Position Summary:
The goal of WILD CHILD is to get children outside and connecting with the world around them through play. The WILD CHILD Outdoor Playgroup is an innovative, unstructured, interactive parent-child program located in a variety of local forests and natural areas. By supporting and educating parents and early years educators on the value and benefits of outdoor free play in a natural setting, we hope to increase their confidence and competency in providing child-led, inquiry-based opportunities for the children in their care. WILD CHILD strives to demystify the risks of outdoor free play, so adults have the ability to strengthen their children’s emotional, physical and social well-being through connection to nature. This role will be key to sustaining WILD CHILD through leadership, community engagement, education, and capacity-building.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Guide families through child-led, inquiry-based outdoor play adventures 3 times a week.
- Oversee WILD CHILD Day Camp operations.
- Provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere of inclusion and belonging outdoors.
- Educate adults on the value and benefits of outdoor play and learning including risky play.
- Develop and maintain supportive relationships and strong connections with families, community partners and funders.
- Other duties as assigned.
Program Administration:
- Act as initial point of contact for community partners and families for all inquiries regarding WILD CHILD and outdoor play and learning.
- Undertake camp registration and support families in the process.
- Undertake assessment and evaluation of all WILD CHILD activities in alignment with funder priorities.
- Coordinate and lead a Community of Practice for Early Years Professionals centred on Outdoor Play and Learning.
- Undertake grant seeking, grant writing, and the completion of funding reports accordingly.
- Maintain contact management system of WILD CHILD participants, community partners, and donors.
Program Development & Facilitation:
- Develop WILD CHILD programming to achieve desired outcomes and impact aligned with the Childreach Strategic Plan and funder priorities.
- Steward relationships with donors and community partners.
- Undertake research as directed and provide analysis and recommendations
- Undertake the planning and oversee the delivery of WILD CHILD Day Camp including coordinating logistics, resourcing, staff recruitment, orientation, and supervision to ensure safe, positive experiences for campers and counsellors alike.
- Support the planning and delivery of WILD CHILD-related activities, events and initiatives as needed.
Communications:
- Create engaging content online and offline within approved marketing and engagement strategies.
- Seek external opportunities to promote WILD CHILD and engage and educate parents and educators in outdoor play and learning.
Qualifications:
- Post Secondary Degree/Diploma in a related field
- Experience in camping or similar children’s programming is preferred.
- Experience recruiting, supporting and managing personnel is an asset.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Clear and current criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening.
- Valid Driver’s license
- Current First Aid & CPR Certification
Skills:
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work on your own and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Proficient with technology and comfortable learning new software systems.
- Ability to speak multiple languages an asset
- High level of comfort interacting with families
- Knowledge of emergent curriculum and child-led learning
- Comfort in and understanding of the natural, forested environment
- Knowledge of native trees, vegetation, animals and insects
- Functions effectively in situations of less than perfect or incomplete information
- Knowledgeable of referral services, community supports in London and informed of current trends in outdoor play and learning
- Ability to work with a diversity of people and family structures
Compensation and Working Conditions:
- $47,000 annual salary plus benefits
- Full-time permanent, 35 hours/week including Saturday mornings and requires flexibility to accommodate programming needs.
- The centre provides a pleasant working environment with natural lighting and good air quality. A dedicated workspace will be provided. Conditions vary in community locations. Washrooms are not always available at program sites. Travel to program locations is required, so will need access to a vehicle.
Childreach is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and accessible environment for all staff. We recognize that some aspects of this position may involve visiting program sites that might present obstacles in terms of mobility and movement. Our goal is to accommodate and support all individuals of all abilities to ensure a positive and enriching work experience.