We’re proud to share a recent article in the Toronto Star featuring our wonderful and dedicated Program Director, Elisa Traficante!
We're Hiring - Program Leaders
Program Leader - Summer 2014
JOB SUMMARY
Program Leaders are responsible for planning, packing and leading urban and retreat weekends and trips for Project Canoe’s youth in Toronto and Northern, Ontario. Each urban activity is comprised of 4 staff members and 8 youth participants. Our retreat weekends will have 6 staff and 10 youth. Leaders are provided with information regarding the youth prior to each excursion. Leaders are responsible for engaging and supporting the youth and making appropriate safety and leadership decisions regarding the trip/excursion. At all points of the trip the Program Leaders must maintain a youth-focused approach and keep emotional and physical safety of the youth as their primary concern. Program Leaders are also responsible for all equipment and completing all documentation required by Project Canoe. Program Leaders are expected to follow Project Canoe’s philosophy for working with our youth and adhere to all policies and procedures. Program Leaders will also have training, maintenance, and clerical responsibilities (see below).
This position is funded by the Service Canada – Canada Summer Jobs program. Therefore, in order to be eligible for this position, applicants must meet all of the criteria listed below.
Eligibility Criteria
- Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment
- Was registered as a full-time student during the preceding academic year;
- Intends to return to school on a full-time basis during the next academic year;
- Student in a secondary, post-secondary, CEGEP (Quebec only), vocational or technical program;
- Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and;
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial /territorial legislation and regulations.
Minimum Qualifications
- 2+ seasons of experience working with our youth population or 4+ seasons working with youth
- Bronze Cross (NLS preferred)
- Standard First Aid with CPR
- Must be comfortable in a collaborative working environment
- Exemplifies such qualities: social justice and environmental responsibility, self-awareness, safety awareness, passion for continuous learning and mentorship
- Experience leading outdoor education programming
- ORKA Canoe and Kayak certification or equivalent experience
Requirements
- Criminal reference check (vulnerable sector) within 6 months of employment start date
- Signed medical examination within one year of employment start date, certifying fitness for job duties
- Copies of certifications (must be current)
- Minimum 3 references, two of which must be related to working with youth
- Must be comfortable in a collaborative staff working structure
A Note About Accommodations - When not on an overnight excursion, staff will be required to find their own accommodation in the city of Toronto or the GTA.
How to Apply:
Ensure that you have reviewed the detailed Program Leader Position Overview and Program Leader Posting 2014 forms are available here.
Submit cover letter and resume to Elisa at: elisa@canoe.org referencing "Program Leader - Summer 2014" in subject line.
Questions/concerns can also be directed to Elisa via email or phone 416.778.4311
Project Canoe would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pub Night Highlights
Pub Night in Support of Project Canoe featuring canoe enthusiast, media personality, and author, Kevin Callan. This years Pub Night took place on May 1st and was hosted and sponsored by the Imperial Pub where Project Canoe raised just over $7000.00!
This year our guest speaker was Kevin Callan (The Happy Camper), a well known Canadian paddler, author, and wilderness enthusiast who shared anecdotal stories on the magic of the wilderness and the difference it can make in ones life.
We had a great silent auction, live auction and raffle prizes.
We want send out a very special thank you to everyone at the Imperial Pub for donating their location, food, time and kind hearts to Project Canoe each year.
Our intern, Anushka getting some help selling raffle tickets!
Project Canoe Executive Director, Eric Cartlidge, auctioning off this lovely canoe painting by Brigitte Nowak. Brigitte has graciously donated the above canoe painting as an auction item for our Pub Night.
Brigitte will also be hosting a CANOE art exhibit from October 16 - November 13 at Latitude 44 Gallery and will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Project Canoe.
Members Dawson Bridger and Kelvin Ewald helped out by selling raffle tickets!
Keen Canada joined us at the event with 9 of their staff! Thanks Keen for your ongoing support!
Project Canoe youth, Charles Gordon-Allen giving a wonderful speech regarding his experiences with Project Canoe.
We want to make sure we send out a heartfelt "thank you" to the many wonderful people that made this event possible. Special thank you's go out to the Imperial Pub for generously hosting the event, Keen Canada for their donation and support, Kevin Callan for being our guest speaker, Charles Gordon-Allan for sharing his Project Canoe experiences, Russell Rowlands for volunteering his time to be our photographer, Nina Mueller for being the head of the planning committee, and Tushar Mehta for doing a wonderful job MC-ing the evening.
We also want to thank all of our other volunteers, supporters, program partners, and friends for making this event the successful evening that it was.
