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Program Assistant - Pearson Seminar on Youth Leadership


Contract Dates: July 8th to August 15th, 2013
Note: Contracts require 2 additional days for planning sessions in April/May (Dates TBD)
The Program:
The Pearson Seminar on Youth Leadership is an innovative experiential education program that challenges young people, from Canada and around the world, to look at leadership concepts in the context of social justice, peace, international understanding, and a sustainable future. 80 youth, aged 15-18, will live and learn together for three weeks on the campus of Lester B. Pearson United World College. PSYL consists of a dynamic program of workshops, simulations, guest speakers, recreational and social activities. The program offers a skills-based learning model and explores key issues of ecological sustainability, social justice, and international understanding.
Position Summary:
The team of five Curriculum Coordinators, a Program Assistant, a Wellness Coordinator/Counselor, and the Program Director work as a core team to develop and implement the three week Pearson Seminar on Youth Leadership. The position begins with 2 days of planning in the spring (dates TBD), where we will build upon core curriculum and add the offerings of new team members and guest speakers. In July we re-convene on campus with a week of program planning and preparation. A team of 16 youth volunteers ("Facilitators") join us for a second week of preparation, where we provide them with peer-facilitation training and they assist us in designing activities for the program. The seminar begins on July 22nd and concludes on August 11th. The staff team continues for 4 days of debriefing, evaluations, celebration, and wrap-up. The seminar is an intense community experience with long days; it is highly demanding and phenomenally rewarding!
General Responsibilities for Program Assistant:
  • Provide general logistical support for PSYL operations
  • Work within a team of staff to deliver activities, and facilitate learning sessions, discussions and feedback circles which are directly related to leadership skill acquisition.
  • Compile master lists and transportation schedules.
  • Enter student information into database, ensure all student forms in order prior to program start.
  • Provide transportation services for program participants as necessary.
  • Answer questions and provide resources to students (such as getting recreation equipment, opening student store, set up for student run evening sessions).
  • Compile evaluation data at end of program.
  • Other duties as assigned by the PSYL Program Director.
Qualifications Required for Program Assistant:
  • Experience with the direct leadership of young adults (ages 15-18) in outdoor recreation/educational setting
  • Knowledge and educational experience in areas of peace, social justice, ecological sustainability, international understanding, community building, and leadership skills
  • First aid/CPR certification required
  • Class 4 drivers license required
  • A successful "Criminal Record Search" required
  • Other recreational certifications an asset (Lifeguard, Kayak and Canoe Guide)
Please note that the successful applicants will be required to live on-campus for the duration of the contract. Accommodation and meals will be provided (at no cost to you). Travel costs from your home to the campus at the start and end of the program will be covered. However, it is your responsibility to arrange for any non-program transport to and from Victoria (approximately 45 minutes away) during the program.
Please submit resume and cover letter by March 29, 2013 to:
Only those invited for an interview will be contacted. Unfortunately, due to high volume of applications we will not be able to provide feedback for those not selected for an interview. Pearson College is an equal-opportunity employer.