VanDusen Summer Camp Assistants

If you'd like to apply by the May 19 deadline, please visit our website and follow the sign up instructions.
https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/5757625f-27eb-4d6c-9df5-ff3182c978da/Activity/013800e9-0191-4ff2-8e1e-61642f7e01fa/1

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:  

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, and 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 willing to dress appropriately  

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

Volunteers must be at least 15 years old  


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 30th to August 22nd, 2025. Weekly camp themes and group ages vary. Volunteers can choose from the following (at minimum):

Volunteer EVERY morning from 8:30am-12:30pm for one week or
Volunteer EVERY afternoon from 1:00-5:00pm for one week
 

*Please note that there won't be a shift on Tuesday, July 1st or Monday, August 4th due to STAT holidays and camp opening/closing.

 

Location:  
VanDusen Botanical Garden - 5151 Oak St., Vancouver V6M 4H1 

 
Training and Orientation:  

Orientation to VanDusen Garden and the roles volunteers play at the VBGA (Online) 
Role-specific training session during the week of June 24th-26th (date/time TBD; Onsite at VanDusen Garden)

 
Supervisory Relationships/liaison:  

The candidate will be supervised by, and liaise with, the Junior Counselors, Camp Leaders, and the Youth Programs Team (primarily the Youth Programs Manager). 



Authority/Decision Making:  

Guidance and problem-solving (including behaviour management, first aid, or need-based care) involving children require direct supervision from Camp Leaders at all times. 


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.