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

Rate of Pay: $154.75 per day plus food & accommodation

Position Status: Temporary, Full time

Start Date: June 21, 2026

End Date: September 04, 2026

Reports To: Waterfront 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 Head Lifeguard.

The Head Lifeguard supports the Waterfront 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 Head Lifeguard works with the Waterfront Supervisor in scheduling, planning and delivering waterfront programming, facilitating daily transition times & meals, and all tasks necessary for the success of camp.

The Head Lifeguard is responsible for the safety and positive experience of all campers and staff on the waterfront and they ensure swimming and boating activities meet British Columbia Camping Association (BCCA), Lifesaving and YMCA standards. They are required to positively role model, teach, and enforce waterfront safety rules and regulations for all campers and staff. The Head Lifeguard is responsible for assisting with the care and maintenance of all waterfront equipment.

The Head Lifeguard should possess strong abilities in several waterfront activities, in addition to demonstrated abilities to facilitate growth and group development among young people.

The Head Lifeguard is a member of the Head Counsellor team. Members of the Head Counsellor team work closely with the Supervisor of their section to support staff training, day-to-day operations and transitions, challenging camper behaviors, and mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and guidance to the Waterfront team.
• Assist the Waterfront Supervisor with program schedules and logistics.
• Support the delivery of prepared, innovative training that supports professional development of staff & volunteers.
• Ensure waterfront programming meets the standards and expectations.
• Regularly inspect, maintain, and inventory all waterfront equipment. Report issues to the Waterfront Supervisor.
• Assist in training the waterfront staff to be prepared and familiar with Camp Elphinstone’s waterfront emergency procedures.
• Support with sign-in and sign-out days.
• Support Camp Counsellors in ensuring that all campers feel supported, safe, and all their needs (physical, emotional, social, medical, and nutritional) are being met while at the waterfront.
• Assist the Waterfront Supervisor in scheduling, planning and delivering theme days, facilitating daily transition times & meals, and all tasks necessary for the success of camp.
• Adhere to all provincial, lifesaving and YMCA standards, policies, and procedures.
• 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.
• 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

• Experience working in large aquatics environments with many water and boating programs.
• Proven ability to solve problems independently.
• 2 years of experience working in an overnight camp setting.
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C
• NL
• Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card
• 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)

• CANSail Instructor
• Paddle Canada Instructor
• ACCT Level 2