Camp Counsellor – Lifeguard

Job Posting Camp Counsellor – Lifeguard Rate of Pay: $144.61 per day Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time Term: June 21st – September 4th, 2026 Reports To: Waterfront Supervisor 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. Nature & Scope YMCA Camp Elphinstone is seeking individuals to fill the role of Camp Counsellor – Lifeguard. Lifeguards are responsible for the safety and positive experience of all campers and staff on the waterfront and they ensure all swimming and boating activities meet British Columbia Camping Association (BCCA), Lifesaving and YMCA standards. Lifeguards are required to positively role model, teach, and enforce waterfront safety rules and regulations for all campers and staff. Lifeguards are responsible for assisting with the care and maintenance of all waterfront equipment. The Camp Counsellor – Lifeguard is a member of the Camp Counsellor team with a specialization. Camp Counsellors work in pairs to lead a cabin of campers throughout their time at Camp Elphinstone, building an inclusive group dynamic, and ensuring the safety of all participants in their care. Camp Counsellors also work in Day Camp, leading a group of day campers during the day and supporting the rest of the team in the evenings. Many Counsellors have specializations; roles that they fill for certain weeks of the summer. Available specializations include Lifeguard, Paddling Instructor, Mountain Biking Instructor, Rock Wall/High Ropes Instructor, & Inclusion Staff. Depending on staffing needs, Counsellors with specializations may spend between a few weeks to the entire summer in their specialized role. All members of the Camp Counsellor team sleep in cabins with campers. Counsellors with specializations are paid at the same rate regardless of their role each week. Responsibilities While acting as a Lifeguard  Ensure the safety of all campers and staff at the waterfront during all swimming and boating activities. Regularly inspect, maintain, and inventory all waterfront equipment. Report issues to the Waterfront Supervisor. Work with the other Waterfront staff to be prepared and familiar with Camp Elphinstone’s waterfront emergency procedures. Work with the other members of the Camp Counsellor team to accomplish shared responsibilities. Adhere to all provincial, lifesaving and YMCA standards, policies, and procedures. While acting as a Camp Counsellor Live in cabins with a co-counsellor and their group of campers. Accompany cabin to all programs throughout the day and provide 24-hour supervision to these campers. Plan and deliver safe, fun, and experiential programming appropriate to the ages and abilities of campers. Assist with or take part in camp-wide programming. Manage group dynamics and behaviour of the cabin group to ensure the emotional and physical safety of all campers. Ensure that all campers feel supported, safe, and all their needs (physical, emotional, social, medical, and nutritional) are being met. Share you passion for camp and the outdoors, while integrating and promoting healthy child and youth development. 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. Qualifications Experience working with children and youth. 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