Eva's Project Canoe "Bundles"
Over the last few months, since our move to Eva's, we have been busy collaborating with their recreation program to run youth wellness activities! Project Canoe in collaboration with Eva's recreation program, has been working hard to provide monthly "bundles" at all three of Eva's locations. This program is provided to compliment Eva's recreation program and independent living skills program (at Eva's Phoenix)
Bundles are a monthly holistic program focusing on three components of youth wellness. Each bundle has 3 components - physical wellness, mental wellness, and community wellness.
Every month has a different theme, so far the themes have been character, stress management, routine building, and coping.
What did our youth have to say about these "Bundles"?
"I think it was a great program! They were very knowledgeable and had a lot of information to share. I think everyone of the residents learned a fair amount of info" - Youth comment on routine building workshop
"Yes, I found it incredibly helpful" Youth comment on routine building workshop
"Really interesting. I learned a lot about myself." - Youth comment on stress management workshop
"I like that everyone is nice and makes me feel comfortable" - Youth comment on character workshop
"Because it helps with physical activity and is super duper fun" - Youth comment for overall "bundle" workshops
Upcoming in April - Focus on coping: making mandalas and dream catchers, visiting local community centre for tour and orientation to programming, strength and cardiovascular training.
Want to stay updated on bundles? Then check out our Eva's Project Canoe page (located under "programs"). The page is updated monthly with the theme and dates/locations. You can also follow up on twitter @ProjectCanoe with #youthwellness to see what we are up to.
Project Canoe's Annual Pub Night
Please join us on Thursday May 1st for Project Canoe's 8th Annual Pub Night Fundraiser Featuring canoe enthusiast, media personality and author, Kevin Callan
Where: The Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas St E, Toronto
When: Thursday May 1st 7:00pm - 9:00pm
How to get tickets: Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
We will be having a silent auction AND raffle prizes!
Follow updates for this event on Twitter @projectcanoe and #PCpubnight.
Project BackYard March Break Recap
Project BackYard, our year round program is intended to provide youth with fun, educational activities that can be done within their own communities or ‘backyards’. During March break we had two very successful events!
Skate and Celebrate!
We were joined by youth and staff from Teach 2 Learn. Enjoyed an afternoon of skating (sponsored by MPP Glen Murray), followed by a dinner at the Regent Park Community Centre. The youth had a great time hanging out with friends and taught us to salsa dance! We want to send a special shout out to Susanna from Teach 2 Learn, she was an amazing support and we couldn't have done it without her help at both events! Thank you Susanna!
Healthy Meals at the STOP
The STOP Community Center hosted youth from Project Canoe and Teach 2 Learn. We had a great time working with community members, youth and staff to make vegan brunch for dinner. Youth had the opportunity to learn new cooking techniques, food preparation skills, and the best of all, eat what they prepared! We want to send a shout out to Kristyn Dunnion from the STOP! She's been wonderfully helpful, accommodating and overall amazing! Thank you Kristyn!
We also want to thank the MPP Glen Murray, Teach 2 Learn and The STOP Community Food Centre for making these events possible!
Film Festival Update
The Reel Paddling Film Festival kicked off its 2014 world tour here in Toronto on March 4, 2014. The event was hosted by The Complete Paddler at the Royal Cinema in Little Italy. Approximately 200 film enthusiasts attended the event. One hundred percent of the night’s proceeds went directly to Project Canoe! All in all, including the raffle tickets sales and a generous donation from Canoe North Adventures, $1400 were raised. A huge thank you goes out to The Complete Paddler, Canoe North Adventures, our volunteers for the evening, and all the attendees! Thank you all for your ongoing support!
Please also see what the complete paddler's review of the Film Festival.
Reel Paddling Film Festival Premier
Reel Paddling Film Festival Premier The Reel Paddling Film Festival kicks off its 2014 world tour here in Toronto on March 4, 2014.
Rapid Media’s 9th annual Reel Paddling Film Festival showcases some of the best paddling films in the world. This international competition begins in Toronto, ON, hosted by The Complete Paddler, before beginning its year-long tour across the globe and screening to over 30,000 outdoor enthusiasts and their families. The festival recognizes the best paddling films in a series of categories like, best white water kayaking film, best canoeing film, best fishing film etc. It aims to inspire more people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace the lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of the wild places we paddle.
On Tuesday, March, 4th, 2014 The Complete Paddler will be hosting the premier at the Royal Cinema in Little Italy. Doors will open at 6:30 PM for a 7:00 PM start.
