Camp Kaleidoscope 2015 Helping autistic children & their families have a fun & positive Summer Camp Experience. Goals: Children At Risk’s Camp Kaleidoscope: 1. Provide a fun and exciting summer camp experience where the issues that the youth experiences due to their autism spectrum differences disappear due to the assistance given by the Camp Counsellors, the Team Leaders flexible schedule of activities and the Camps over all supportive environment. This culminating in a better summer camp experience than they would get elsewhere and that any neurotypical youth would be jealous of. 2. Provide a respite opportunity for parents where they have peace of mind that their child is being adequately stimulated in an environment of acceptance and tolerance. Allow parents to commit to work schedules, spending time with siblings, undertaking home projects all in the knowledge that they won’t be called to take the child home due to the issues that necessitates that they attend a Specialized Camp. 3. To provide an environment for hands on training for anyone wishing to gain experience of how to work best with an individual on the autism spectrum. How to make them the most successful that they can be and get to know and love how funny, loving, intelligent and creative each individual can be. See the strengths rather than the perceived weaknesses. This is an ideal opportunity for those taking courses in childhood education, speech & linguistics, occupational therapy, social work, the medical field, DSW, Child & Youth Workers etc. to name just a few that would benefit from this training in the natural environment following an autism specific and non violence intervention training course provided ahead of Camp starting. Therefore Children At Risk is looking to hear back from individuals who :1. Have qualifications and experience in line with the job descriptions for the position(s) being applied for 2. Have a love or interest in working with youth with special needs, specifically autism. 3. Are high energy and are into running around, getting wet, swim and have a fun disposition 4. Don’t mind assisting a youth who may need help dressing, eating and toileting regardless of age. 5. Can cope with relentless questions from campers who are verbal and can listen to the needs of those who are unable to express themselves verbally and translate accordingly. 6. Have patience, tolerance and can handle a stressful environment where things may go the opposite of what was expected but be able to still have fun doing it. 7. Can turn up on time and follow instructions from a team leader, be a good team player but use initiative to adapt activities to assist Campers be the most successful that they can whilst staying within the activities parameters. 8. Abide by the safety rules set by the camp by providing constant attention needed to deal with runners and campers with no safety sense. Camp Hours are : 8.45 to 4.15 with before and after care for those who are needed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Camp Location is at Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School, 2072 Jasmine Crescent, East-Central Ottawa Training date of Thursday 9th July is compulsory as well as NVCI on Friday 10th July if you have not taken this course within the last two years. Salary is based on youth, camp and autism experience for a 35.5 hour Monday to Friday week, except the 3rd August holiday. 1 Camp Kaleidoscope 2015 now only has the following positions open...... Highest Needs Teen+ Group Camp Counsellors Camp Kaleidoscope has Groups divided loosely by four age ranges and then further divided by functionality to have a small group of similar Campers. Each Group Leader plans and implements age and functionality appropriate activities for their age range. We are looking to hire some very experienced individuals to work with the Highest Needs Campers with a more severe autism diagnosis or dual diagnosis. This can manifest as high anxiety, aggression towards others or self and assistance with communication due to being limited or non verbal. Also Campers may require additional support due to life skills deficits such as toileting, eating, changing regardless of age. The biggest challenge is to engage these Highest Needs Campers by tailoring the activities to best suit their needs whilst actively participating as part of a small group. Constantly watching that the activity, noise or others do not trigger the Camper or the Camper does not bolt. Major Areas of Responsibility Ideally be available from 13th July to 14th August 8.45 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. excluding weekends and 3rd August. Where necessary come in as early as 8 a.m. or leave as late as 5 p.m. if Camper is signed up for either before or aftercare. This is optional. Must attend Camp training on Thursday 9th July and renew NVCI on Friday 10th July if not renewed in the last 2 years. Be a key player in your groups team and work well as part of this team. Be ever vigilant for Campers triggers and work to have a preventive environment Work with Group Leader to adjust activities or have opt out alternative ideas when an activity does not work