Leadership Trainer (White Water)

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 will work in pairs to facilitate and deliver high-quality and intentional Leadership Programs at YMCA Camp Pine Crest. Through Leadership Trainers, participants will gain exposure to leadership theory, group development, technical and soft skill development, and opportunities to build resilience and confidence. An integral part of our leadership program is an out-trip, where Trainers mentor participants in  white water canoe trips. Leadership Trainers will plan and deliver wilderness trips in a way that helps participants develop awareness and skills.

While on-site, they will be responsible for the 24/7 supervision of participants and are required to reside in the same accommodations. Leadership Trainers are expected to demonstrate a high level of accountability and act as positive, active, and inclusive role models within the staff team. Not only must Leadership Trainers be proficient in facilitating various leadership development sessions, but they must also possess the certifications and experience necessary to manage risk and demonstrate good judgment while leading these trips. Training opportunities include JLIT (13-14 years), LIT (15 years). The length of programs varies.

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, helping them understand how their personal actions can affect the well-being of the whole group and how to act to improve themselves and the situation


• Ensure a high level of programming for their participants while on-site & on trip


• Supervision of program participants while on-site and on trip, including overnight accommodations


• Attend the Leadership Information Day in late May to meet the families of their participants


• Assisting with participant high school credits, including facilitating assignments, marking, and ensuring participant completion (There will be an extra day of training added for those who will deliver this course)


• Ensure the equipment and safety needs of their group have been met through maintenance, inventory and repair of their assigned equipment and following all safety protocols and preparation before/while on trip


• Continuously builds relationships with members, staff, volunteers and community partners


• Act as a positive role model for all participants and fellow staff through embodying the values of the YMCA, following all YMCA camp guidelines, YMCA policies and procedure, and Ontario Camps Association guidelines


• Perform other duties as assigned

You bring:

• Minimum of 19 years old by the start of contract


• Current Standard First Aid, CPR-C, NLS, Wilderness First Responder, Food Handler’s Certificate, and ORCKA Canoe Tripping Level 3 by the start of contract that is valid until at least the last day of your contract


• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada and be authorized to work full time hours (37.5 hours per week)


• ORCKA Moving Water Level 2 & Whitewater Rescue Technician


• Comfort and experience leading an overnight trip in a wilderness setting


• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort: lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending and stooping, pushing, carrying and pulling


• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and be adaptable to change


• Demonstrated organizational skills and detailed oriented


• Excellent communication skills


• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment and independently to achieve optimal collective results


• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication 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


• Extensive knowledge of canoe and kayak tripping, including White Water


• Flexibility regarding assigned working hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays 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


• 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.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like 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 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.

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.