Summary:

Summer programs provide youth ages 12-21 the opportunity to improve self-esteem, motor skills, creativity, and social skills through a variety of crafts, arts, and physical activities as well as excursions to local places of interest.
 

Role:

Reporting to a Supervisor, Recreation Services, the Summer Surprise Coordinator position is responsible for the coordination, administration and supervision of the Summer Surprise Program at a specific program site throughout the City of London. This casual position works as part of a team in a public facing fast paced environment ensuring programs are run efficiently to meet the needs of the participants aged 12-21 while providing excellent customer service to City of London patrons and volunteers.
 

Job Responsibilities

• Guide Summer Surprise Day Camp staff in adapting the day camp program to include campers of all abilities and needs.
• Assist in Supervising, coaching, schedule and evaluating staff.
• Assist in the delivery and adaptation of program activities and special events, in accordance with Child and Youth Agenda priority areas.
• Provide resources to staff pertaining to the special needs of their campers.
• Ensure suitable facility accommodations per activity and safety needs.
• Assist with gathering relevant information regarding participants’ abilities and needs using various means including meetings, emails, phone calls to communicate with parents/caregivers, and completing written assessment forms.
• Maintain regular communication with parents/ caregivers of participants during program duration.
• Provide one-on-one personal camper assistance as needed (such as toileting, tube feeding, lifts, assistive communication devices and administering medication).
• Assist in the development and delivery of frontline training programs.
• Assist in interviewing front line staff, 
• Maintain adapted program supplies as required for the program.
• Maintain accident records for attendance, accident reports, operational evaluations, and program evaluations.
• Use appropriate behaviour modification techniques when supervising participants.
• Work well independently, and with a team, with both internal and external partners.
• Facilitate and attend regular staff meetings as required.
• Ensure all City of London policies, practices, and protocols are adhered to.
• Provide operational and evaluation reports on the program.
• Strong behaviour management is necessary.
• Experience working with youth to build their independence and social skills.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• Offer critical and timely feedback to ensure optimal camper safety and experience.
• Contagious, positive attitude.
• Ensure high program standards and best practice for healthy development and play.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service skills and a positive and professional attitude when communicating with participants, parents, the public, and co-workers.
• Demonstrate commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and human rights through practices and interactions with community partners, employees and individuals and support programs and initiatives that reflect this commitment.
• Demonstrate commitment and adherence to Health and Safety legislation and programs; actively promote a culture of safety.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum three years experience in a children’s summer camp environment with some supervisory, program planning and organizational experience preferred.
• Minimum two years experience working with children with special needs and diverse backgrounds. Must have experience working with children with autism, behavioural challenges and neurodivergent participants.
• HIGH FIVE® - Healthy Child Development Certification and QUEST Certification (prior to the start of the program).
• Standard First Aid Certificate (prior to the start of the program).
• Vulnerable Sector Police Check (VSPC) (prior to the start of the program).
• Valid drivers’ license and access to a vehicle is required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to demonstrate interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate behaviour modification techniques.
• Second language is an asset (please indicate on resume)
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to be flexible and travel throughout the city as required by Supervisor.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software including publisher, excel and word and Xplor Recreation registration software (preferred).
• Ability to demonstrate good communication, high energy, enthusiasm and continued positive attitude.
• High level of comfort in fast paced public facing environments.
• Knowledge and/or training in providing personal care (e.g., lifts, transfers, feeding/changing/toileting, behavioural modification, etc.)

Other Information:

Wage: $20.25 - $20.75 per hour

Contract Term: Monday, May 26 - Friday, August 29, 2025

Mandatory Training: Mandatory training dates will occur in the month of June on evenings and weekends, as needed. Details will be shared with successful candidates.