Summer Camp Counsellor – Kitchener

Job Opportunity:
Summer Camp Counsellor – Kitchener

(5 weeks in July/ August – 40 hours/week)

JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area including the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.

The JA Summer Camp Coordinator works within a team of camp counsellors and under the supervision of full-time JA staff to facilitate all aspects of the JA Startup Camp experience for 8-13 year olds.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Supervising, facilitating, and participating in camp program activities with campers 8-13 years old
  • Participating in training and orientation sessions held prior to camp
  • Working in cooperation with other Camp Counsellors to ensure campers are safe, while maintaining adequate health and hygiene measures
  • Building relationships with campers by demonstrating compassion, empathy, and understanding
  • Providing positive feedback for parents
  • Assisting with camp set up and tear down activities, such as light cleaning, room preparation, organizing supplies/ materials, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills/ Qualifications

  • Ability to work well with children and parents
  • Ability to communicate effectively with parents, other Camp Staff, and campers
  • Ability to motivate others in learning new skills
  • Ability to demonstrate responsible, ethical, and professional conduct
  • Ability to provide support and instruction to others
  • Experience or education in working with children

This is a contract position (40.0 hours per week).

The successful candidate must be available to work 8:30 – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday from July 15 to August 23, 2024, on location at the Church of the Good Shepherd , 116 Queen Street North.

JA South Western Ontario is committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where differences are valued and respected in all areas of our business. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. JA SWO will not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, age (18 and over), record of offenses for which a pardon has been granted, marital status (including same sex partners), family status, or any other grounds prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Are you ready to be a JA Summer Camp Counsellor? Please send a resume and cover letter to Zoe at zburness@jaswo.org. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 2 months

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-04-19
Expected start date: 2024-07-15

APPLY NOW

Summer Camp Counsellor – London

Job Opportunity:
Summer Camp Counsellor – London

(7 weeks in July/ August – 40 hours/week)

JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area including the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.

The JA Summer Camp Counsellor works within a team of camp counsellors and under the supervision of full-time JA staff to facilitate all aspects of the JA Camp Startup experience for 8-13 year olds.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Supervising, facilitating, and participating in camp program activities with campers 8-13 years old
  • Participating in training and orientation sessions held prior to camp
  • Working in cooperation with other Camp Counsellors to ensure campers are safe, while maintaining adequate health and hygiene measures
  • Building relationships with campers by demonstrating compassion, empathy, and understanding
  • Providing positive feedback for parents
  • Assisting with camp set up and tear down activities, such as light cleaning, room preparation, organizing supplies/ materials, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills/ Qualifications

  • Ability to work well with children and parents
  • Ability to communicate effectively with parents, other Camp Staff, and campers
  • Ability to motivate others in learning new skills
  • Ability to demonstrate responsible, ethical, and professional conduct
  • Ability to provide support and instruction to others
  • Experience or education in working with children

This is a contract position (40.0 hours per week).

The successful candidate must be available to work 8:30 – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday from July 2 to August 23, 20234, on location at the JA Centre, 15 Wharncliffe Road N, London.

JA South Western Ontario is committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where differences are valued and respected in all areas of our business. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. JA SWO will not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, age (18 and over), record of offenses for which a pardon has been granted, marital status (including same sex partners), family status, or any other grounds prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

To apply please send a resume and cover letter to Zoe at zburness@jaswo.org. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 2 months

Salary: From $16.55 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

  • Casual dress

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-04-19
Expected start date: 2024-07-02

APPLY TODAY

Lifting Each Other Up: International Women’s Day

Women supporting women

International Women’s Day was March 8th and I had the good fortune to attend several events to celebrate.

At the Smashing Barriers event organized by TechAlliance, Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO and Co-founder of Canada Learning Code, I was inspired by Melissa’s passion for teaching Canadians of all ages important digital literacy skills that are so vital in today’s workplace. I was also excited to learn that Melissa is a JA alumna, having completed Company Program in London. Another shining example of JA’s impact and outcomes!

