Program Manager

YMCA of Greater Vancouver; Gibsons; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization on the Sunshine Coast seeks a Program Manager to deliver high-quality outdoor education at YMCA Camp Elphinstone. This role involves overseeing program delivery, managing staff, and ensuring campers have safe and enriching experiences. Candidates should have relevant education and significant leadership experience. The position offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment, emphasizing inclusion and diversity.

Benefits

Competitive vacation and paid sick time

Free YMCA Gym Membership

Generous employer-matched pension plan

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Post secondary education in relevant field, preferably in Outdoor Recreation.
• Minimum two years of leadership experience in a supervisory role.
• Five years leading outdoor leadership training programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee camper experiences and ensure alignment with camp mission.
• Communicate with parents and liaise with international groups.
• Lead wilderness travel staff and create safety protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Building

First Aid Training

Education

Bachelor's in Outdoor Recreation or Child and Youth Care

Tools

Outdoor Equipment Maintenance

First Aid Certification

Risk Management Systems

Job description

Date Posted : November 27, 2025

Position Title : Program Manager

Location : YMCA Camp Elphinstone (1760 YMCA Road, Gibsons BC V0N 1V6)

Term : Temporary, Full-Time

Start Date : As soon as possible

End Date : November 01st, 2026

Salary : $60,000-$63,000 annually

Reports To : Director, Camping and Outdoor Education

Benefits

• Competitive vacation and paid sick time
• Free YMCA Gym Membership+ Y@Home
• Generous employer-matched pension plan
• Eligibility for Extended Medical and Dental Benefits
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Extensive Employee assistance program
• Reduced childcare rates and priority placement for YMCA Staff
• Be part of a charitable organization that positively impacts the community
• Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

Nature & Scope

The Program manager is responsible for supporting with the leadership and delivering of high-quality outdoor education and summer programs at Camp Elphinstone. This role oversees specialized program areas including out-tripping, ensuring excellence in program delivery through staff training, coaching, and mentoring, while fostering an inclusive environment that reflects equity, diversity, inclusion, and truth and reconciliation principles.

The role includes financial accountability for program budgets, equipment maintenance, and supply purchasing, as well as risk management to safeguard participants, staff, and camp assets. Acting as a key leader, this position develops and implements training programs, supervises day-to-day operations, and builds strong relationships with Indigenous partners and diverse communities. The successful candidate will uphold Camp Elphinstone’s reputation for safe, engaging, and nature-connected experiences that promote belonging and personal growth.

Major Responsibilities- in this position, you will :

• 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
• Lead and the Out-trip, wilderness travel staff team.
• Create and maintain Out-trip system that ensures quality planning and preparation for routes, gear and food on trip.
• 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
• Divide responsibilities based on strengths and needs while maintaining open communication and joint decision-making.

Qualification- you bring :

• Post secondary education in relevant field – Bachelors of Outdoor Recreation or Child and youth care with outdoor experience
• Minimum two years of leadership experience in a supervisory / management role in camp, recreation, or educational field
• Minimum of five years leading outdoor leadership training programs
• Instructional certification from relevant outdoor activity (Sea kayaking, Canoeing, Hiking, High Ropes or Rock Climbing)
• Have or willing to obtain ACCT Level 2 and / or Course manager
• Successful candidate will be required to provide 3 satisfactory references
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record check with a Vulnerable sector search issued no later than six (6) months preceding the start date.

About Camp Elphinstone

YMCA Camp Elphinstone, located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. Nestled on 144 acres of temperate rainforest along the shores of Howe Sound, the camp offers a variety of programs for youth ages 5-17 during July and August. These include one- and two-week overnight camps, Leadership Development programs, multi-day paddling and hiking trips, and day camps. From September to June, Camp Elphinstone functions as an Outdoor Education, Event, and Retreat Centre, hosting schools, conferences, weddings, and other special interest groups. Annually, the camp serves over 10,000 participants.

YMCA Camp Elphinstone can accommodate and dine up to 472 campers or guests. During July and August, the camp employs around 140 staff and volunteers, while the spring and fall Outdoor Education seasons see a team of 20-50 members. In the winter season, a smaller core team of 10 staff members is maintained. Successful staff at Camp Elphinstone are self-motivated individuals dedicated to helping children and youth thrive in an outdoor camp setting, and they are committed to providing 5-star customer service to all client groups.

We acknowledge that the land where YMCA Camp Elphinstone operates is the traditional, unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish) Nation since time immemorial. Further, we recognize that our camp activities extend across the Sunshine Coast, which includes the traditional and unceded territories of several Coast Salish Nations, whose peoples have stewarded and continue to protect and care for the lands, waterways and airways where we are grateful to live, work, play and learn.

About YMCA BC

By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 3,000 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John.

As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities' most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and community health.

We believe there is potential inside all of us and envision vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for all.

YMCA BC is firmly committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB).By taking an intersectional approach to our programs and services, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. Learn more at .

Application Process- ready to make a difference?

We invite you to apply today and find your WHY!

Internal Applicants : Please apply online to this position through the ADP Workforce Now Career Centre. (Myself / Talent / Career Centre)

Application Deadline : Until filled

• Please include any and all relevant certifications in your online application.
• If short-listed for a position: We will contact you to move forward to the next step.
• If not selected for a specific posting: Continue applying for future positions matching your qualifications and interests.

Note : Depending on the role, we may be required to prioritize internal applicants. At YMCA BC, we approach each hiring process individually, recognizing that people bring diverse experiences and strengths. If this opportunity speaks to you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. Your unique background might be just what we’re looking for. And if this role isn’t the right fit, we hope you’ll continue exploring future opportunities with us that align with your skills and aspirations.

YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People Services department.