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

Rate of Pay: $144.61 per day

Position Status: Temporary, Full time

Spring Term: April 13 to June 20, 2026

Fall Term: September 07 to October 18, 2026

Reports To: Outdoor Centre Coordinator

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

The Outdoor Education & Events Centre is a key operational pillar of YMCA Camp Elphinstone, running primarily during the Spring and Fall seasons. During this time, the camp welcomes a wide range of participants, including school groups of various ages, adult retreats, private rentals, and large-scale events such as weddings.

Lifeguards will play a key role in ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and positive experiences of all participants and staff on the waterfront, delivering high-quality outdoor education programming for elementary and high school students and ensuring a safe waterfront programming experience for all guests.

Our waterfront is a central hub at Camp Elphinstone, where lifeguards are expected to serve as positive role models, training and enforcing waterfront safety regulations. Lifeguards ensure that all swimming and boating activities align with BCCA, Lifesaving Society, and YMCA standards, creating a safe and supportive environment for all.

As part of the program facilitator team, lifeguards work closely with the Outdoor Centre Coordinators to deliver engaging, participant-centered programming across various areas of camp. Lifeguards receive comprehensive training in all camp programs and are expected to uphold risk management policies and procedures in every activity they lead.

Lifeguards are flexible team players who assist as needed in other program areas and contribute to the maintenance of camp facilities through cleaning and crew tasks, helping keep the site in top condition.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of all participants, guests and staff at the waterfront during all swimming and boating activities
• Regularly inspect, maintain, and inventory all waterfront equipment. Report issues to the coordinators
• Provide positive customer service and high-quality experience to all guests and clients from schools, private rentals and retreats, and weddings
• Work with the other members of the program facilitators team to accomplish shared responsibilities
• Assist with general maintenance, cleaning, and site support duties as required for daily operation
• Be in accordance with all provincial, lifesaving and YMCA standards, policies, and procedures
• Ensure all participants and staff follow camp rules, respecting each other and the facility
• Uphold YMCA standards reflecting its mission and values in daily duties

Qualification

• Standard First Aid & CPR-C
• NLS (Pool or Waterfront)
• 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