Volunteer Play Therapist

Position Title: Volunteer Play Therapist 
Contract Length: 5 days, 4 nights
Location: Okanagan, BC
Compensation: Unpaid volunteer position
Benefits: Accommodation, meals, activities, volunteer hours, letter of recommendation, life-changing experience.

Overview:
Camp Silver Lining is seeking a compassionate and skilled Play Therapist Volunteer to provide therapeutic support to children aged 6-12 through play. As the Play Therapist, you will help children express their feelings, develop critical thinking skills, and process emotional challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Important Medical Notice:
Camp can be physically tiring, even exhausting. The facility or activities may require volunteers to manage uneven terrain, be at a high altitude, require hiking, climbing, running, swimming, lifting, stairs, and other strenuous activities depending on the volunteer position. Your medical condition (physical fitness, recent or chronic injuries, allergies, physical or emotional limitations, etc.) and even the medications you take may be affected by the activities, the foods served, the emotional challenges with campers, or the sleeping conditions. Note: Volunteers, who stay in the sleeping quarters with campers, are not permitted to have medications in those quarters. Medications must be kept in other secure locations as designated by Camp Leadership.

Responsibilities:
• Therapeutic Play Sessions: Lead group and individual play therapy sessions, using toys, games, and creative play techniques in the camp environment to help children express themselves and explore emotions. All one-on-one therapy sessions will take place in an open or shared space with another staff member present, in line with Camp Silver Lining’s safeguarding policies. More information on available amenities at the rented facility will be shared with volunteer staff at least 12 weeks before camp takes place, or at the time of onboarding.
• Emotional Support: Provide a safe, empathetic, and playful environment where children can process and communicate their feelings, both verbally and non-verbally.
• Behavioral Monitoring: Observe children during play and document emotional or behavioral challenges, reporting findings to camp leadership as necessary.
• Program Collaboration: Work closely with Camp Leadership and volunteer staff to identify play techniques and scenarios that would be therapeutically beneficial in group and individual sessions.
• Conflict Resolution: Support children in developing problem-solving and coping skills by guiding them through role-play scenarios and other interactive activities.
• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality regarding all therapeutic sessions and sensitive information, ensuring trust and respect are upheld throughout the camp experience.
• Modeling Positive Behaviors: Demonstrate professionalism, emotional maturity, and respectful interactions while modeling positive behaviors for both campers and staff.

Qualifications:
• Completed certification in Psychology and returning student to psychology program (required)
• Experience working with children, particularly those facing emotional or behavioral challenges
• Strong understanding of play therapy techniques and their application with children
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build rapport with children
• Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team environment
• Empathetic, patient, and nurturing attitude
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check required (organization provided)
• Two character references (excluding family members) 
• One professional reference from a current or former employer, or a professor, who can speak to your qualifications, work ethic, and character relevant to the role, particularly in working with children or in therapeutic settings

Please apply at: https://www.campsilverliningokanagan.org/forms