Volunteers - Ontario

Before You Apply

Are you ready? Volunteers allow campers to grow and learn, to build community and have their physical, social, and emotional needs met. In the past, volunteers have shared with us that they experience both joy and exhaustion during camp. An ideal candidate will be able to multitask, prioritize their own needs as well as the needs of others and have support and skills available to process their own feelings as they arise. 

Applications Be as accurate and thorough as you can with your application. It’s our first chance to get to know you!

Expectations

Participation & Self Care Outside of your role requirements, we ask everyone to pitch in where you can, whether that is helping with set up, taking over supervision, or running an errand. We also know there can be a lot going on, so make sure you’re nourishing yourself with water, food, support, and breaks as needed. 

Training We provide comprehensive pre-camp training to help build your leadership, facilitation experience, and mentoring skills. Training and Orientation will be a total of up to 12 hours held either online or in-person, and may vary by role as needed. 2023 volunteer training dates will be: 

TBD

Community Guidelines All volunteers will be required to commit to following and upholding Camp fYrefly Community Guidelines. A site-specific version will be included in the registration information.
Selection

Diversity We are committed to diversity and representation within our camper and volunteer groups. Because these identities are often underrepresented, we especially welcome applications from queer individuals of colour, two-spirit and/or indigenous people, people with disabilities and trans-feminine people.

Registration Applicants who are selected will receive a detailed registration package containing information on travel, meals, accommodation, and a list of health, dietary, legal, media consent, and Police Information Check (including Vulnerable Sector) requirements.

Dates / Timelines Application due dates may vary by volunteer position. We don’t want to miss you, so please double check!
Thank You

Optional Honourarium Volunteers will receive an honouraria (payable at the end of the month after Camp) as a thank you for volunteering and to help offset any time they took off work. More information will be included in the registration package.

Join Us Next Time If you are not selected or are unavailable for the Camp dates, we encourage you to apply again next year. We love reading the applications, and are often overwhelmed by the commitment, diversity, and experience and skill level of our applicants.

Youth Leader Application   

Role Description

Youth Leaders (YLs) are group (pod) leaders and the primary point of contact for campers. In teams of two, YLs guide the pod through activities, workshops, free-time and transition times, and help make decisions for their group. They build skills in mentorship, communication, and working with youth. Other requirements include: 

  • Between the ages of 18-24 before the start of Camp
  • Access to a reliable internet connect, when online
  • Attend mandatory training (see dates above)
  • Follow and ensuring compliance with Community Guidelines 
  • Document and reporting incidents; Mental Health Team referrals
  • General labour when in-person (e.g., set-up, cleaning and maintenance of camp space)

Optional Honourarium Youth Leaders will receive an honouraria (payable at the end of the month after Camp). More information will be included in the registration package. 

Interviews After applications are reviewed by Camp staff, all applicants will be either invited to an interview or notified they have not been selected. 

Adult Volunteer Application   

Role Description

Adult Volunteers (AVs) serve as intergenerational role models and resources for both Youth Leaders and Campers. AVs provide guidance at group (pod) meetings, meals, special events, workshops, and free time. Many AVs also run programming and workshops of their own, or lead activities during free-time. They build skills in mentorship, communication, and working with youth. Other requirements include: 

  • 25 years or older by the start of Camp
  • Access to a reliable internet connect, when online
  • Attend mandatory training (see dates above)
  • Follow and ensure compliance with Community Guidelines
  • Document and report incidents; Mental Health Team referrals
  • General labour when in-person (e.g., set-up, cleaning and maintenance of camp space)

Optional Honourarium Adult Volunteers will receive an honouraria (payable at the end of the month after Camp). More information will be included in the registration package. 

Interviews After applications are reviewed by Camp staff, all applicants will be either invited to an interview or notified they have not been selected.