At the Wilfrid Laurier International Women’s Day lunch, a panel of experts engaged in conversation around “Women Finding Housing Solutions for a Better Future”. Moderated by by Deborah MacLatchy, President & Vice-Chancellor, WLU, the panelists – Dr. Laura Pin, Acting Director of the Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy; Jordan Prentice, founder of Kuponya Innovations; Sarah Gillies, Housing Stabilization and Interim Supports Manager, County of Wellington – shared their incredible work, particularly related to policy reform, that they’re undertaking to create a better future for women.

The final event of the week was the Greater KW Chamber International Women’s Day breakfast, where the theme was Inspiring Inclusion. Ren Navarro (B Diversity Group) was interviewed by Regional Chair Karen Redman about how she’s inspiring inclusion in a male-dominated industry.

As I reflect on these events as well as on International Women’s Day, I am extremely grateful for those in my life who’ve supported me. There have been wonderful mentors from diverse backgrounds as well as fantastic colleagues who have believed in me. I’ve benefitted from community supports and various programs to help the organizations I’ve led grow. Recognizing how helpful these have been and wanting to provide similar resources to women business leaders – especially our JA students – I’ve compiled a short list of possible resources below. I hope you find them helpful!

If any resources come to mind that I may have missed, please let us know at info@jaswo.org. The more we can support female-identifying individuals in their business endeavours and leadership roles, the more we’ll have a well-rounded inclusive society ready to make a difference in the world. Young girls need to see everything their mother, aunts, and family friends can do – and if we all share resources and ideas to lift each other up they will have that chance.

  • Karen Gallant
    President and CEO
    JA South Western Ontario 

IN THE NEWS: Junior Achievers in London (CTV)

Company Program Students interviewed for CTV
Company Program Students interviewed for CTV

Why RRSP Season Should Interest Teenagers (and How Junior Achievement Supports Early Retirement Planning) 

RRSP planning for teens

Retirement planning is too often considered a distant concern for teenagers, who are more focused on immediate priorities like school, social activities, and part-time jobs. However, in today’s economic landscape, starting retirement planning early has become increasingly important. With RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) season in full swing, it’s an opportune moment to discuss why teenagers should take an interest in retirement planning and how organizations like Junior Achievement are supporting youth in this endeavor.

  1. Understanding Long-Term Financial Goals: Teenagers are at a pivotal stage where they begin to envision their future careers and lifestyles. While retirement may seem far off, establishing long-term financial goals early on can significantly impact their financial well-being later in life. By understanding the importance of saving for retirement now, teenagers can set themselves on the path towards financial independence and security.
  2. Harnessing the Power of Compound Interest: One of the most significant advantages of starting retirement planning early is the power of compound interest. By starting to save and invest early, teenagers can take advantage of the compounding effect, where their money earns interest on both the principal amount and the interest already earned. This can lead to significant growth over time, even with relatively small contributions.
  3. Developing Financial Responsibility: Learning about retirement planning at a young age fosters financial responsibility and discipline. By budgeting for retirement savings alongside other expenses, young people develop crucial money management skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Understanding spending, saving, and investing empowers youth.
  4. Adapting to Economic Uncertainty: Young people are not immune to the effects of economic uncertainty. As the cost of living continues to rise, without adequate retirement savings, teenagers risk facing financial insecurity in their later years. By starting to save and invest early, they can better prepare themselves to meet future financial challenges.

Note that there is no minimum age to open an RRSP. If a Canadian has employment income and files a tax return, they (or their guardian) may set up and contribute to an RRSP. The same is not true for tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs), which require a minimum of at least 18 years of age.

While the benefits of early retirement planning for teenagers are clear, the question remains: how can they access the necessary knowledge and resources to get started? This is where organizations like Junior Achievement (JA) step in.

Junior Achievement is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people to succeed in the global economy. One of the key components of JA’s programs is financial literacy education, which includes topics such as budgeting, saving, and investing. Through a variety of learning experiences and resources, JA equips young people with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the financial world.

Through interactive classroom programs such as JA Personal Finance, real-world simulations like JA Investment Strategies, and online resources including JA’s Your Money Questions Answered modules, teenagers learn about the importance of starting early, the different investment options available, and the impact of compound growth on their retirement savings.

