Program Assistant

Job Posting Program Assistant Date Posted: November 20th 2025 Position Title: Program Assistant Location: YMCA BC – Camp Elphinstone (1760 YMCA Rd, Gibsons, V0N 1V6, BC) Term: Temporary, Full time Start Date: June 21st, 2026 End Date: September 4th, 2026 Salary: $153.75 per day plus food & accommodation Reports To: Program Supervisor Nature & Scope YMCA Camp Elphinstone is seeking individuals to fill the role of Program Assistant. The Program Assistant should possess strong abilities in several camp and/or outdoor related activities, in addition to demonstrated abilities to facilitate growth and group development among young people. The Program Assistant 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. Major Responsibilities- in this position, you will: Provide support and guidance to the Camp Counsellor team. Support the delivery of prepared, innovative training that supports professional development of staff & volunteers. Regularly organize creative programming, daily skits/performances, and weekly camp-wide theme days. Facilitate large-group activities such as evening programs. Facilitate other land programs as assigned by the Program Supervisor. Ensure the programming facilitated by Camp Counsellors meets the standards and expectations. 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. Support with sign-in and sign-out days. Assist the Program Supervisor in scheduling, planning and delivering theme days, facilitating daily transition times & meals, and all tasks necessary for the success of camp. 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-you bring: Experience planning and facilitating a diverse range of outdoor programming. Proven ability to solve problems independently. 2 years of experience working in an overnight camp setting. 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 ACCT Level 2 Bronze Cross or Paddle Canada Instructor 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 bc.ymca.ca. Application Process-ready to make a difference? Spring Season: January 15th 2026, at 11:59pm PST  Summer Season: February 29th 2026 at 11:59pm PST What to expect: Here is our expected timeline: November Job Postings go live Review of Applications December First round of interviews begin Continuous review of applications & offer of interviews January Continuous review of applications & offer of interviews Please include any and all relevant certifications in your online application. You will receive an automated notification to confirm receipt of your application.