Outdoor Pursuits Staff

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team at 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.

The Outdoor Pursuits (OP) Staff supports the day-to-day operation of the outdoor pursuits area and helps prepare staff and participants for safe, organized tripping experiences. The position maintains equipment and facilities, assists with trip preparation, and contributes to camp-wide resource assignments that support program delivery and participant needs.

In this role, you will:

• Support counselling staff and participants with trip preparation, including equipment, food packing, route planning, and other preparations required for safe and positive tripping experiences.
• Maintain, inventory, inspect, and repair camping equipment while following applicable safety protocols.
• Maintain a clean and organized outdoor pursuits building and ensure bathrooms are stocked.
• Support the delivery of high-quality programming for camp participants.
• Complete camp resource schedule assignments, including clubs, one-to-one inclusion coverage, Staff of the Day duties, program and cabin support, waterfront guarding support, dish support, and Driver on Call responsibilities.
• Act as a positive role model for participants and staff by following YMCA camp guidelines, policies, procedures, and Ontario Camps Association standards.
• Build positive relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• First Aid and CPR certification that meets Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board requirements and YMCA policies.
• Food Handler Certificate required.
• National Lifeguard certification is considered an asset.
• Wilderness Advanced First Aid is considered an asset.
• Experience in canoe tripping and camping.
• Experience repairing camping equipment is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of canoe and kayak tripping, including whitewater.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to change.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment to achieve collective results.
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with 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 to participants in a timely and constructive manner.
• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort, including lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending, stooping, pushing, carrying, and pulling.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays, is required.
• 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.
• A commitment to uphold strong, safeguarding practices that protect the safety, well-being, inclusion of children, and youth.
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Oriented, 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.

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, 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.

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 and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.