Camp Counsellor

Job Posting Camp Counsellor Rate of Pay: $142.61/day Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time Term: June 21st – September 4th, 2026 Reports To: Camp Section 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. Camp Counsellors work in pairs and are responsible for meeting the emotional, physical and safety needs of a group. Our cabin and group sizes are based on ratios set by the British Columbia Camping Association (BCCA). Counsellors are responsible for the planning and delivery of programs for campers. Counsellors ideally possess strong abilities in camp and outdoor activities and are expected to engage with campers to facilitate growth and group development. The Camp Counsellor is a member of the Camp Counsellor team. 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 campers in their care. All members of the Camp Counsellor team sleep in cabins with campers. 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. Camp Counsellors can have specializations if they have the proper certifications and experience, please see other job postings for available specializations. Responsibilities 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 In accordance with BCCA Standards, Overnight Camp Counsellors must be at least 18 years old by December 31st, 2026. Day Camp Counsellors must be at least 17 years old by December 31st, 2026. Experience working with children and youth. Standard First Aid & CPR-C 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. Additional Qualifications (assets) NL Bronze Cross or Paddle Canada Instructor ACCT Level 2