Working at Rainbow Camp®

About Rainbow Camp:

Rainbow Camp provides a safe, empowering, and fun place, in nature, where 2SLGBTQ+ and allied youth can explore their gender identities, freely express themselves, and form new friendships in a supportive and caring environment.

Our Core Values: 

• Inclusivity: Make every camper feel welcomed, seen, and validated, respectful of their gender identity or sexual orientation. We strive to create an environment where campers feel secure and supported to be themselves. (Our staff complement are role models of this value.)
• Diversity: We respect and celebrate the full spectrum of identities within the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies as they emerge and evolve.
• Joy: We believe that summer camp should be a fun and memorable experience for all. We provide activities and opportunities for campers to explore their interests and build new skills.
• Self Expression: We encourage self-discovery and growth of authentic selves, and the confidence and tools to express themselves, at camp and once they return home.
• Community: We cultivate an accepting, supportive community where campers can find acceptance and form new and lifelong friendships. Supporting campers by giving them the tools to be more engaged in their home communities.
• Inspiration: We aim to inspire campers to be confident in who they are, and speak up for themselves in their families and communities. We also want to inspire our campers to make positive change in the world around them when they are ready to.
• Education: Providing educational programming with measurable learning objectives, that foster understanding and acceptance of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is core to our purpose. We believe that the educational approach is key to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society.

Leadership Team Training: June 16th - 21st

Training Week is mandatory for all Leadership Staff including the following individuals: Director, Assistant Director, Program Director, Administrator/Volunteer Coordinator, Medic, and Camper Support Services Specialist.

All Staff Training: June 23rd - July 4th

Training Week is mandatory for all staff. This training will cover topics such as counselling skills, risk management, team building, program facilitation, camper wellbeing and emergency procedures.

Rainbow Camp: July 6th - August 15th

All staff are expected to be available for the duration of Rainbow Camp unless arrangements are made in advance.

Camp Closing: August 17th - 22nd

All staff are expected to be available for helping wrap up the season and close down the camp.

Rainbow Camp is located approximately 1 hour from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

Staff members are expected to live on site during the Rainbow Camp season. Shared accommodations are provided and may include sleeping in a cabin with campers as well as participating in an outdoor sleep out.

Travel costs (up to $500 CAD) are covered for all successful applicants. If travelling by flight, Rainbow Camp does not cover the cost of transportation to the airport or additional travel costs (excess luggage, missed flights, etc).

Rainbow Camp is an equal opportunity organization and welcomes and encourages applications from people of all gender identities including people of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and people with disabilities.

All staff must be over the age of 18 and legally eligible to work in Canada. Additionally, a Police Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required for all positions. 

Below each position description is a list of required qualifications. It is the responsibility of staff to ensure that they hold all necessary certifications by the start of employment and that all certifications remain current for the duration of Rainbow Camp. If you do not hold the necessary certifications prior to arrival, Rainbow Camp reserves the right to terminate your contract and/or assign you an alternative position.

Rainbow Camp does not pay part-time or seasonal employees for time spent in courses. For the following required certifications (see job descriptions), Rainbow Camp will reimburse 50% of the course fees. If you return to Rainbow Camp the following summer, we will reimburse the remaining 50%. Requests for reimbursement must be submitted and approved by the Director prior to registering.

• Food Handlers Certification
• 16-hour Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
• 40-hour Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)
• 80-hour Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
• ORCKA Canoe Courses
• Mental Health First Aid Courses
• Other courses or certifications (as approved by the Director)

Rainbow Camp does not reimburse for the following certifications. If you require these certifications we offer in-house training and certification programs, contact us for more details.

• Standard First Aid with CPR-C
• Lifeguard Programs: Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and National Lifeguard (NL)

All Rainbow Camp staff require a Vulnerable Sector Check as a condition of employment. Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Checks will be obtained through the staff members’ local police records division. Staff are responsible for the cost of obtaining a criminal records check.

If you have a previous criminal records check from a previous work or volunteer experience, you do not need to provide a new one provided the record check was completed within the last 12 months (from the start of employment) and you will be required to sign a declaration indicating that there has been no change in your record or disclosing any changes that have occurred.

Failure to provide a criminal record check or providing a record check that is unacceptable for employment will result in immediate termination of your employment contract.

We acknowledge that police departments have a long history of targeting 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC spaces and individuals. Depending on your location, a police check may be acquired online and/or by mail. If you would like more information on how to acquire a police check, please contact us and we will happily work with you to ensure this is done in a safe and equitable manner.

Safe Space Policy

1. All campers, staff and volunteers are required to agree to our Safe Space Policy:
2. I will not engage in any behaviour – physical or verbal – that bullies, demeans, or marginalizes others.
3. I will be aware of the range of different identities (gender, sexual orientation, race, class, ability, spirituality) that people may identify with, and avoid making generalisations, or assumptions about people.
4. I will always seek active consent (agreement of all peoples) for physical contact (e.g.,ask before giving a hug).
5. I will not hesitate to speak up if someone is feeling uncomfortable in this Safe Space, or whatever reason.

Sober and Smoke-Free Space Policy

Rainbow Camp is a designated Sober Space. This means that there are no drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or cannabis allowed on site at all times while on site, regardless of whether there are campers on site. This policy is non-negotiable and can lead to your dismissal from camp.

Personal Electronics and Internet Access

Phones and other personal electronics must be stored and used only during staff time off (breaks and days off). Access to the internet is available in our staff area.

Laundry

Staff have access to a laundry room to wash clothing and bedding as needed.

Administrative Items

• Days Off: Staff will be provided with one 24-hour period off each week. During time off, staff may choose to stay on site or leave camp property (at their own expense).
• Time Off: Staff are assigned two breaks per full workday.
• Payment of Wages: Payment of wages occurs every two weeks.
• Evaluations: Staff will receive weekly evaluations from a member of the LeadershipTeam.

Staff Discipline and Termination of Contract

Rainbow Camp will adhere to the requirements of the Employment Standards Act of Ontario in dealing with discipline and termination issues involving staff. All staff will be treated fairly and equitably in regards to expectations and policies. All complaints of staff misconduct should be reported directly to the Camp Director. All complaints of staff misconduct are treated seriously and investigated thoroughly.

All staff will agree to the Staff Policies and Emergency Procedures of Rainbow Camp. Violation of policies and procedures will result in disciplinary action up to, and including, termination of contract.

If a staff member’s travel dates or times change due to termination of contract or choosing to leave early, Rainbow Camp is not responsible for any additional travel costs (including transportation off site, hotel charges and/or travel bookings) incurred regardless of the initial amount paid for travel. Exceptions to this policy on compassionate grounds may be made by the Executive Director.