One hundred percent of the night’s proceeds will be going directly to Project Canoe! We will be present at the event to promote and educate patrons on the long running program.
To add even more excitement to the event; thanks to the tremendous generosity of some of The Complete Paddler's top manufacturers, there will be a number of door prizes to be won as well as two “Hot Ticket” prizes. Everyone who attends will be entered into the draw for the Door Prizes and Hot Tickets will be sold separately for $2.00/ea or $5.00 for 3.
Tickets: $12/Advance or $15/door Advance tickets can be purchased at The Complete Paddler over the phone 416 255 6905 or online
RSVP to the facebook event here
For more information on:
Project Canoe: www.canoe.org
The Complete Paddler: www.completepaddler.ca
The Reel Paddling Film Festival: www.reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com
Contact: The Complete Paddler - 416 255 6905 or kelly@completepaddler.ca
New Address for Project Canoe
As some of you already know, we moved to a new location near the end of December.
We are still trying to get settled in our new office and are still having some phone and printing issues. Thank you for your patience while we work on getting this all sorted out. Be sure to check back frequently for updates.
Please send all mail to the following address: Project Canoe c/o Eva’s Initiatives 11 Ordnance Street, Toronto ON M6K1A1
Our phone number will remain the same 416.778.4311
Please make sure you update your records.
We're Moving
As of December 20, 2013 Project Canoe will have a new address. Please send all mail to the following address: Project Canoe c/o Eva's Initiatives 11 Ordnance Street, Toronto ON M6K1A1
Our phone number will remain the same 416.778.4311
Please make sure you update your records.
Holiday Potluck CANCELLED
You're Invited PC Holiday Party
Come Celebrate with Project Canoe
Thursday December 12, 2013 at 7:00pm
The Imperial Pub (54 Dundas St E)
This will be a great opportunity to come celebrate the year we’ve just had, reunite with old friends, meet past and present staff, and just have a great time!
RSVP via our facebook event to let us know if you will be attending. We have been asking for your help this holiday season to raise funds toward new canoes. We are specifically looking for approximately 10 to 12 new canoes. We realize this is a big task, so as this funding push hits the mid point, to help keep the momentum going and the donations flowing, we invite you to our PC holiday party at the Imperial Pub.
Click to download the invitation PCHolidayInvite
Stay connected: facebook / twitter
Pub Night Update
This years Pub Night took place on Oct 15th and was hosted and sponsored by the Imperial Pub where Project Canoe raised $6000.00!
First of all we need to start with a huge THANK YOU to everyone who contributed and attended to this event. Our Pub Night would not have been possible without some of these kind hearted individuals who gave so much to make it a great night for everyone!
We want send out a very special thank you to everyone at the Imperial Pub for donating their location, food, time and kind hearts to Project Canoe each year.
Additionally, our deepest thank our keynote speakers Mark Oldershaw, Olivier Adrian, and Andrew Fortis for sharing their inspirational stories with us.
Last but not least, we want to send out a special thank you to one volunteer who helped pull this whole thing together, Nina Joy Mueller.
Nina first got involved with Project Canoe through her friend (who was the Program Director at the time) when she was looking for an event to work on. She was on the planning committee for the Pub Night event last year. This year she took on the more challenging role of Event Chair. Nina found this role challenging this year as the committee for this event was much smaller. She became the main contact person for the event and coordinated, managed and executed the event flawlessly. Thanks to Nina, everyone really enjoyed themselves and we were able to raise considerable funds for Project Canoe. Nina is planning to continue to volunteer for PC and will be joining the Fund Development Committee this year.
Nina and the Project Canoe Team are all in agreement, the event was very successful and a lot of fun. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to all of our supporters!
Help Us Fund 10 New Canoes
A Holiday Funding Drive for Canoes! We need your help this holiday season. After a fun filled summer of paddling in the Temagami area with 120 plus youth, our canoes have seen better days. We are launching this holiday campaign to raise funds toward new canoes. New canoes mean that we can ensure our youth continue to have life-changing experiences out on the water!
As a Project Canoe supporter, you know the power of the outdoors. You know about the transformation that can happen in a young person’s life when they are given the opportunity to clear their minds, learn and practice new skills, and experience something many youth take for granted. So help us continue to do this by contributing to our holiday funding campaign.
There are multiple ways to donate!
Online - Through Canada Helps (click link below to donate right away!)
By cheque - Address to Project Canoe and mail to the following address: Project Canoe Centre for Social Innovation, Regent Park 585 Dundas Street East, 3rd Floor Toronto, ON M5A 2B7
For other donation options please see our donation page.
