Medical Volunteers

Organization: Zajac Ranch
Location: Mission, British Columbia
Position Type: Volunteer
Season: Summer Camp 2026
Schedule: Weekday residential camp sessions, generally Monday to Friday
Reports To: Nursing Director, Camp Nurse, or Designated Medical Lead

About Zajac Ranch

Zajac Ranch is an inclusive and accessible camp located on 41 acres in Mission, British Columbia. Our summer medical camp programs provide children, youth, and young adults with serious medical conditions and disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy, friendship, adventure, and independence of summer camp.

Our onsite medical team helps make these experiences possible by providing campers with safe, compassionate, and responsive health support throughout their stay.

Position Overview

Medical Volunteers play a vital role in creating a safe, fun, and memorable experience for campers at Zajac Ranch.

Working as part of the onsite medical team, volunteers support the health and well-being of campers, staff, and volunteers throughout each camp session. Responsibilities may include medication management and administration, first aid, health documentation, camper check-in, and responding to medical concerns as they arise.

Zajac Ranch is committed to fully supporting its Medical Volunteers. Volunteers receive an orientation, access to camper medical information relevant to their role, clearly established procedures, and ongoing support from the Nursing Director, Camp Physician, and other members of the medical team.

Our medical volunteers allow campers to participate in camp with confidence, knowing that their health needs will be supported in a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment.

Key Responsibilities

Medical Volunteers may be responsible for:

• Supporting the overall health, safety, and well-being of campers, staff, and volunteers.
• Working collaboratively with the Nursing Director, Camp Physician, nursing team, camp leadership, and program staff.
• Reviewing camper medical records, care plans, health forms, medication instructions, allergies, dietary information, and emergency protocols.
• Identifying missing, unclear, or inconsistent medical information and escalating concerns to the designated medical lead.
• Preparing the medical centre, medication areas, supplies, equipment, and documentation before camper arrival.
• Distributing approved first aid supplies and medical equipment to program areas, cabins, and designated staff.
• Maintaining appropriate inventory levels and reporting low, expired, damaged, or missing supplies.
• Participating in camper arrival, departure, shift handovers, medical meetings, and emergency response procedures.
• Maintaining professional, compassionate, and respectful communication with campers, families, staff, and fellow volunteers.
• Completing other reasonable medical support duties based on the volunteer’s qualifications, scope of practice, and the needs of the camp session.

Camper Check-In

Medical Volunteers support the camper check-in process by:

• Greeting campers and their parents, caregivers, or support persons.
• Reviewing medication details, including medication names, dosages, routes, schedules, and administration instructions.
• Confirming allergies, medical conditions, dietary needs, emergency medications, and relevant care plans.
• Ensuring that medications are properly labelled, documented, and supplied in sufficient quantities for the camp session.
• Confirming that required medical equipment and supplies have arrived with the camper.
• Asking clarifying questions when information provided does not match the camper’s medical documentation.
• Escalating medication discrepancies, missing information, or health concerns to the Nursing Director or Camp Physician.
• Helping families feel confident that their camper’s medical needs are understood and prepared for.

Medication Management and Administration

Depending on professional qualifications and assigned responsibilities, Medical Volunteers may:

• Receive, organize, store, and secure medications for campers and staff.
• Prepare medication administration schedules.
• Administer medications according to authorized medical directions, prescriptions, care plans, camp procedures, and professional standards.
• Verify the correct camper, medication, dose, route, time, and documentation before administration.
• Monitor campers for adverse reactions, missed doses, medication errors, or changes in condition.
• Maintain complete and accurate medication administration records.
• Ensure emergency medications are readily accessible to appropriately trained personnel.
• Complete medication counts and shift handovers as required.
• Return medications and relevant documentation to families during camper departure.
• Report medication discrepancies, errors, adverse reactions, or concerns immediately to the designated medical lead.

Medical Volunteers must only perform duties that fall within their professional qualifications, authorized scope of practice, training, and assigned responsibilities.

First Aid and Health Support

Medical Volunteers may:

• Respond promptly to first aid and health concerns involving campers, staff, and volunteers.
• Assess and provide care for minor illnesses, injuries, accidents, and other health concerns.
• Monitor campers who are unwell or require observation in the medical centre.
• Support campers with ongoing health needs during meals, activities, rest periods, and overnight hours, as assigned.
• Identify changes in a camper’s condition and communicate concerns to the Nursing Director, Camp Physician, or emergency services, as appropriate.
• Support emergency response procedures and the transfer of care to emergency medical services when necessary.
• Communicate relevant health information to authorized camp staff while respecting confidentiality.
• Help campers feel calm, safe, respected, and supported while receiving care.

Documentation and Communication

Medical Volunteers are responsible for maintaining clear, timely, accurate, and confidential health records.

Documentation may include:

• Medication administration records
• Medical centre logbooks
• First aid treatment records
• Health department documentation
• Camper monitoring notes
• Medication discrepancy or error reports
• Incident and accident reports
• Emergency transfer documentation
• Shift handover notes
• Other required camp or medical records

Medical Volunteers must promptly report significant health concerns, injuries, medication issues, safeguarding concerns, or changes in a camper’s condition to the appropriate medical and camp leadership staff.

Camper-Centred Care

All health services must be delivered in a manner that protects the camper’s:

• Safety
• Privacy
• Dignity
• Comfort
• Independence
• Confidentiality
• Individual needs and preferences

Medical Volunteers are expected to use respectful, age-appropriate, and inclusive communication. Whenever possible, campers should be involved in decisions and conversations about their own health care.

The goal is to safely support campers while allowing them to spend as much time as possible participating in the full camp experience.

