Ropes Program Head

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.

The Ropes Program Head supports the safe and effective operation of the high and low ropes courses and delivers engaging ropes programming for camp and leadership participants. The position maintains safe program environments, supports staff during ropes activities, and collaborates with the program team on camp-wide activities and special events. The role also contributes to Resource Team coverage and other camp operations identified on the resource schedule.

In this role, you will:

• Plan and lead safe, engaging, and fun ropes programs for cabins and leadership participants.
• Monitor and inspect ropes equipment, address safety concerns immediately, and maintain responsibility for the high and low ropes courses during programming.
• Supervise participants and staff during ropes programming and provide guidance that supports a safe and positive program experience, relaying concerns to the Program Coordinator promptly.
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and other Program Heads to plan and lead all-camp activities, special events, all-camp days, and themed programs.
• Build relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Act as a positive role model for children, youth, and staff by following YMCA policies and procedures, the guiding principles of Camp Pine Crest, and Ontario Camps Association standards.
• Support the Resource Team with clubs, 1:1 Inclusions coverage, dish, cabin, program support, and other camp support tasks identified on the resource schedule.
• Complete ropes program paperwork and other administrative tasks delegated by the Program Coordinator accurately and on time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• First Aid and CPR certification that meets Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board requirements and YMCA policies.
• Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) Level 2 Ropes certification preferred.
• National Lifeguard certification considered an asset.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in a camp setting or ropes role.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with others to achieve collective results.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Comfort with public speaking.
• Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to both inexperienced and seasoned staff.
• Ability to deliver feedback in a timely, professional, and constructive manner.
• Well-developed interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport with members, staff, and volunteers.
• Flexibility to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as 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-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter.

Why work for the MCA?

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.