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

Rate of Pay: $47,000 - $52,000 

Position Status: Temporary, Full time  

Start Date: January 12th, 2026 

End Date: October 31st, 2026

Reports To: 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 

As part of the summer camp management team, the Assistant Summer Camp Manager reports to the Summer Camp Manager and works closely with the other Assistant Summer Camp Manager. They are responsible for overseeing and maintaining a high-quality experience for all campers and staff, with a strong emphasis on fostering an environment that prioritizes camper wellbeing, staff support, and operational excellence. The Assistant Summer Camp Manager will directly support members of the senior staff team and head counsellor team to provide an excellent camp experience for both our campers and our staff.

The Assistant Summer Camp Managers share responsibility for planning and implementing all aspects of Camp Elphinstone related to the counselling team, camper care, the inclusion program, the leadership development program, waterfront, out-trip, and wellness.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain a high-quality camper experience, ensuring all programming aligns with the camp’s mission and values.

• Communicate with parents/guardians and liaise with summer partnership and international groups.

• Support and guide a large team of 110-130 staff and volunteers, including counsellors, program staff, and supervisors.

• Provide clear expectations, regular feedback, and professional development opportunities.

• Assist with recruitment, hiring, coaching, and leading a team committed to building a strong, inclusive, camper-focused culture

• Maintain all health and safety protocols including acting as a First Aid attendant, conducting site walkthroughs, reporting defects, and ensuring site safety and cleanliness.

• Ensure all program areas meet applicable standards (YMCA, BCCA, Lifesaving Society, Paddle Canada, etc)

• Oversee inspections, logs and training protocols for all camp program areas (low ropes, mountain biking, waterfront etc,.)

• Ensure all program areas are equipped appropriately; purchase new equipment and retire/repair broken items as needed

• Collaboratively manage day-to-day camp operations, ensuring consistency and alignment across all areas.

• Divide responsibilities based on strengths and needs while maintaining open communication and joint decision-making. 

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience, at least one year in a leadership/supervisory role.
• Proven leadership skills, with an ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative camp culture.
• Experienced in camp leadership, youth development, and outdoor programming and an advanced understanding of behaviour management, group facilitation, and risk management.
• Skilled in team management, conflict resolution, and safety protocols.  
• Passionate about creating inclusive, engaging, and safe environments for campers and staff.  
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic setting with shared leadership responsibilities.
• Degree or Diploma in a relevant field, such as education, biology or outdoor recreation
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C  
• Advanced first aid (or willingness to obtain)
• BC Class 4 Driver’s License (or willingness to obtain within the first 6 months)
• Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date  
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card

Additional Qualifications (assets) 

• ACCT Level 2
• Out-tripping experience is considered an asset.