Head Camp Counsellor

YMCA Camp Elphinstone

1760 YMCA Road

Gibsons, BC

V0N 1V6

**Rate of Pay**: $140.93 per day

**Position Status**:Seasonal Contract, Full time

**Term**:June 18th to August 23rd OR August 30th, 2025

**Reports To**:Assistant Manager of Campers

**Situation**

YMCA Camp Elphinstone is located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. It is situated on 144 acres of temperate rainforest along the shores of Howe Sound. During July and August, Camp Elphinstone offers programs for youth ages 5-17, including one and two week overnight camps, Leadership Development programs, paddling and hiking multi-day out-trips, and day camps. From September to June, Camp Elphinstone operates as an Outdoor Education, Event and Retreat Centre for schools, conferences, weddings, and other special interest groups. Camp Elphinstone currently serves over 10,000 participants annually.

YMCA Camp Elphinstone has accommodation and dining for up to 472 campers or guests. Camp Elphinstone employs approximately 140 staff/volunteers during July and August, with a team between 20-50 for the spring and fall Outdoor Education seasons, and a smaller core team of 10 staff during the winter season. Successful Camp Elphinstone staff are self-motivated individuals whose ambition is to help children and youth develop in an outdoor camp setting, and who believe in 5-star customer service for all client groups.

**Nature & Scope**

YMCA Camp Elphinstone is seeking individuals to fill the role of Head Camp Counsellor

The Head Counsellor support the training of the Counsellor team. As well the Head Counsellor will support the Camp Counsellors through the summer, being their first point of contact for any questions, concerns, or assistance needed with campers. Head counselors will alternate roles weekly, serving as head counselor one week and as a regular cabin counselor with a group the following week. Head Counsellors will work closely with the Camper Supervisors to ensure a positive camp experience for each camper. Head Counsellors are integral to ensuring each camper’s experience and are expected to uphold a high level of professionalism.

Head Counsellors 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. Head Counsellors will be assigned to an age group for the summer.

**Camper age groups**:

- McNabb - ages 5 - 7 (1 position)
- Chapman - ages 7 - 11 (2 positions)
- Dakota - ages 12 - 15 (2 positions)

**Responsibilities**
- Provide support and guidance to the camp counsellor team
- Deliver prepared, innovative training that supports professional development of staff & volunteers.
- Ensure the programming facilitated by counsellors meets the standards and expectations and the counsellors are providing and impactful, intentional and, fun camp experience.
- 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 counsellors in managing group dynamics and behaviours of the cabin to ensure the emotional and physical safety of all campers
- Prioritize the experience of all camp participants

**Qualifications**
- Standard First Aid And CPR-C
- Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date
- Previous camp experience
- 2 successful reference checks

**Additional Qualifications (assets)**
- NL Pool or Waterfront