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

Rate of Pay: $145.55 per day 

Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time  

Term: June 14th – September 4th, 2026 

Reports To: Assistant Summer Camp Manager

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 Out-trip Leader.

The Out-trip Leader is responsible for leading a camper-centered out-tripping program that meets British Columbia Camping Association (BCCA) standards and YMCA risk management protocols. The Out-tripping team ensures that all tripping equipment is properly maintained, ensuring it is in safe working order, and prepared for each trip.

In this role, the Out-tripper actively involves campers in the pre-trip preparation process, planning, organizing, and guiding 1- to 8-day backpacking and canoeing trips on trails and waterways including the Sunshine Coast Trail, Sechelt Inlet, Quathet Canoe Route and others. They will also support Leadership Development out-trips and onsite overnight trips for two-week camper cabins, providing a consistent and engaging outdoor experience.

The Out-tripper is responsible for teaching and practicing Leave No Trace principles throughout all trips, prioritizing both environmental stewardship and the overall safety and well-being of campers and staff. This position requires strong leadership, outdoor expertise, and a commitment to fostering a positive and memorable tripping experience for campers.

Responsibilities 

• Facilitating experiential and camper-focused backpacking and canoeing out-trips.
• Ensure all aspects of their trip are prepared. Including, route planning, trip cards, meal planning, equipment and gear inspection and anything else required to ensure the success of the out-trip.
• Regularly inspect, maintain, and inventory all out-tripping equipment. Report issues to the Assistant Summer Camp Manager.
• Ensure that all staff and participants are following BCCA and Camp Elphinstone’s out-tripping  standards, policies and, procedures at all times.
• Ensure all programming is creative, authentic and, age appropriate, respecting the physical and emotional needs of youth, keeping safety first.
• 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 leading backpacking, and canoeing trips in the backcountry with children.
• In accordance with BCCA Standards, Out-trip Leaders must be 19 by July 5th, 2026.
• Wilderness First Aid (40 hours)
• 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)

• Wilderness First Responder (80 hours)
• Paddle Canada Instructor or Bronze Cross
• BC Class 4 Driver’s License (or willing to obtain) and experience driving trailers
• NL