View Job Posting and Apply Here: Overnight Camp and Outdoor Education Opportunities | YMCA BC

Rate of Pay: $153.75 per day 

Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time  

Term: June 21st – September 4th, 2026 

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 works closely with the Program Supervisor and will support the staff throughout the summer as their first point of contact for any questions, concerns, or assistance needed with the delivery and maintenance of their program areas. The Program Assistant works with the Program Supervisor in scheduling, planning and delivering theme days, facilitating daily transition times & meals, and all tasks necessary for the success of camp. This role involves taking a lead role in planning and facilitating a variety of activities, including creative programming, camp-wide programs, campfire skits, and themed days. 

The Program Assistant should possess strong abilities in several camp and/or outdoor related activities, in addition to demonstrated abilities to facilitate growth and group development among young people. 

Responsibilities 

• Provide support and guidance to the Camp Counsellor team. 
• Support the delivery of prepared, innovative training that supports professional development of staff & volunteers. 
• 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. 
• Ensure the programming facilitated by Camp Counsellors meets the standards and expectations. 
• Ensure the safety of all members, participants, staff, and property by following YMCA standards/policies/procedures and ensuring they are maintained amongst all participants and staff. 
• Support with sign-in and sign-out days. 
• Assist the Program Supervisor in scheduling, planning and delivering theme days, facilitating daily transition times & meals, and all tasks necessary for the success of camp. 
• Camp staff are expected to contribute to the success of camp by completing tasks in addition to those listed above. These may include, but are not limited to: cleaning, preparing program materials, and transporting and maintaining equipment. 

Qualifications

• Experience planning and facilitating a diverse range of outdoor programming. 
• Proven ability to solve problems independently. 
• 2 years of experience working in an overnight camp setting. 
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C  
• Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date. 
• 3 successful reference checks. 

Additional Qualifications (assets)

• NL 
• ACCT Level 2
• Bronze Cross or Paddle Canada Instructor