for that Camper but be respectful of following the Groups schedule of activities even if it’s not your favourite activity. In case of schedule disruptions or wait times show initiative of ways to entertain your Camper both on and off site of camp, with and without toys. No use of electronics or cellphones. Provide feedback to parents through the daily communications book. Keep Group Leader informed of any specific issues or concerns. Follow and enforce Camp safety guidelines and protocols but ensure a fun aspect to each day. Even though we are based in a school it’s summer break. Broad knowledge and experience in: Approximately 2 years experience working directly with youth with an Autism diagnosis Confident in actively being pro-active to prevent behaviours. Proven success in talking down agitated Teens or youth in their early twenties. Be comfortable and proficient in restraints – Previously trained in CPI’s Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (NVCI) and experience in using restraints both one person and two person holds. Enjoy activities such as arts & crafts, baking, mad science, games both indoors and out. Be able to be in the sun, run, comfortable in public swimming pools or getting wet. Ability to be patient, calm, creative, organized and above all else FUN 2 Highest Needs Teen + Group Leader Position Description: The Group Leader plans and implements age and functionality appropriate activities for older teens and young adults with a more severe autism diagnosis or dual diagnosis. This can manifest as high anxiety, aggression towards others or self and assistance with communication due to being limited or non verbal. Also Campers may require additional support due to life skills deficits such as toileting, eating, changing, and difficulty engaging. Major Areas of Responsibility Group Leader responsibilities include: Be available from 13th July to 14th August 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding weekends and 3rd August. Be a key player in the Camp leadership Team and work well as part of the team. Assist with set-up of Camp 6th to 10th July. Attend weekly Team Leader meetings on Thursdays following Camps close. Plan a weekly schedule tailored to the needs and abilities of the Group’s Campers. Be ever vigilant for Campers triggers and work to have a preventive environment Support staff in the Group with Camper behaviours and provide hands on training Manage staff breaks and short staff coverage effectively In case of schedule disruptions have a list of back up activities and be able to implement them instantly and effectively both on and off site of camp Provide constructive and supportive feedback to staff Follow and enforce Camp safety guidelines and protocols but ensure a fun aspect to each day Support the personal development of the Camp Counsellors but be able to step in and assist when necessary with campers that are frequently physically and/or verbally aggressive, self-injurious, extremely stubborn and generally disruptive of the schedule of activities. Broad knowledge and experience in: At least 5 years experience working directly with Teens with an Autism diagnosis At least 1 year of experience in organizing/planning appropriate activities such as arts & crafts, baking, mad science or games both indoors and out. CPI’s Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (NVCI) restraints. (both one person and two person holds) Proven effective Communication with management, peers, parents and campers Proven success in talking down agitated Teens Confident in actively being pro-active to prevent behaviours Ability to be patient, calm, creative, organized and above all else FUN Physically fit with quick reflexes, able to swim in public swimming pools or water parks, run, be outdoors 3 Behavioural Support Team Member – supporting the Highest Needs Teen+ Group Position Description: The Behavioural Support Team Members led by a Team Leader are divided between the Kids and Youth Groups in one corridor and the Teens and young adult Campers in the other. Behavioural Team members would join in with the Campers in the higher Needs Groups to assist the Campers to enjoy the activities but you would need to drop everything and assist with any behaviours that required extra assistance. The Behavioural Team is there to support Counsellors having difficulty with Campers aggressive behaviours who may need assistance calming a Camper down or removing that Camper to a quiet room so that the Group can continue their activities. As a last resort they may be required to implement a restraint. It is also necessary to cover the gym for before and after care and cover the Higher Needs Groups Counsellors lunch breaks. Major Areas of Responsibility Be available from 13th July to 14th August 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding weekends and 3rd August. Be a key player in the Behavioural support team working well with the other team members and Team Leader. Let Team Leader through use of walkie talkies know where you are with the Campers onsite and off site. Be ever vigilant for Campers triggers and work with Group Leaders to have a preventive environment