Artist-in-Residence Application  

Learn More Check out the Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program page for more information

Role Description

We host emerging and established artists from all disciplines who have demonstrated a commitment to innovation, exploration, community outreach, and the public understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ experiences and identities.

Working with our team of adult mentors, artists help introduce new techniques, materials, and ideas designed to help youth to grow individually and transform communities. Presentations provide a range of content (e.g., identities, social justice, navigating systems, understanding oppression, or community) delivered through different media (e.g.,arts-based, presentations, storytelling, groups, panels, etc.).

Working with the Camp Coordinator, the AIR will coordinate the development and execution of arts-based programming. Other requirements include: 

  • In Person - Attending  three pre-camp planning sessions, training, and the full four days of camp
  • Online - Approximately 30 hours, including training, planning, camp and debrief
  • Following and ensuring compliance with Community Guidelines
  • Documenting and reporting incidents; Mental Health Team referrals
  • General labour when in-person (e.g., set-up, cleaning and maintenance of camp space)

Optional Honourarium The AIR will receive an honouraria (payable at the end of the month after Camp). More information will be included in the registration package.

Mental Health Team Application  

Mental Health Team LEAD Application  

Role Description 

The Mental Health Team (MHT) supports the mental health and wellbeing of participants at Camp fYrefly. Mental health volunteers are available to help campers navigate challenges and to direct them to relevant resources in their local community. 

We’re looking for people who have experience working in a mental health support role, including social workers, psychologists, counsellors, youth support workers and other mental health professionals. In addition, it’s important our team members have experience with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and ideally also supporting young people.

Mental Health Team Member

Working with the Camp Coordinator and the MHT Lead, the MHT will respond and provide mental health support for campers. Other requirements include: 

  • In Person - Attending training and the full four days of camp 
  • Online - Approximately 15 hours, including training, planning, camp and debrief
  • Following and ensuring compliance with Community Guidelines
  • Documenting and reporting incidents; referrals to outside services
  • General labour when in-person (e.g., set-up, cleaning and maintenance of camp space)

Mental Health Team LEAD

Working with the Camp Coordinator, the MHT Lead will develop and execute the Mental Health Support Plan. Other requirements include: 

  • Assist in selecting Mental Health Team members
  • In Person - Attending three pre-camp planning sessions, training, and the full four days of camp 
  • Online - Approximately 30 hours, including training, planning, camp and debrief
  • Following and ensuring compliance with Community Guidelines
  • Documenting and reporting incidents; external referrals
  • General labour when in-person (e.g., set-up, cleaning and maintenance of camp space

Optional Honourarium MHT members will receive and honouraria (payable at the end of the month after Camp). More information will be included in the registration package. 

Interviews After applications are reviewed by Camp staff, all applicants will be either invited to an interview or notified they have not been selected.

Workshop Facilitator Application  

Role Description

Presenters bring personal and/or professional experiences to Camp that help equip youth with tools for empowerment and change-making in their own communities and also address tools for coping and finding supports.Workshops are presented by individuals, groups or organizations that have experience with and value 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and are excited to share their content with the Camp community.

Content Presentations provide a range of content, whether it is queer identities, social justice, navigating systems, understanding oppression, or building community. Content is delivered through different media including (but not limited to) arts-based, presentation, storytelling, break-out groups, panels, etc. 

Optional Honourarium Groups or presenters will receive an honouraria (payable at the end of the month after Camp) per presentation as a thank you for volunteering. More information will be included in the registration package. 

Each year we invite a Knowledge Keeper or Indigenous Elder to educate, mentor, and support our camp team. This person plays an essential role in planning Camp and will receive an honouraria as a thanks for their gifts. If you have any questions or would like to have a conversation about how you can get involved, please contact us at fyreflyo@ualberta.ca

Camp fYrefly Ontario has gathered annually where diverse indigenous peoples have been for thousands of years. We aspire for our work to acknowledge continuing colonial violence, honour the nation-to-nation treaty relationship, and respect indigenous knowledge and traditions.