Camp Counsellor – Paddling Instructor

Job Posting Camp Counsellor – Paddling Instructor Rate of Pay: $143.61 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. Responsibilities While acting as a Paddling Instructor Facilitating experiential and camper-focused programming in canoeing, kayaking, voyageur canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and beachcombing. 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. Ensure the safety of all campers and staff at the waterfront during all swimming and boating activities. Work with the other members of the Camp Counsellor team to accomplish shared responsibilities. 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 Bronze Cross or Paddle Canada Instructor 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 ACCT Level 2