Feel free to download the Project Canoe Brochure for more information and pass to pass along to the message.
Come CELEBRATE with us! Dec 12th, 2013 starting at 7pm
As this holiday funding push comes to an end we want you to come celebrate with Project Canoe at the Imperial Pub (54 Dundas St E, Toronto). This will be a great opportunity to just come celebrate the year we've had, reunite with old friends, meet past and present staff, and just have a great time!
Project CANOE's Annual Pub Night Fundraiser
Please join us on Tuesday October 15th for the Project Canoe Annual Pub Night Fundraiser Where: The Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas St E, Toronto
When: Tuesday October 15th 7:00pm - 9:00pm
How to get tickets: Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tickets are online available through Eventbrite at http://pcpubnight2013.eventbrite.ca To hold a ticket at the door, please RSVP to info@canoe.org.
There will be some amazing silent auction items so please bring your cheque books and credit cards and help support getting youth that are facing a variety of barriers out on a canoe trip next summer.
See you there.
Run a Marathon (full, half, or 5k) for Project Canoe
Interested in having some fun this Fall while getting in shape? Once again Project Canoe is an official charity of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, October 20th. You can support us in two ways: Join our team! You can walk or run the 5k, or run the half or full-marathon. If you join Team Project Canoe, we’ll cover your entry fee if you commit to helping us fundraise for our important programs. Contact info@canoe.org if you want more information or help getting signed up. Click here to register for the marathon, half, or 5k!
Sponsor our team! Click here to provide an online, secure donation. 100% of the donation goes to Project Canoe with no processing fees (and you get a tax receipt for your donation of any amount).
Once again, contact info@canoe.org and we’ll send you the sign-up instructions with a special discount code to cover your registration costs for joining or team and helping us raise funds.
CANCELLED August 3rd Safety Pool Session
August 3rd Pool Session has been CANCELLED.
Those still requiring swim assessments can complete them through a swim form (provided by Project Canoe) at their local pool.
Please contact our office at 416-778-4311 or email us at info@canoe.org for further details and any other questions you may have.
Thank you,
The Project Canoe Team
**CANCELLED**
Our next (and last) pool session of the summer is Saturday Aug 3rd!
August 3rd, 2013 3:00pm – 5:00 pm*
At 340 Sentinel Rd,
North York, ON
M3J 1T9
TTC: Travel to Downsview Station. Board the 106 York University and travel to Hucknall N. Arrive at 340 Sentinel Rd.
This is a mandatory part of our application process. If you have any questions please call us at 416-778-4311
*Only those registered welcome to attend due to limited space.
July 15th Safety Pool Session
We are having our next Safety Pool Session on Monday July 15th! At Vaughn Road Academy Pool
July 15th - 12:30pm - 3:30pm*
529 Vaughan Rd. York, ON M6C2R1
TTC: Travel to St. Clair WEST Station. Board the 90A Vaughan and travel to Winona Farside.
This is a mandatory part of our application process. If you have any questions please call us at 416-778-4311
*Only those registered welcome to attend due to limited space.
One Last Push to Send 120 Youth on Canoe Trips!
A Recently we asked you for help. We asked you to help us raise $30,000. We have raised $15,000 toward this goal, but we still need to raise $15,000 in the next week. Dwindling resources at all levels of government and a struggling economy have made it difficult for Project Canoe to raise all the needed funds to ensure 120 youth are able to have a life-changing experience. Won't you help us raise $30,000 before our official summer season launch? As a Project Canoe supporter, you know the power of the outdoors. You know about the transformation that can happen in a young person's life when they are given the opportunity to clear their minds, learn and practice new skills, and experience something many youth take for granted.
Project Canoe does not turn any young person away, regardless of the ability to pay. This means we provide full or partial subsidies for the majority of the youth we serve.
Donate now and know that you're supporting something truly impactful this summer.
- $1,500 buys a new canoe to keep our youth paddling safely
- $1,200 pays for a bus trip to Temagami for 20 youth
- $500 sends a youth on a foundation 5-day canoe trip
- $100 funds a youth for one night of a canoe trip
- $50 helps feed a youth for a 5-day canoe trip
| |
||
We're Hiring
We have completed the hiring for this position. If you're interested in hearing about opportunities for next year, feel free to reach out to info@canoe.org. Thank you! Project Canoe (Creative and Natural Outdoor Experience Inc.)