RRSP season serves as a timely reminder that retirement planning is not just for adults – even teenagers can benefit from starting to save and invest early. By understanding their own long-term goals, harnessing the power of compound interest, developing financial responsibility, and adapting to economic uncertainty, young people can lay a strong foundation for a prosperous financial future. It is more important than ever for young people to take control of their financial futures, and organizations like Junior Achievement play a vital role in supporting youth in starting retirement planning early, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.

  • Karen Chafe
    Director, Programs & Operations
    JA South Western Ontario 

Navigating the Future: A Strategic Look at HR Trends Shaping Youth Preparedness for the Evolving Workforce 

jobs of the futureA new year means a new start and many people consider changing jobs and/or careers in January.  It can be a daunting thought for people with work experience, and absolutely overwhelming for a young person who’s just starting out.

We sought insights from Kim MacPherson, a JA South Western Ontario board member and a Global Talent Leader, to gain her thoughts and perspective on the future of work.

Q: In your experience across various industries, have you identified any trends in Human Resources that were common to all? If so, what were they?

A:

Absolutely, and it’s an exciting time for young professionals! One trend that stands out across the board is the emphasis on adaptability and agility. Companies are valuing individuals who can quickly pivot and learn new things.

It’s not just about having specific skills; it’s about having the mindset to embrace change and always being ready to grow.

So, consider your career a constant learning journey, and you’ll be well on your way.

Q: We know that many people will work in jobs that don’t yet exist. How can young people prepare themselves for this reality?

A:

Get ready for a future full of possibilities.

To thrive in a future of unknown professions, young individuals should focus on building a solid foundation of transferable skills.

Critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability will be invaluable assets, transcending specific job requirements.

Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, stay curious, and be proactive in seeking diverse experiences. The key is to be open-minded and ready to learn, no matter where your career takes you!

Q: Looking ahead, what does the work environment look like? What are some outcomes from the pandemic that you think will have a lasting impact?

A:

The future workplace is all about flexibility and balance, offering more options for how and where you work. Thanks to the lessons from the pandemic, hybrid work is here to stay, giving you the chance to create a work environment that suits you. It’s not just about the job; it’s about finding a workplace that values your well-being.

Hybrid work models will likely become the norm, offering employees a balance between remote and office-based work. This shift will influence HR practices, focusing on employee well-being, digital collaboration tools, and redefining performance metrics to accommodate diverse work arrangements.

Q: What do you think are the top three competencies youth need to develop to be successful in the workplace of the future?

A:

First, digital literacy is paramount. Familiarity with emerging technologies and adapting to new digital tools are essential skills for the future workforce.

Second, critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be in high demand. The ability to analyze complex situations, think creatively, and propose innovative solutions will set individuals apart.

Last, effective communication and collaboration skills will be crucial in a world where remote work and virtual teams are increasingly prevalent. Being able to convey ideas clearly and collaborate seamlessly across diverse teams will be crucial to success.

Life is full of surprises, and being able to bounce back from setbacks with a positive attitude will make you unstoppable.

Q: What’s one piece of advice or guidance you’d offer youth as they enter the workplace?

A:

Embrace the adventure! Your career is a journey, not a destination.

Always be hungry to learn, seek out mentors who can guide you, and never shy away from trying new things.

Your success isn’t just about what you know today but how eager you are to keep growing.

So, stay curious, stay open-minded, and remember that every experience, no matter how small, is a step toward building your fantastic future.

If you’re interested in reading more about the Future of Jobs, we encourage you to check out the World Economic Forum report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/

IN THE NEWS: Taco Bell Foundation’s Grant World of Choices Program Events Includes Windsor-Essex (AM800/CKLW)

Guest host Kyle Horner is joined by Karen Gallant, CEO of JA South Western Ontario to talk about the foundation and the benefit it has for students. 

Taco Bell Foundation Grant

Help turn dreams into reality – a message from JA Alum Stephen McCabe

However, it was in high school, during the JA Company Program in 2012, that my JA experience took on a whole new level. I pitched the idea of duct tape wallets to my company, which later evolved into duct tape book bags. Despite facing unexpected challenges during production, our team remained undeterred and eventually pivoted to creative and custom phone cases, aligning with a trend of the time. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, adaptability, and the importance of a unified vision.

