Youth & Camp Programming - Summer Camp Assistant 2026 - Applications
Summer Camp volunteers assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors to prepare and conduct outdoor, hands-on, nature-based games, crafts, experiments, and activities at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Camp programs are designed to foster inquiry, discovery, understanding, and appreciation for nature, and the importance of plants in our lives.
Responsibilities:
- Assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors to conduct nature-based activities for groups of up to 24 children aged 5-10
- Assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors in providing a fun, welcoming, safe, and secure environment for all campers
- Assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors in preparation and clean-up of daily supplies and activities
- Assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors with After Care as needed or scheduled
Skills, Attitudes, Knowledge Required:
- A love of nature and respect for the environment
- Comfortable working with groups of children
- Patient, positive, flexible, and fun-loving
- Comfortable standing, walking, and kneeling throughout the shift
- Eager to spend time outdoors in any weather and willingness to dress appropriately
- Must pass a criminal record background check (free for volunteers). Instructions will be provided after signing up
- Volunteers must be at least 15 years old
The VBGA is committed to equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.
Volunteer Benefits:
- An opportunity to inspire and educate children
- Enhance leadership, group management, and interpretive skills
- Opportunity to work with educational professionals in a well-respected non-profit
- Contribute your time and talents in an impactful way for a worthwhile cause
- Learn about nature including ecology, botany, sustainability, gardening, and more
Time Commitment:
Summer Camp operates for 8 weeks from June 29th to August 21st, 2026. Weekly camp themes and group ages vary. Volunteers can choose from the following (at minimum):
- Volunteer EVERY morning from 8:30am-12:30pm for at least one week or
- Volunteer EVERY afternoon from 1:00-5:00pm for at least one week
*Please note that there won't be a shift on Wednesday, July 1st or Monday, August 3rd due to STAT holidays and camp opening/closing.
Training and Orientation:
- Online Orientation to VBGA, Intro to Indigenous Knowledge and Practices, Intro to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility, Heat Stress and Cold Stress modules
- Role-specific onsite mandatory training session during the week of June 21st-26th at VanDusen Garden (date/time TBD; most likely Tuesday June 24 or Wednesday June 25 from approximately 4-6pm).
Supervisory Relationships/liaison:
Candidates will be supervised by, and liaise with, the Junior Counselors, Camp Leaders, Youth Programs Coordinator, and Youth Programs Manager (primary contact).
Authority/Decision Making:
Guidance and problem-solving involving children requires direct supervision from Camp Leaders. Volunteers are not expected or encouraged to manage first-aid or behaviour-related incidents but may be asked by Staff to support if/when appropriate.
How to apply by May 19 deadline:
- Fill out a Volunteer Application Form (if you are a new volunteer) or Login to your Better Impact account. (MyImpactpage.com)
- Once logged in, select the “Opportunities” tab and then “Opportunities List” (from the dropdown menu)
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Scroll down to "Youth & Camp Programming" and and select the activity you are interested in
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Click on the “Sign Up” button on that page (even if it says, "This activity has no schedule")
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We will be in touch with next steps shortly
