Pay within range based on years of directly transferrable experience
Daily Rate: $116.69 - $131.31 Weekly Rate: $700.14 - $787.86
Location: YMCA Camp Pine Crest, Torrance, Ontario (Transportation to camp is available at the beginning and end of the summer)
Work Hours: Must be available to work 6 days a week between Monday – Sunday
Employment Type: Seasonal Contract
Anticipated Start Date: June 14, 2026
Deadline to Apply: Open Until Filled
Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team a YMCA Camp Pine Crest, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!
YMCA Camping and Outdoor Education offers outdoor experiences that foster personal growth and build community. After taking part in our programs, children and youth return home more confident, independent, and with new friendships. YMCA Camp Pine Crest is an overnight camp serving children, families, and organizations through naturally focused programs that embody the mission, vision, and outcomes of the YMCA. Camp Pine Crest is made up of 650 acres of Muskoka wilderness surrounded by 3 interconnected lakes with 8km of shoreline; has over 26km of hiking trails and 7,500 sq. ft. of dock and has 60 buildings.
Leadership Trainers work in pairs to facilitate and deliver high-quality, intentional Leadership Programs at YMCA Camp Pine Crest. They guide participants through leadership theory, group development, and technical and soft skill growth, providing opportunities to build resilience and confidence. A central component of the program is a wilderness canoe trip, where trainers mentor participants in whitewater canoeing. With support from the Outdoor Pursuits team, trainers plan and execute trips, including menu planning, food preparation, gear organization, and risk management, while delivering programming that fosters participant awareness and skill development.
On-site, trainers provide 24/7 supervision of participants and reside in the same accommodations. They are expected to demonstrate accountability and serve as positive, active, and inclusive role models within the staff team. Leadership Trainers must be skilled in facilitating leadership development sessions, possess the necessary certifications, and exercise sound judgment to manage risk during trips. Training opportunities include JLIT (ages 13–14) and LIT (age 15), with program lengths varying.
In this role, you will:
- Plan and execute activities, learning sessions, and debriefs that help participants develop self-awareness and hard skills, coaching each Leadership Participant within their group to understand how their personal actions affect the well-being of the group and how to take action to improve themselves and the situation
- Ensure a high level of programming for participants while on-site and on trip
- Continuously build relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners
- Attend the Leadership Information Day in late May to meet the families of participants
- Ensure the equipment and safety needs of the group are met through maintenance, inventory, and repair of assigned equipment, following all safety protocols and preparation before and during trips
- Supervise program participants while on-site and on trip, including overnight accommodations
- Act as a positive role model for all participants and fellow staff by embodying the values of the YMCA and following all YMCA camp guidelines, policies, procedures, and Ontario Camps Association guidelines
- Perform other duties as assigned
You bring:
- Current Standard First Aid, CPR-C, National Lifeguarding certification, Wilderness First Responder, Food Handler’s Certificate, and ORCKA Canoe Tripping Level 3 valid until at least the last day of the contract
- ORCKA Moving Water Level 2 and Whitewater Rescue Technician considered an asset
- Comfort and experience leading an overnight trip in a wilderness setting
- Extensive knowledge of canoe and kayak tripping, including whitewater
- Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort, including lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending and stooping, pushing, carrying, and pulling.
- Flexibility regarding assigned working hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays required
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and adapt to change
- Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work both independently and in a team environment to achieve optimal results
- Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including the ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with members, staff, and volunteers
- Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to both inexperienced and seasoned staff
- Ability to deliver feedback in a timely and constructive manner to participants
- Minimum of 19 years old by the start of the contract
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
If you are interested in this position and do not possess the necessary certifications and require assistance in attaining them, please indicate in your cover letter. Certain certifications may be eligible for Financial Assistance through the YMCA of Greater Toronto, or through referral to additional programs outside the YMCA that offer similar support. Eligibility is to be determined on an individual basis.
What you need to succeed:
- Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
- Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
- YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here (https://ymcagta.org/join-our-team/why-Work-at-the-y).
Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together (https://www.ymcagta.org/strategic-plan), which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here (https://ymcagta.org/Join-Our-Team/police-records-check).
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Check out the next steps in our recruitment process (https://ymcagta.org/join-our-team/why-Work-at-the-y#interview) and see what others are saying (https://ymcagta.org/join-our-team/work-at-the-y#diversity) about working at the YMCA.