Executive Director (part time contract)
Project Canoe (Creative and Natural Outdoor Experience, Inc.) is seeking an Executive Director on a six-month part-time contract to provide strong and passionate management and leadership for its mission of helping youth, who face economic, social and behavioural challenges in their lives, build more positive futures.
Established in 1976, Project Canoe is a registered charity which provides wilderness canoe trips and other year-round supportive experiential activities and opportunities to youth (aged 13-17) who are drawn primarily from Children’s Aid Societies, children’s mental health agencies and Toronto’s high-priority communities. Since the Organization’s inception, more than 2500 youth have benefited from Project Canoe’s unique program approach which features a low staff to youth ratio and an emphasis on building on the inherent strengths of each individual participant.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director of Project Canoe assumes the role of managing and leading this vital youth development organization. The Executive Director’s responsibilities and opportunities include:
Strategic Leadership:
The Executive Director will be knowledgeable about the Organization’s strategic direction, in order to make appropriate operational decisions. The Executive Director will provide input to the strategic planning process that is currently underway and will help implement the new 5-year strategic plan.
Fundraising & Promotion:
The Executive Director will lead fundraising efforts for the Organization and develop an annual fundraising and promotion plan. All fundraising and promotion activities are designed to respect the confidentiality and dignity of the Organization’s youth participants.
The Executive Director will maintain relationships with funding agencies as well as promote the Organization to funders, potential funders and to other organizations that serve our population and/or provide similar program experiences.
The Executive Director will be lead the development of all publicity and communications, including production of the newsletter, updates to the website and other promotional materials.
Organizational Administration:
The Executive Director is responsible for financial management and administration of the Organization, including preparing the annual budget, preparing for the annual audit, keeping abreast of accounts and investments, and managing payables, receivables, petty cash and payroll.
Additionally, the Executive Director prepares an Annual Plan which is based on the Organization’s existing overall Strategic Plan. The Executive Director reports on progress towards the goals of the Annual Plan at each Board meeting.
The Executive Director facilitates the updating of the Organization’s By-laws, policies, procedures, Risk Management Policy and Strategic Plan. Also, the Executive Director keeps the Organization in good standing with respect to charitable status, incorporation, insurance, taxation and memberships in other organizations.
The Executive Director’s administrative duties include those directly related to the position, as well as maintaining the database, keeping contact with members of the organization, correspondence, mailings and general office work. The Executive Director may have the services of an Office Administrator to assist with some of the more basic of this work.
Leadership Team Support:
The Executive Director supervises and supports the Program Director, the Summer Coordinators and the Office Administrator. It is imperative that the Executive Director encourages commitment to the youth with whom we work, and ensures that the Leadership Team works within the philosophy and framework of the Organization. The Executive Director will be responsible for reporting to the Board on behalf of the staff and advising the staff on behalf of the Board.
Board Administration:
Keeping sight of the mission, vision, values and mandate of the Organization, the Executive Director guides and provides administrative assistance to the Board in its functions. This includes attending monthly Board meetings and serving on the Governance, Finance and Fund Development Board committees. The aim of the committees is to address issues in-depth and work on initiatives to improve these areas of the Organization. The Executive Director will work with the Chair of the Board to organize Board meetings.
Program Support:
The Executive Director assists the Program Director to establish program partnerships. These partnerships are formed with various youth agencies and programs when it is deemed beneficial to add a canoe trip experience to the agency’s or program’s existing program.
The Executive Director assists the Program Director with promoting the program and supports the development of the emerging year round program.
Skills and Qualifications:
- · Experience managing a non-profit organization
- · Experience working with a Board of Directors
- · Experience in staff management
- · Proven fundraising and promotion ability
- · Experience in organizational administration, including computer literacy
- · Knowledge of Project Canoe’s youth population is desirable
- · Understanding of and interest in canoe tripping/camping or other outdoor activities
- · Valid Driver’s License
Requirements:
- · Submit resume to the Project Canoe Hiring Committee
- · Selected candidates will be invited for an interview with the Hiring Committee
- · At least three references
- · Criminal Reference Check
Status: The position of Executive Director is a six-month part time contract (approximately 0.7 F.T.E.)
Location: Project Canoe’s Toronto office is at 585 Dundas Street East.
Salary: Project Canoe offers a pro-rated salary based on an annualized range of $55,000 - $60,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
This position involves some evening and weekend work. There is flexibility in the other hours worked.
Please submit your letter of application and resume by email to the Chair, Hiring
Committee, Project Canoe, no later than June 28, 2013. The email address is
We appreciate the interest of all applicants but will contact only those who will be interviewed.
More information about Project CANOE is available at: www.canoe.org