Summer Camp Manager

Ontario Camps Association; Gibsons; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & sick time

Gym facilities access

Medical & dental benefits

Training & development

Employee assistance program

Childcare benefits

Charitable organization

Job summary

YMCA Camp Elphinstone in Gibsons, BC, seeks an experienced Summer Camp Manager to lead year‑round operations, develop camper‑centered programs and ensure safety and quality aligned with YMCA standards.

You will supervise a large staff and recruit/train teams, manage risk, and collaborate with the Director and external partners to deliver a 5‑star experience and sustainable camp growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in a Camp supervisory/management role.
• University degree in an applicable field.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-demand environment.
• Flexible schedule according to operational needs.
• Experience with staff recruitment and development.
• Valid First Aid 3, CPR C, PCOC Boat Operator’s Certificate and minimum BC Class 4 Driver’s License (or willingness to obtain).
• NLS and Level 2 Challenge Course certifications assets.
• Experience with ActiveNet Operating System an asset.

Responsibilities

• Onsite supervision of all operations during summer operating season.
• Lead YMCA Camp Elphinstone Leadership team.
• Direct supervision of two Assistant Summer Camp Managers.
• Recruitment, hiring, coaching and leading a team of over 100 staff and volunteers.
• Develop and deliver training for staff to support a 5-star camper experience.
• Ensure camper safety and care meet YMCA standards.
• Ensure compliance with BC Labour Code, WorkSafe BC, ACCT Standards and National Lifesaving standards.
• Maintain YMCA & BCCA program standards and YMCA values.
• Ongoing risk management and crisis response following YMCA procedures.
• Be on call 24/7 for emergencies and crises.
• Collaborate with Director to manage conflicts and communicate decisions to guardians.
• Develop strategies for program growth and budget targets.
• Build relationships with external partners for ongoing success.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Public relations

Staff recruitment

Staff development

Communication skills

First Aid

CPR C

Boat Operator’s Certificate

Driver’s license

NLS

Education

University Degree

Tools

ActiveNet

Job description

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Job Posting

Summer Camp Manager

Position Title: Summer Camp Manager, YMCA BC Camp Elphinstone

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

Term: Permanent, Full-Time

Start Date: As soon as possible

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

Reports To: Director, Camping and Outdoor Education

• Competitive vacation and paid sick time
• Access to YMCA gym facilities at locations where we maintain physical sites + Y@home
• 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 Summer Camp Manager will provide year-round leadership, planning and development for the YMCA Camp Elphinstone summer camp operation, ensuring our programs and services deliver on our vision of building vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities where everyone can reach their full potential. We ignite belonging by enabling everyone in our communities to have equitable access to healthier outcomes and commit to delivering a 5-star YMCA experience every time.

Reporting to the Director, Sea to Sky, the Summer Camp Manager will be responsible for leading a strong staff team; the development and implementation of high quality experiential, camper-focused programming; maintaining and developing relationships with camper families; reviewing and updating systems and ongoing risk management and crisis response, ensuring adherence to YMCA BC policies and procedures, and BC Camps Accreditation Standards.

Major Responsibilities

• Onsite supervision of all operations during summer operating season
• Provide leadership as an active member of the YMCA Camp Elphinstone Leadership team
• Directly supervise, providing leadership, guidance and performance management to two Assistant Summer Camp Managers.
• Recruitment, hiring, coaching and leading a team of over 100 staff and volunteers committed to building a strong, inclusive, and camper-focused culture
• Develop & deliver innovative training for staff that supports a 5-star camper experience.
• Ensuring that camper safety and care meet YMCA standards
• Ensure all applicable policies, practices, laws and regulations are adhered to; such as BC Labour Code, WorkSafe BC, ACCT Standards and National Lifesaving standards
• Maintain YMCA & BCCA program standards; positively role‑model YMCA mission, vision, and values
• Ongoing risk management and crisis response following YMCA procedures
• Comfortable and available to be on call 24/7 to solve a wide range of problems and crises that may arise, such as waterfront, land program, and off‑site backcountry emergencies, during operating season.
• Work collaboratively with the Director to manage interpersonal conflicts and challenging behaviours among campers, staff and volunteers. This includes making decisions to remove a child from camp due to code of conduct violations and liaising with the parents/guardians to communicate such decisions effectively.
• Develop & implement strategies that achieve & sustain program growth for camp programs
• Manage and meet targets in YMCA operating plans and budgets tied to summer camp delivery
• Building and fostering positive relationships with external relationships valuable to the ongoing success of YMCA Camp Elphinstone

Qualification

• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in a Camp supervisory/management role
• University Degree in an applicable field
• Well‑developed interpersonal skills and relationship building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain focused on results in a high demand environment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule according to operational needs
• Strong public relations, marketing and communication skills
• Experience with developing and implementing engagement strategies, and staff/volunteer recruitment and development
• Valid Occupational First Aid 3, CPR C, PCOC Boat Operator’s Certificate and minimum BC Class 4 Driver’s License (or willingness to obtain) required
• NLS and Level 2 Challenge Course certifications assets
• Experience with ActiveNet Operating System an asset
• Successful candidate will be required to provide 3 satisfactory references
• Successful candidates will be required to provide or obtain, prior to starting, a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search.

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 ymcabc.ca

Thank you for your interest and application.