Working for Camp

Camp NeeKauNis always needs volunteers and those interested in Quaker service opportunities to help run our programs. Waterfront staff are remunerated at competitive levels. Adults are always welcome for Leadership positions: Head Cooks, Kitchen Staff, Directors, and Work Project Leaders are always needed. Head Cooks receive a modest stipend.

Staff attend Camp without paying fees. For adult staff members, one accompanying person may also attend for free. Rates are discounted for additional staff children. We are happy to verify volunteer hours for students and others who may need them. Donations are, however, very welcome as we strive to cover all our costs through fees.

If you are interested in being staff at Camp NeeKauNis. There are three steps to a successful application:

(1) you must fill in an application form and send it to recruiting.neekaunis@gmail.com who will forward it to your Director.

(2) When you are accepted you will be sent a link to a training module. This web-based document helps you be more informed about working at Camp before you arrive. There is a training certificate attached which must be acknowledged as read and will be part of your staff file. You will be contacted to confirm your position by your Director.

(3) You must register as staff on the website in the Program area. There you can also register any accompanying person and children. You will be asked to attest to your vaccination status(es).

There is travel funding help available: please contact your Directors. If you are a member or attender at a Quaker Meeting, your Meeting may be able to help.  

Staff positions include:

  • Kitchen Staff: Head Cook; Sous Chef; Helpers; food handlers' certificate needed for the Head Cook, for others it is an asset.
  • Chore Person: recycling and garbage duties; help with cleaning kitchen floors, kybos (outhouses), Wash House and other light tasks with lifeguards.
  • Child Care: some program support during Community Camp; contact Family Camp for specifics for that session. Vulnerable sector check and training mandatory for those 18 and over working with children and members of other vulnerable populations including newcomers to Canada and the elderly.
  • Program Staff: running crafts/Quaker education/outdoor education/field games/ community building events. Bring your ideas!
  • Cabin Leaders: guide young campers in camp activities; early morning and evening bedtime routines; sleep in cabins with Campers overnight; vulnerable sector check (if over 18) and training is mandatory; helping with activity set-up and clean-up.

You must be 15 years of age (17 for Teen Camp) or older to volunteer at Camp NeeKauNis.  

There are paid positions available as waterfront staff:

  • Senior Lifeguards
  • Junior Lifeguards
  • Boat Caretakers

Contact the Personnel Committee, c/o neekaunis-admin@quaker.ca for more information about being waterfront staff.

Volunteers are always wanted and high school students can use their hours to count for the requirements for graduating.  Let us know if you need a letter to take to your high school confirming these hours.

Camp NeeKauNis Requests Police Records Checks

Friends and friends of NeeKauNis:

If you are 18 and over and  are being considered for a volunteer or paid staff position working directly with the vulnerable sector at Camp NeeKauNis  you need to get a Police Records Check (PRC). This change is a result of new legislation from the Province of Ontario as of November 1, 2018. Your application for a PRC may take some time so please start early!

If you are a registered member of a profession that requires regular Police Checks and affirmation, please contact the person named below.

You need to contact your local police service. Volunteers may be able to get a reduced rate for the PRCs with a letter from Camp. Your director will provide you with this letter.
You own your record check: please do not give or send an original to anyone, even if they request it. We are asking for a copy to be sent by post to:

Camp NeeKauNis c/o 91a Fourth Ave., Ottawa, ON K1S 2L1 Attn: Staff Support
or by e-mail to recruiting.neekaunis@gmail.com.

The scan will be printed and erased and be stored in a secure location.
Your Director will be advised when this document has been received. Camp NeeKauNis is bound by the Ontario Human Rights Code and will not limit your involvement with Camp solely based on the PRC, except in cases of crimes against children and the vulnerable sector.

IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE AN AREA CODE BEGINNING WITH M:
The Toronto Police Services has special requirements. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with them and Camp will mail you a waiver form on legal-sized paper, on request of your Camp Director, if you are under their care or of the Camp Clerk if you are minuted as a Camp Director. It must be signed, witnessed by a Committee Member, and mailed to the Toronto Police Services with a certified cheque or money order for $20 to the order of the Toronto Police Services. The address is on the waiver document.

For list of Committee Members in Toronto, or if you have any questions please contact recruiting.neekaunis@gmail.com 

Once received we will ask for a renewal every 3 years, in agreement with Canadian Yearly Meeting policy.

 Thank you for your service to Camp,

 Ben Bootsma and Kris Wilson-Yang, Police Check Contact Persons

Kate Holden, Police Check Review Person

June 16, 2022