FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - STAFF

Frequently Asked Questions:

This page provides answers to some of the most common questions about working with SFU Camps. For any other information, please direct inquiries to Alexa Kaweski, Camps Programmer, at admin_camps@sfu.ca

Topics

Last updated: January 25, 2024

General Questions

What are the benefits of being a staff member at SFU Camps?

  • Gain practical experience working with children and youth in a fun, safe, welcoming and educational environment
  • Acquire leadership and mentorship skills 
  • Attend Professional and Personal Development Workshops
  • Experience developing and implementing age appropriate and creative lesson plans
  • Practice problem solving and critical thinking 
  • Receive feedback and guidance from our Programming team 

Am I required to have Standard First Aid and CPR-C?

Yes! You must have, or be willing to obtain your Standard First Aid and CPR-C prior to the first day of camps. If successfully hired, we will provide you with further instructions on how to register and complete your course.

Do I have to obtain a criminal record check? 

Yes you do! We require all staff to submit a completed Criminal Record Check to us. If successfully hired, we will provide you with specific instructions on how to complete a Criminal Record Check. 

For all new successfully hired staff, we recommend that you complete your Criminal Record Check as soon as possible!

Returning staff will be required to fill in a Crimial Record Affidavit form or will have to submit a new Criminal Record Check if the one on file is older than 3 years. 

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is pay parking available for staff in the West Visitor Parkade. Please visit SFU Parking to view permit and daily pass options. 

SFU Camps is not responsible for covering parking fees and citations. 

What is the timeline you follow for hiring?

Dates have not been finalized for 2025 hiring season but below is the timeline from the 2024 season for reference. Dates are anticipated to change slightly for 2025 so please continue to check the Opportunities page for specific deadlines. 

Application System Open   February 13, 2024
HI application deadline March 11, 2024
I application deadline March 25, 2024
Virtual HI Interviews Expected March 18 onwards
Virtual I Interviews Expected April 1 onwards
HI Training June 17th-21st
HI and I Training  June 24th-28th
First day of Camps July 2nd, 2024

*Application deadlines are contingent to change

References

Can I request a reference from SFU Camps? 

Absolutely! We are more than happy to provide you with any form of reference that you need. Please read below for additional information on requesting a reference. 

Please note: the reference will be completed by the current Head Programmer of Human Resources, based on the evaluations and notes in your file.

Criteria for Receiving a Letter of Reference:

  • The letter must be requested a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. 
  • Staff must be in good standing with SFU Camps*

*References for staff more than 5 years post employment with SFU Camps will be accepted on a case-by-case basis, due to time lapsed interfering with validity of reference.

How do I request a reference?

Please send an email to admin_camps@sfu.ca with the subject line "Reference Letter - Your Name".

In the body of the email, please provide:

  • Your full name

  • Year(s) you worked and Total # of hours if known

  • Purpose of the letter (e.g. scholarship, job application, university application)

  • Name of scholarship, employer, university, etc.

  • Copy of scholarship requirements, job posting, application or program requirements, etc.

  • Date of when you need the letter / reference

  • Where to send or submit the letter (e.g. email address, mailing address) or how we may be contacted to provide the reference (e.g. email, phone, online)

Optional 

  • 2-3 examples of skills used and/or experiences gained while with SFU Camps (e.g. problem solving interpersonal conflicts by managing camper conflict)
  • 1-2 examples of how you applied your Camps experience to other aspects of your professional life

 

Applications

When will applications open for Spring Break 2025?

We do not accept new staff applications for Spring Break Camps. All Spring staff are recruited from existing Camps staff from previous years. 

When will applications open for Summer 2025?

Applications are expected to open in early March. Please continue to check our Opportunities Page for specific dates and deadlines.

How do I apply?

This year we have a two step application process for Head Instructor and Instructor applicants.

  1. Complete online application form, found on our Employment Opportunities for the position you are interested
  2. Submit resume via online form that you will be redirected to after submitting Part 1

Applications will not be evaluated until resume is received. 

If I want to apply for more than one camp, do I need to fill out multiple applications?

No you do not, there will be a field on the application where you can rank your top 5 camp preferences and provide additional camp considerations.

TIP: Candidates that select a higher number of camp preferences will have their application reviewed for all preferences listed and thus boost their application. 

If I am interested in both the Head Instructor and Instructor positions, should I apply for both? 

No, that is not necessary. If you would like to be in contention for both positions, please start by applying for the Head Instructor role. We will review that application and dependent on how you perform in the interview stage we will take into consideration both roles and positions. 

How old do I have to be to apply for a staff postition with SFU Camps?

You must be at least 16 years of age by June 16th, 2025. 

Can I apply for a position if I can only work part-time? 

We only hire full-time applicants for both our Head Instructor and Instructor positions. Returning staff may apply for an On-Call placement if unable to commit to full-time staff position. Please email Alexa at admin_camps@sfu.ca for more information about the On-Call application and position.

Do I need to be available from 8:00AM-4:00PM (or 10:00AM-6:00PM for Post-Care) EVERY day during the summer? What if I have a doctor's appointment? 

Applicants who are available for the full-time shifts are given preference in the application process but we understand that things can come up during the summer and staff may need time off for whatever reason. Time-off requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and specific procedures for requesting time off will be provided upon job offer to successful applicants. 

Are you able to extend the deadline for me?

Due to the large amount of applications we receive, we are unable to extend our application deadline for individual applicants. 

Interviews

How does the interview process work?

2024 Format

Head Instructor and Instructor interviews will be a virtual process this year. All applicants will be undergo an initial phone screening and succcessful canditates will proceed to a video interview. 

The phone screening for both positions will be approximately 20 minutes and consist of general interview questions. The video interview will be approximately 45 minutes and consist of general interview questions, scenarios, and other opportunities to demostrate what you can bring to our team. Applicants will receive further instructions on how to prepare for the video interview upon interivew offer. 

What do you look for in the interviews?

During the interview the administrative team will be looking at varying qualities depending on the position and specific camp you are applying for. In general, some main qualities we look for in a staff member are: passion, adaptability, communication, mentorship, and general professionalism. Head Instructor applicants should also demostrate strong teaching and decision making skills. 

We want to make sure that we can trust you to work closely with campers, parents, and staff. Please remember to avoid the use of inappropriate language and make sure to wear appropriate clothing!

Training

Is there staff training?

Yes, there is mandatory staff training for all staff. This year, there will be required in-person training in June.

If selected, you will be contacted with specific dates closer to the Summer. 

I am a returning staff member. Do I still need to attend staff training?

Yes! All new and returning staff members are required to attend our mandatory training sessions.

What can I expect at training?

Staff training is intended to prepare you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence that you need for a successful and fun summer with us. Content will be delivered in various formats, such as in-person group discussions, presentations, and scenarios. 

Topics in previous years have included:

  • Confllict Resolution workshops
  • Receiving and providing feedback 
  • Leading Rec time 
  • Accessibility and inclusivity 
  • Adapting lesson plans 

GOT QUESTIONS?

For all inquiries on jobs with SFU Camps, please contact:

Alexa Kaweski
Camps Programmer
 admin_camps@sfu.ca
(778) 782-4307

We aim to provide a response to all inquiries within 2 business days.