Assistant Manager, Summer Camp, Program Focus

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

Reporting to the Summer Camp Manager the Assistant Manager - Program Focus is responsible for overseeing and maintaining high quality program areas.

The Assistant Summer Camp Manager will provide technical leadership for high ropes, low ropes, and the climbing wall; out-trip; waterfront programs; and wellness centre.

The Assistant Summer Camp Manager will directly support member of the senior staff team and head counsellor team to provide an excellent camp experience for both campers and staff.

The Assistant Summer Camp Manager is responsible for planning and implementing all aspects of Camp Elphinstone as it relates to the program, waterfront, wellness, and out-trip teams, while building and maintaining a camper-focused culture.

Responsibilities

• Constantly refresh and improve programs, such as camp-wide games, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor living skills, mountain biking and, out-tripping. Make sure staff are trained and ready to facilitate high quality programs.
• Ensure all program areas have the appropriate equipment, purchase new equipment and retire/repair broken equipment when required.
• Maintain all health and safety protocols by acting as a First Aid attendant, doing site walk throughs, report defects, maintain site safety and cleanliness, proper storage of equipment, wildlife mitigation.
• Ensure all program areas meet applicable BCCA, lifesaving society, Paddle Canada, SKAGBC, standards, policies and procedures are followed and maintained in daily operations.
• Ensure all inspections, logs and training protocols for the High Ropes, Low Ropes, Climbing Tower, Mountain Bikes, and Waterfront are completed.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, coaching and leading a team of 120 staff and volunteers committed to building a strong, inclusive, and camper-focused camp culture.
• Develop & deliver innovative training that supports professional development of staff & volunteers.
• 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.
• Communicate with parents/guardians and liaise with summer partnership groups and international groups.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience, at least one year in a leadership/supervisory role
• Degree or Diploma in a relevant field, such as education, biology or outdoor recreation
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C
• ACCT Level 2 (or willingness/ability to obtain)
• OFA 3 (or willingness to obtain)
• BC Class 5 Driver’s License
• Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date

Additional Qualifications (assets)

• BC Class 4 Driver’s License

Competencies:

In addition to bringing a commitment to YMCA vision and values, the candidate should possess the following competencies:

Leading Self

• Evolve in Professional Capability – Commit to being better
• Achieve Excellence and Authenticity – Show up with the best version of you

Leading Others

• Develop the Potential in Others – Help people grow and lead
• Create a Culture of Connection – Build bridges between people and partners

Leading Mission

• Think and Act Strategically – Make good decisions and act on them
• Make an Intentional Impact – Advance the strength and cause of the Y