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

Rate of Pay: $142.61 per day plus food & accommodation

Position Status: Temporary, Full time  

Start Date: June 21, 2026 

End Date: September 04, 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 Camp Counsellor - Mountain Biking Instructor.

The Mountain Biking Instructor is responsible for delivering engaging and beginner-friendly mountain biking lessons on the camp's trail network. This role involves guiding campers through foundational skills and safety practices, fostering confidence and enthusiasm for the sport. The Mountain Biking Instructor is responsible for maintaining the fleet of mountain bikes and reporting any significant repairs to the Program Supervisor, ensuring that all equipment is safe and ready for use. Additionally, the instructor will help develop and maintain the camp’s trails, with opportunities to include campers in trail care to build a sense of responsibility and respect for outdoor spaces.

The Camp Counsellor - Mountain Biking Instructor is a member of the Camp Counsellor team with a specialization.

Camp Counsellors work in pairs to lead a cabin of campers throughout their time at Camp Elphinstone, building an inclusive group dynamic, and ensuring the safety of all participants in their care. Camp Counsellors also work in Day Camp, leading a group of day campers during the day and supporting the rest of the team in the evenings. Many Counsellors have specializations; roles that they fill for certain weeks of the summer. Available specializations include Lifeguard, Paddling Instructor, Mountain Biking Instructor, Rock Wall/High Ropes Instructor, & Inclusion Staff. Depending on staffing needs, Counsellors with specializations may spend between a few weeks to the entire summer in their specialized role. All members of the Camp Counsellor team sleep in cabins with campers. Counsellors with specializations are paid at the same rate regardless of their role each week.

Responsibilities

While acting as a Mountain Biking Instructor 

• Facilitating experiential and camper-focused mountain biking lessons with campers. 
• Regularly inspect, maintain, and inventory all mountain biking equipment. Report issues to the Program Supervisor. Maintain the onsite trail system in conjunction with the program and maintenance team. 
• Assist with ordering mountain biking supplies prior to the summer and on an ongoing basis throughout the summer. 
• Complete regular maintenance on the bike fleet.  
• Work with the other members of the Camp Counsellor Team to accomplish shared responsibilities. 

While acting as a Camp Counsellor  

• Live in cabins with a co-counsellor and their group of campers. Accompany cabin to all programs throughout the day and provide 24-hour supervision to these campers.
• Plan and deliver safe, fun, and experiential programming appropriate to the ages and abilities of campers. Assist with or take part in camp-wide programming.
• Manage group dynamics and behaviour of the cabin group to ensure the emotional and physical safety of all campers. Ensure that all campers feel supported, safe, and all their needs (physical, emotional, social, medical, and nutritional) are being met.
• Share you passion for camp and the outdoors, while integrating and promoting healthy child and youth development.
• 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.
  
  

Qualification

• Experienced mountain biker, experience in trail building/maintenance.  
• Experience working with children and youth. 
• PMBIA Level 1 
• 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 
• Bronze Cross or Paddle Canada Instructor 
• ACCT Level 2