Fast forward to today, and I am the CEO and Co-Founder of Northern Devs, a successful venture dedicated to helping startups and small-medium businesses build apps and websites. Additionally, I serve as a startup and product coach, sharing my expertise with an incubator in Brampton. Most recently, I’m excited to be launching QuickCasa, an AI platform designed to qualify leads for leasing agents in residential leasing.

When reflecting on my journey, I attribute much of my success to the solid foundation laid by JA. From selling energy drinks in high school to leading tech startups, JA instilled in me a deep understanding of business fundamentals and the critical importance of teamwork and adaptability.

Offering advice to high school students, I emphasize two key takeaways: ask questions and just try it. As I’ve come to realize, “Not knowing is never a problem; not learning is always a problem.” I wish I had taken more chances and embraced unique experiences, like the invaluable opportunities provided by programs such as JA.

As JA South Western Ontario celebrates the achievements of countless individuals with their “The Next 60 Starts Here” 60thAnniversary celebration, I invite you to join me in supporting their mission. Your generous contribution enables JA to continue empowering young minds, fostering entrepreneurship, and building a foundation for future leaders.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation before the year concludes by visiting jaswo.org/60startshere. Your support ensures that more students have the chance to experience the transformative power of JA programs and, like me, turn their dreams into reality.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Stephen McCabe

IN THE NEWS: Geddes Family Foundation Fuels the Future with a Generous Donation to Junior Achievement South Western Ontario  

The Geddes Family Foundation, administered through the London Community Foundation, announces a substantial donation to Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (JASWO) in support of the charity’s “The Next 60 Starts Here” 60th Anniversary campaign. Established in 2018, the Geddes Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting education and health initiatives

Brad Geddes, President & CEO ZucoraHome, has a long history with Junior Achievement South Western Ontario. Having served in various leadership roles, including Chair and Past Chair, and recognized as a Director Emeritus, Brad’s connection with JA dates back to 1972-1976 as a student in the Company Program in Brantford, Ontario.

Brad’s JA experience ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the establishment of multiple successful businesses. He provides invaluable advice to aspiring high school entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of finance, law, and a voracious reading habit.

In response to the Geddes Family Foundation’s donation, Karen Gallant, President and CEO of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario, expressed gratitude, stating, “This support allows us to expand our programs, reaching more students and empowering them with essential life skills. We are deeply grateful for the Geddes family’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders through relevant hands-on learning.”

“London Community Foundation is proud to facilitate the Geddes Family Foundation’s significant multi-year commitment that will further Junior Achievement’s vital mission,” said Diane Silva, Director of Philanthropy, London Community Foundation. “We applaud the Geddes family for investing in fostering the leadership and entrepreneurial skills of young people who are essential for building strong and thriving communities now and for generations to come.”

The Geddes Family Foundation’s donation comes at a critical time, as JA South Western Ontario celebrates 60 years with a goal to ensure every child is inspired by a JA experience.  To learn more and be a part of the celebration, please visit jaswo.org/60startshere or call 519-439-4201.

 

IN THE NEWS: Calling all alumni of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (Cambridge Today)

Calling all alumni of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario

JA alumni invited to participate in the creation of a ‘mosaic of stories’
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NEWS RELEASE
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SOUTH WESTERN ONTARIO
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Junior Achievement South Western Ontario is reaching out to its alumni spanning six decades to collect and celebrate the stories of success, growth, and learning that have emerged from the JA experience. As the charitable organization commemorates 60 years with their Next 60 Starts Here celebration, JA seeks to highlight and celebrate the impact of JA experiences on the professional and personal development of its alumni.

JA has been a pillar of experiential learning in southwestern Ontario since 1963, nurturing skills and insights essential for students in the areas of financial health, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. The stories of JA alumni stand as a testament to the enduring influence of Junior Achievement, demonstrating the transformative power of hands-on learning.

“We encourage JA alumni in our region, regardless of the scale of your experience, to share your story to help inspire local students,” said Karen Gallant, president and CEO of JA South Western Ontario. “We’re filling out our Alumni yearbook with at least one story from each of the past 60 years, but in the end we want to hear from as many alumni as possible. You never know which story is going to connect with a student and motivate them to push through a challenge they’re facing.”

