rather for organizing, guiding and helping the people who will lead each morning worship, campfire, and other service during the day.  Integrating Bible study themes, staff devotions, chaplain-introduced themes and program material is expected.  The Worship Director will plan and lead the daily Bible studies in consultation with the Camp Director.  Cabin Leaders and Program Staff will be available to aid the Worship Director in carrying out the camper Bible studies.  The Worship Director will also help the Head Cabin Leader to assist cabin leaders in developing evening devotionals.  Being comfortable speaking to a crowd and leading praise singing is essential.  Musical experience and knowing how to play an instrument such as guitar or piano is an asset.  Experience teaching Sunday School or similar work with children is also very important.  An ability to communicate your strong faith in Jesus Christ is a must.

LIT Directors

Two Leaders-In-Training Directors are equal partners in carrying out the LIT program for Camp Douglas.  Extensive planning is required before the summer starts, so these two people must be able to meet with each other and the Camp Director during May and June.  In consultation with the Camp Director, LIT Directors are expected to plan and provide the following: a challenging out trip suited to their particular LIT’s, a local service project, general leadership training for church and community, faith development opportunities, leadership training specific to Camp Douglas and team building activities.  LIT Directors must be at least 19 years old.  Current Basic First Aid certification and other special certificates are an asset.  Familiarity with Camp Douglas tradition and challenges is essential.  An ease for communicating, excellent listening skills and a strong faith are essential.

Head Cabin Leader

 The Head Cabin Leader reports to the Camp Director.  The primary responsibilities of this position are to supervise and support Cabin Leaders in their work with campers and to ensure every camper has his or her most apparent needs met.  This is accomplished with daily Cabin Leader meetings, pariticipation in evening camper devotions on a rotating basis, periodic evaluation and Cabin Leader feedback sessions.  Additionally, the Head Cabin Leader should assist the Director in all aspects of training Cabin Leaders and work with the Worship Director to help CLs plan morning worship and evening devotions. This person will also report to the Program Director at pre-arranged points in the day in order to lead certain camp activities and otherwise participate in program activities alongside campers and Cabin Leaders.  An excellent Head Cabin Leader will be able to express his or her faith easily and confidently to campers and Cabin Leaders.  Familiarity with children and their needs to feel safe, included, cared for and successful is essential.  A willingness to work with Cabin Leaders to solve problems with creativity, compassion and faith is invaluable.

As you can see, there are a wide variety of positions, each demanding different skills and offering different challenges. Which one is right for you?

Application forms are available here.