Spring Break Camp Assistant

Organizational Profile: 

The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association, a registered charitable organization, delivers educational programs and Garden projects at VanDusen Botanical Garden, a 55-acre botanical garden and Bloedel Conservatory, a domed, lush tropical rainforest paradise in the heart of Vancouver. As Vancouver's 'green heart,' we help to protect the globe's biodiversity while acting as an oasis of calm in a busy city, providing a place for people to connect with nature and find peace in a world of plants and beauty.  

 

Purpose:  

Spring Break 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: 

1). Assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors to conduct nature-based activities for groups of up to 24 children aged 5-10 

2). Assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors in providing a fun, welcoming, safe, and secure environment for all campers 

3). Assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors in preparation and clean-up of daily supplies and activities 

4). Assist Camp Leaders and Junior Counselors with After Care as needed or scheduled 

 

Skills, Attitudes, Knowledge Required: 

1). A love of nature and respect for the environment 

2). Comfortable working with groups of children 

3). Patient, positive, flexible, and fun-loving 

4).Comfortable standing, walking, and kneeling throughout the shift 

5). Eager to spend time outdoors in any weather and willingness to dress appropriately  

6). English level ESL/CLB level 6 or higher 

7). Must pass a criminal record background check (free for volunteers) 

8). Volunteers must be at least 15 years old 

9). 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:   

1). An opportunity to inspire and educate children 

2). Enhance leadership, group management, and interpretive skills   

3). Opportunity to work with educational professionals in a well-respected non-profit  

4). Contribute your time and talents in an impactful way for a worthwhile cause  

5). Learn about nature including ecology, botany, sustainability, gardening, and more 

 

Time Commitment: 

Spring Break Camp operates for 2 weeks from March 16th-20th and March 23rd-27th 2026. Weekly camp themes and group ages vary. Volunteers must choose at least two dates from above, and indicate whether they are committing to the morning (8:30am-12:30pm) or afternoon (1:00-5:00pm) shift for each of those dates. E.g. March 18th morning, March 25th afternoon. Volunteers can choose more than two shifts, and do not have to do only mornings or only afternoons. Shift sign-up sheets will be provided once onboarding is complete.

 

 

Training and Orientation:  

Orientation to VanDusen Garden and the roles volunteers play at the VBGA (Online)  

General all-volunteer training modules (Online) 

Role-specific training session during the week of March 10th-14th (date/time TBD; Onsite at VanDusen Garden) 

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 (including behavior management) involving children requires direct supervision from Camp Leaders. 

  

To Apply, complete an application here and sign up by February 2nd: 
https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/5757625f-27eb-4d6c-9df5-ff3182c978da/Activity/460c43ba-2a1a-425b-8766-7f2d24cf8f11/1