Rate of Pay: $138.93 per day 

Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time  

Term: June 22nd – August 23rd OR August 30th, 2025  

Reports To: Program Supervisor 

Situation 

YMCA Camp Elphinstone is located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. It is situated on 144 acres of temperate rainforest along the shores of Howe Sound. During July and August, Camp Elphinstone offers programs for youth ages 5-17, including one and two week overnight camps, Leadership Development programs, paddling and hiking multi-day out-trips, and day camps. From September to June, Camp Elphinstone operates as an Outdoor Education, Event and Retreat Centre for schools, conferences, weddings, and other special interest groups. Camp Elphinstone currently serves over 10,000 participants annually.  

YMCA Camp Elphinstone has accommodation and dining for up to 472 campers or guests. Camp Elphinstone employs approximately 140 staff/volunteers during July and August, with a team between 20-50 for the spring and fall Outdoor Education seasons, and a smaller core team of 10 staff during the winter season. Successful Camp Elphinstone staff are self-motivated individuals whose ambition is to help children and youth develop in an outdoor camp setting, and who believe in 5-star customer service for all client groups.  

Nature & Scope 

YMCA Camp Elphinstone is seeking individuals to fill the role of Program Assistant. 

The Program Assistant supports all areas of camp programming, working with the Program Team to provide intentional, creative, safe, and enjoyable experiences for campers. This role involves taking a lead role in planning and facilitating a variety of activities, including creative programming, evening events, camp-wide programs, special events, campfire skits, and themed days. 

The Program Assistant is responsible for frequent large-group facilitation, engaging campers through dynamic performances, and helping to create a lively and inclusive camp environment. This staff member also assists the program staff with activity facilitation and shares in program responsibilities to ensure smooth operations. 

In collaboration with the Program Team, the Program Assistant contributes to the delivery of memorable camp experiences, supporting fellow staff and enhancing the overall camp atmosphere. 

The Program Assistant is a member of the program staff team at camp. The program staff team plays a crucial role in delivering engaging camp activities and assisting fellow staff with program implementation. In addition to instructing camp activities, program staff contribute to camper supervision, provide evening cabin support, facilitate early morning and evening programs, manage program logistics, and ensure the care and maintenance of camp equipment. Program staff are also expected to provide cabin support as needed to enhance the overall camp experience and ensure a safe, supportive environment for all campers.

Responsibilities 

• Assist the Program Supervisor with all program schedules and logistics.
• Regularly organize creative programming, daily skits/performances, and weekly camp-wide theme days.
• Facilitate large-group activities such as evening programs. Facilitate other land programs as assigned by the Program Supervisor.
• Work with the other members of the program staff team to accomplish shared responsibilities.

Qualifications 

• Standard First Aid & CPR-C 
• At least 2 years of previous camp experience
• Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date 
• 2 successful reference checks

Additional Qualifications (assets) 

• NL Pool or Waterfront
• ACCT Level 2