Support the personal development of the Camp Counsellors by knowing when it is necessary to step in and assist. Support Group Leaders and Counsellors within the Groups with Camper behaviours and provide hands on training to them In case of schedule disruptions be able to step in and assist Group Leaders to organize equipment or resources for back up activities both on and off site of Camp Follow and enforce Camp safety guidelines and protocols but ensure the fun aspect isn’t eroded. Broad knowledge and experience in: Approximately 2 years experience working directly with youth with an Autism diagnosis Proven success in talking down agitated young men aged between 15 and 22 years of age Be comfortable and proficient in restraints – Previously trained in CPI’s Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (NVCI) and experience in using restraints both one person and two person holds. Strong Communication and organizational skills and good memory to know details on the Teens+ Campers such as triggers and calming techniques. Will need to communicate professionally with everyone in the heat of the moment to continually maintain a calm and professional environment. Confident in actively being pro-active to prevent behaviours Be able to be in the sun, run, comfortable in public swimming pools, water parks, splash pads or getting wet Be flexible as maybe needed to assist in other age range to cover for breaks etc. 4 Camp Kaleidoscope 2015 Helping autistic children & their families have a fun & positive Summer Camp Experience New Staff application for 2015 Name: Address: Home Phone: Email Address: Cell Phone: Age: Sex: M F Postal Code Name on T Shirt Size Men’s T shirt Applying for the following position(s):- Tick all those you wish to be considered for Higher Needs Teens+ Group Camp Counsellor Higher Needs Teens+ Group Team Leader Behavioural support for the Higher Needs Teens+ Group Tick/Highlight all the weeks you are available for Camp Kaleidoscope:- 13th to 17th July 20th to 24th July 27st to 31st July 4th to 7th Aug 10th to 14th Aug Any non availability? Available for Training date:- Thursday 9th July Need to CPI’s Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training Friday 10th July i.e. Haven’t taken it for 2 years, Never taken it. YES YES NO NO I have Valid - tick all those that apply :- Police Check CPR / First Aid Life Guard CPI’s NVCI PECS Sign Language Level ____ Other Comms Tools _________________ Experience with Seizures Experience with Personal Hygiene Experience administering Medication Experience with an Epi Pen Reason why you wish to join the Camp K Staff Team:- Current main employment of time i.e. Employer, Course, School (course & year) Experience/Qualification working with youth – provide details and state ages Experience with Autism – list age and severity as well as employer Interests and abilities that would benefit Camp (scouts, list sports, list special interests, etc.):- 5 Religious reasons, phobias, allergies, injuries, and/or medical conditions that may interfere with your participation in certain activities. (Can’t swim or go in a public pool, scared of dark, heights, animals, balloons, OCD, suffer with anxiety, migraines etc.) Please list your top relevant to ASD/ Camp References Name Position / Organisation 1. 2. Contact Email &/or phone Camper Preferences: Delete ones that you would not like to work with. You can have more than one preference. I would prefer/am comfortable with a camper that is: Age Range: Teen Room/19-22 years Room Functionality: Low/Moderate Energy Level: Low/Moderate/High Communication: None/Basic/Good/Obsessive Stubbornness: Easy going/At times/Stubborn/Extreme Physically Abusive: Sometimes/Frequently Verbally Abusive: Rarely/Sometimes/Frequently Self-Injurious: Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Frequently Toileting: Independent/Support/Diapers Seizures: None/Occasional/Constant Changing Clothes: Independent/Support/Dressing them Level of Comfort in Water Level of Comfort with restraints Ability to Sprint Strong Swimmer Fast Runner Good Good Good Can you handle the following? Chose yes or no beside each circumstance by deleting the other option. Seeing a person vomit – Handle the smell, without gagging Someone that spits all the time Someone that screams / cries all the time Invading your person space – standing too close or wanting a hug Playing with their poop in their pants or smearing it Average Average Average Poor Poor Slow Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Please let us know if you would not feel comfortable going on any of the following field trips: A Farm or Zoo A Water Park where you need to get wet Indoor Amusement Park (Midway/Fun Junction) Dow’s Lake (Paddle boating/kayaking) Please list any suggestions of locations you may have for Outings or Field Trips? As a charity with no guaranteed funding, we have a very limited budget for Counsellor wages. Salary is variable depending on the needs of the Campers you would be working with. Please indicate the range of hourly rate salary you would be expecting? $_____ Any comments/questions you have? 6 Please email the completed form to CAR.Autism@gmail.com 7