Virtual Ventures employees are the opening hearts and minds of Canada’s youth to the endless possibilities STEM offer. Our InSTEM (Indigenous STEM) Camp Instructors are actively engaged in reconciliation between the historical injustices imposed upon the First Peoples of this land by Western academia. By working with Knowledge Keepers from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, our InSTEM Camp Instructors weave together threads of Traditional Knowledge and Western Science into workshops and summer camps. We are looking for individuals who are innovative, team players, and passionate about STEM & reconciliation.
Job Overview
As an InSTEM Camp Instructor for Virtual Ventures, you will be responsible for delivering general STEM workshops in local schools, as well as developing and delivering InSTEM content for various initiatives including:
- Land Camp
- Educators Land Camp
- Connections Camp
General STEM workshops take place in schools around Ottawa and Connection Camp is hosted on the Carleton University campus. Land Camp is hosted at Thompson Cultural Island (transportation will be provided).
All staff will receive thorough training in areas such as first aid, behavioral conditions, cultural competency, equity, classroom management, content development, etc.
You will be supported by the full-time management team and work closely with other university students as well as high school students and volunteers.
Work Term: May 6 – August 23, 2024
Hourly wage: $18/hour
Important Dates for Hiring
Applications are due March 24, 2024 at 11:45pm.
What does a summer look like at Virtual Ventures as an InSTEM Camp Instructor?
The summer is divided into 2 halves, each focusing on different job duties.
May & June
- Deliver pre-developed workshops in classrooms around Ottawa that complement the Ontario school curriculum.
- Research and develop highly engaging and innovative InSTEM summer camp content that aligns with camp goals and is presented in enjoyable ways to campers.
- Plan and manage the budget for a summer camp and create a procurement list for summer camp materials that are cost-effective and align with the camp’s objectives.
July & August
- Travel to Akwesasne Territory and arrive on Thompson Island along with the 2024 cohort of campers (grades 9-12), run 2-week Land Camp.
- Help run Educator Land Camp (separate program from High School Land Camp).
- Host Connections Camp at Carleton University upon your return from Land Camp (typical day camp format).
- Facilitate programs developed earlier in the summer & participate in activities hosted by local Knowledge Keepers.
- Take initiative and problem solve when problems arise in camp.
- Keep accurate documentation and submit a final report at the end of the summer.
More About Our Partners
Thompson Cultural Island
- Virtual Ventures & Cultural Thompson Island have been partners in making Land Camp a reality since its inception in 2017.
- The island is located on Akwesasne Territory, in the St. Lawrence River.
- Accommodations include bunk house with multiple beds as well as private cabins.
- Support staff knowledgeable about the Island are available during the entirety of camp.
- There is an incredible wealth of Knowledge Keepers nearby in Akwesasne Territory that frequently visit to provide Traditional Lessons to campers and staff.
Qualifications
- University student with a passion for sharing knowledge
- Demonstrated strong leadership abilities
- Outstanding communication and teamwork skills
- Undergo a Police Record Check for the Vulnerable Sector before the start of the position
Ideal Candidate
- Some experience working with children (previous camp or classroom experience)
- Prior experience in a mentoring or coaching role (summer camp counselor, sports coach, lifeguard, arts/educational instructor)
- Passionate about sharing STEM knowledge & making connection between Western Science and Traditional Ways of Knowing
- Personal development and journey learning about Canada’s colonial history
- Passionate about their personal journey of Reconciliation
- Ability to explain complex concepts in a simplified manor
- Innovative ideas
- Approachable
- Good problem solver
- Works well in a team and independently