Camp Counsellor – Lifeguard

Job Posting

Camp Counsellor – Lifeguard

Rate of Pay: $144.61 per day
Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time
Term: June 21st – September 4th, 2026
Reports To: Waterfront Supervisor

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.

Nature & Scope

YMCA Camp Elphinstone is seeking individuals to fill the role of Camp Counsellor – Lifeguard.

Lifeguards are responsible for the safety and positive experience of all campers and staff on the waterfront and they ensure all swimming and boating activities meet British Columbia Camping Association (BCCA), Lifesaving and YMCA standards. Lifeguards are required to positively role model, teach, and enforce waterfront safety rules and regulations for all campers and staff. Lifeguards are responsible for assisting with the care and maintenance of all waterfront equipment.

The Camp Counsellor – Lifeguard is a member of the Camp Counsellor team with a specialization.

Camp Counsellors work in pairs to lead a cabin of campers throughout their time at Camp Elphinstone, building an inclusive group dynamic, and ensuring the safety of all participants in their care. Camp Counsellors also work in Day Camp, leading a group of day campers during the day and supporting the rest of the team in the evenings. Many Counsellors have specializations;

roles that they fill for certain weeks of the summer. Available specializations include Lifeguard, Paddling Instructor, Mountain Biking Instructor, Rock Wall/High Ropes Instructor, & Inclusion Staff. Depending on staffing needs, Counsellors with specializations may spend between a few weeks to the entire summer in their specialized role. All members of the Camp Counsellor team sleep in cabins with campers. Counsellors with specializations are paid at the same rate regardless of their role each week.

Responsibilities

While acting as a Lifeguard

While acting as a Camp Counsellor