Qualifications

Medical Volunteer applicants should be qualified professionals in medicine, nursing, paramedicine, or another approved healthcare field.

Applicants may include:

• Physicians
• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Registered Psychiatric Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Paramedics
• Nursing students
• Medical students
• Other qualified healthcare students or professionals, as approved

Students, paramedics, and applicants whose professional role requires supervision may be considered based on their training, experience, the needs of the camp session, and the availability of an appropriate nurse, physician, or authorized supervisor.

Acceptance into the program and assigned duties will be determined by the Nursing Director or designated medical lead.

Requirements

Medical Volunteers must:

• Hold current practicing registration, licensing, certification, or student status in good standing with the applicable regulatory college, professional association, educational institution, or employer.
• Provide evidence of current professional registration or enrolment, where applicable.
• Hold valid CPR-C certification or a higher-level current certification.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.
• Provide references and professional credentials upon request.
• Complete Zajac Ranch’s application, screening, and interview process.
• Attend required orientation and training.
• Review camper medical information before or at the beginning of the assigned session.
• Follow Zajac Ranch policies, medical protocols, medication procedures, infection prevention practices, and emergency response procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional liability insurance where required by their professional designation.
• Practise only within their authorized scope, training, competence, and assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Be comfortable living and working in an active residential camp environment.
• Be able to communicate respectfully and effectively with children, youth, families, staff, and other healthcare professionals.

Additional certifications or experience in emergency care, pediatric care, camp nursing, community nursing, disability support, mental health, or complex medical care are considered assets.

Volunteer Screening and Orientation

Successful applicants may be required to complete:

• A volunteer application
• An interview with the Nursing Director or designated representative
• Professional reference checks
• Verification of licence, registration, certification, or student status
• A Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search
• Confidentiality and privacy agreements
• A volunteer agreement
• Medical documentation and medication administration training
• Camp orientation and emergency procedure training
• Infection prevention and control training
• Any additional role-specific preparation

Zajac Ranch will provide applicants with information regarding the screening process following application review.

Time Commitment

Medical Volunteers typically support one full residential camp session, generally running from Monday to Friday.

Volunteers may be asked to:

• Arrive before camper check-in to prepare the medical centre and review files.
• Remain onsite throughout the assigned camp session.
• Participate in daytime, evening, overnight, or on-call medical coverage.
• Attend shift handovers and medical team meetings.
• Assist with camper departure and medication return at the end of the week.

Schedules and coverage expectations will be confirmed before the volunteer accepts a placement.

Priority may be given to applicants who are available for the full camp session. Opportunities to volunteer for multiple weeks may also be available.

Working Conditions

Medical Volunteers work in a residential camp environment and may be required to:

• Work daytime, evening, overnight, or on-call shifts.
• Respond to unplanned or urgent medical situations.
• Work in a busy medical centre with competing priorities.
• Walk throughout a large rural property.
• Provide support in cabins, dining areas, activity spaces, and outdoor environments.
• Work around water, animals, recreational activities, and uneven terrain.
• Stand or sit for extended periods.
• Carry medical supplies or equipment.
• Work collaboratively in high-energy or emotionally sensitive situations.

Medical Volunteers should advise Zajac Ranch of any accommodations they may require to complete the essential duties of the position.

Accommodation and Meals

Medical Volunteers staying onsite are provided with shared accommodation in the Ranch’s medical residence, located near the medical centre.

The residence includes:

• Four bedrooms
• Two bathrooms
• Convenient access to the onsite medical centre

Room arrangements may vary depending on the number of medical volunteers and the needs of the camp session.

Meals and scheduled snacks are provided by the camp’s Food Services Department during the volunteer’s assigned session. Dietary needs should be communicated before arrival so that accommodations can be reviewed.

Camper Spaces for Children of Medical Volunteers

Medical Volunteers may be eligible to bring up to two children, aged seven or older, to attend camp during their assigned volunteer session, with applicable camp fees waived.

Camper placements are:

• Subject to space and program availability
• Dependent on the child meeting the eligibility requirements for the applicable camp session
• Subject to completion of all required registration and medical documentation
• Confirmed only after approval by Zajac Ranch

A waived camper fee is provided as a volunteer benefit and does not guarantee registration or placement in a particular camp session.

What Medical Volunteers Will Gain

Medical Volunteers have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with medical conditions and disabilities.
• Support campers in experiencing greater independence, friendship, confidence, and belonging.
• Gain experience in camp, pediatric, community, and interdisciplinary healthcare.
• Work alongside other medical professionals and camp leaders.
• Strengthen skills in medication management, assessment, communication, documentation, and emergency response.
• Experience a unique and rewarding residential camp environment.
• Receive onsite accommodation and meals during the assigned session.
• Introduce eligible children to the Zajac Ranch camp experience, subject to availability and approval.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply using this link

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Contact information
• Professional designation or field of study
• Current registration, certification, or student status
• CPR certification details
• Relevant professional, clinical, or volunteer experience
• Camp session availability
• References
• Information required for screening and credential verification
• Details regarding any children they wish to register, where applicable

Only applicants who meet the requirements and are selected to move forward will be contacted. Please do not contact Zajac Ranch by telephone regarding the status of an application.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Zajac Ranch is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible volunteer recruitment process.

Applicants who require accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, screening, orientation, or placement process are encouraged to contact us. We will work with applicants to provide reasonable accommodation wherever possible.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview or volunteer placement will be contacted.

Volunteer Compensation

This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Onsite accommodation and meals are provided during the assigned camp session. Eligible Medical Volunteers may also receive waived camp fees for up to two approved children aged seven or older, subject to camp eligibility, available space, and registration requirements.