The Next 60 Starts Here alumni initiative aims to showcase the diverse array of experiences and achievements of JA alumni. This mosaic of stories exemplifies the profound impact JA has had on individuals, communities, and the business landscape.

To share a JA story and be a part of this celebration, please visit the website or call 519-439-4201.

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Celebrating 2023 Laureates at the Hall of Fame Gala and Announcing 60th Anniversary “The Next 60 Starts Here” Celebration

At last night’s Gala Celebration at RBC Place London, distinguished Laureates Allan Drewlo, President of Drewlo Holdings, and Jill Wilcox, Owner of Jill’s Table were officially inducted into the London and District Business Hall of Fame, honoured for their outstanding contributions to business, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. While hosting the event, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario announced the launch of “The Next 60 Starts Here” – a $3.2 Million 60th Anniversary Campaign.

The London and District Business Hall of Fame Gala annually celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the London and District community through their commit

ment to ethical business practices. Allan Drewlo and Jill Wilcox have been selected as this year’s esteemed Laureates for their dedication to the world of business and philanthropy. Allan Drewlo has emerged as one of Southwestern Ontario’s foremost figures in the real estate development and property management indust

ry and Jill Wilcox has created a beloved destination for foodies, home cooks, and professional chefs as well as authoring food columns and six cookbooks.

The London and District Business Hall of Fame, established in 1990, serves as a crucial fundraising event for JA South Western Ontario. The event showcases the lives and accomplishments of these Laureates, inspiring the next generation of business leaders. These individuals will join a distinguished list of previous Laureates, whose portraits are displayed in the London and District Business Hall of Fame Gallery at the London Public Library in downtown London.

Nominations are now open for the 34th Annual London and District Business Hall of Fame Gala, which will be held on October 24th, 2024. Visit jaswo.org/LBHF for more information.

In addition to celebrating the induction ceremony, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario announced its 60th Anniversary “The Next 60 Starts Here” Celebration.

For 60 years, JA South Western Ontario has been dedicated to equipping young people with essential skills in financial health, entrepreneurship, and work readiness, preparing them for the constantly evolving global economy. JA continues to provide relevant hands-on learning to support youth in gaining essential skills, combatting the cycle of poverty.

The anniversary campaign aims to secure $3.2 million in funding to enhance and expand JA South Western Ontario’s reach and impact. These funds will be allocated toward vital areas, including sustainability initiatives, enriching learning experiences, improving IT infrastructure, and expanding facilities.

Andy Spriet and his wife, Helen, have made a significant commitment to the campaign by donating 10% of the fundraising goal. Andy, a former board member of JA South Western Ontario and an inductee into the London and District Business Hall of Fame in 2002, stressed the importance of supporting the organization, saying, “JA is supporting the future of business by teaching future entrepreneurs the skills they need. As a lifelong entrepreneur myself, it’s important to support these efforts. Helen and I hope our gift will inspire everyone across South Western Ontario to help in whatever way they can.”

As part of the celebration, JA South Western Ontario is collecting Alumni stories, aiming to gather at least one story from each of the past 60 years. The organization invites alumni who have participated in JA programs to share their stories, highlighting how JA has helped them achieve their goals and where they are today. This initiative demonstrates the enduring impact of JA’s work in the community.

Karen Gallant, President and CEO of JA South Western Ontario, expressed her enthusiasm for the 60th Anniversary Celebration. “We are incredibly proud of our six decades of empowering youth in South Western Ontario. This celebration is a testament to the lasting impact we’ve had in the region, and we look forward to connecting with our Alumni and the community to build an even brighter future for the next generation.”

To learn more about JA South Western Ontario’s 60th Anniversary “The Next 60 Starts Here” Celebration and how you can get involved, please visit jaswo.org/60startshere 

IN THE NEWS: Empowering Future Business Leaders The Junior Achievement Way (BizX Magazine)

Empowering Future Business Leaders The Junior Achievement Way By building abilities and nurturing self-belief, Junior Achievement prepares youth for the future of work, ensures they have the tools to be financially capable adults, and teaches them to think entrepreneurially. We explore the importance of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (JASWO), and how this organization can give students the employment and entrepreneurship skills and mindsets they need to succeed.