Rate of Pay: $141.93 per day 

Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time  

Term: June 8th – August 23rd OR 30th, 2025 

Reports To: Assistant Manager of Programs 

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 Out-trip Leader. 

The Out-tripper is responsible for leading a camper-centered out-tripping program that meets BCCA standards and YMCA risk management protocols. Working closely with the Head Out-trip Leader and the Assistant Manager of Programs, the Out-tripper ensures that all tripping equipment is properly maintained and safe for use on each trip. 

In this role, the Out-tripper actively involves camper cabins and counselors in the pre-trip preparation process, planning, organizing, and guiding 1- to 9-day backpacking and canoeing excursions on trails and waterways including the Sunshine Coast Trail, Bowron Lakes Circuit, Murtle Lake, Golden Ears, Garibaldi, and others. They will also support Leadership Development out-trips and onsite overnight trips for two-week camper cabins, providing a consistent and engaging outdoor experience. 

The Out-tripper is responsible for teaching and practicing Leave No Trace principles throughout all trips, prioritizing both environmental stewardship and the overall safety and well-being of campers and staff. This position requires strong leadership, outdoor expertise, and a commitment to fostering a positive and memorable tripping experience for campers. 

Responsibilities 

• Facilitating experiential and camper-focused backpacking, and canoeing out-trips with children ages 8-17.
• Regularly inspect, maintain, and inventory all out-tripping equipment. Report issues to the Head Out-trip Leader and Assistant Manager of Programs
• Ensure that all staff and participants are following BCCA and Camp Elphinstone’s out-tripping  standards, policies and, procedures at all times.
• Work with the other members of the program staff team to accomplish shared responsibilities.
• Ensure all programming is creative, authentic and, age appropriate, respecting the physical and emotional needs of youth, keeping safety first

Qualifications 

• Age 19+ by start of contract
• Advanced Wilderness First Aid (80 hours)
• NL Pool or Waterfront
• CPR-C
• Experience leading backpacking, and canoeing trips in the backcountry with children
• Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date 
• 2 Successful Reference Checks

Additional Qualifications (assets) 

• Wilderness First Responder
• Paddle Canada Instructor
• BC Class 4 Driver’s License