Date Posted: June 23, 2026
Position Title: Outdoor Centre Program Coordinator
Location: YMCA BC - Camp Elphinstone (1760 YMCA Rd, Gibsons, V0N 1V6, BC)
Term: Temporary, Full time
Start Date: September 7th 2026
Fall Term: October 18th, 2026
Salary: $167.17 per day + Food and Accommodation
Reports To: Outdoor Education & Events, Assistant Manager
Nature & Scope
The Outdoor Education & Events Centre is a key operational pillar of YMCA Camp Elphinstone, running primarily during the Spring and Fall seasons. During this time, the camp welcomes a wide range of participants, including school groups of various ages, adult retreats, private rentals, and large-scale events such as weddings.
Coordinators play a crucial leadership role in supporting the management team with the execution and supervision of all centre operations.
Working as part of a collaborative leadership team, Coordinators ensure the safe, smooth, and engaging delivery of outdoor education programs and events, while upholding the highest standards of customer service. Each Coordinator is responsible for supervising frontline staff teams, maintaining program quality and safety, providing guidance and mentorship, and helping drive a positive participant and staff experience. Although functioning as a cohesive unit, each Coordinator is assigned specific areas of responsibility within the operation.
The Program Coordinator will work closely with management to ensure the successful planning/scheduling, delivery, and supervision of outdoor education group programs.
The Program Coordinator will oversee all core program areas, including the waterfront, challenge course, and all land programs, while ensuring all activities meet risk management and safety standards. This role includes maintaining program equipment, supporting facility upkeep, leading programs when required, and role-modelling child-focused, values-driven behaviour.
The Program Coordinator plays a critical role in creating safe, engaging, and impactful experiences for participants of all ages.
Major Responsibilities- in this position, you will:
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Create schedules for daily programs, organizing staff placements to ensure adequate coverage across all program areas, maintaining operational ratios and supporting the smooth delivery of activities and services whilst maintaining the safety standards for each program areas
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Assist where needed with coordination and/or facilitation for all groups engaging in program on site
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Assist in staff training, and support, coach and supervise frontline staff members for the duration of the season
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Maintain YMCA programming & care standards, working to develop and improve new or existing programs and services through equipment, maintenance and development
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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
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Interact directly with children and adult guests, establish and maintain positive communication with staff, teachers, participants and guests
Key Competencies, Skills and Attributes
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Attention to detail
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Microsoft Office experience
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Ability to multitask, prioritise responsibilities and excellent organisational skills
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Excellent time management and proven ability to meet deadlines
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written and verbal communication
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Strong initiative and accountability
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Must be self-led and demonstrate a high level of independent working
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience with setting and maintaining professional boundaries in the workplace
Qualification-you bring:
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2 years of relevant, transferable experience across a variety of roles
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Previous experience in customer-facing roles
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Previous experience in a supervisory role/supervising staff
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Previous experience with admin/scheduling
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Standard First Aid & CPR-C
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Class 5 BC Driver’s License or equivalent
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Relevant outdoor certifications such as the ACCT Level 2, NLS or Paddle Canada Instructor qualification
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Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date
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3 Successful Reference Checks
Day to Day Overview:
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Supervising staff, including setting goals, providing guidance, managing difficult conversations, and establishing boundaries
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Coordinating group activities on the ground, including preparation and on-site support
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Demonstrating accountability, purpose, and a strong sense of responsibility in fulfilling the role
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Carrying out Manager on Duty responsibilities
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Welcoming and supporting school groups during their visit to camp
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Monitoring and assessing program quality, including delivery, equipment, facilitation, and overall impact
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Assisting with the rollout of new program ideas and planning student-focused experiences
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Responding to group inquiries and acting as the first point of contact via radio calls
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Overseeing program staff and supporting decision-making related to programming, as appropriate
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Developing and managing the float schedule, including assigning staff to programs
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.
About YMCA BC:
By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 3,000 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John.
As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities' most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and community health.
We believe there is potential inside all of us and envision vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for all.
YMCA BC is firmly committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). By taking an intersectional approach to our programs and services, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. Learn more at www.ymcabc.ca
Application Process-ready to make a difference?
We invite you to apply today and find your WHY!
Internal Applicants: Please apply online to this position through the ADP Workforce Now Career Centre. (Myself/Talent/Career Centre)
Application Deadline: This process will continue until all positions have been filled. However, please apply early for your preferred positions.
Please include any and all relevant certifications in your online application.
You will receive an automated notification to confirm receipt of your application.
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If short-listed for a position: We will contact, you to move forward to the next step. Throughout the recruitment process, our main method of contact is via email. As such, we ask that you please monitor your emails regularly and respond to any emails from us in a timely manner.
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If not selected for a specific posting: Continue applying for future positions matching your qualifications and interests.
Note: Depending on the role, we may be required to prioritize internal applicants. At YMCA BC, we approach each hiring process individually, recognizing that people bring diverse experiences and strengths. If this opportunity speaks to you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. Your unique background might be just what we’re looking for. And if this role isn’t the right fit, we hope you’ll continue exploring future opportunities with us that align with your skills and aspirations.
YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People Services department.
Thank you for your interest and application.
