Sailing 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 Sailing Area Head will play an integral role in coordinating the successful day-to-day operations of our waterfront jumpstarting our sailing program! The sailing program at Pine Crest has not yet had the opportunity to flourish; the successful applicant will develop new resources for this area and ensure the effective delivery of the program. The Sailing Area Head will also be responsible for the overall operation of their program area, ensuring that policies, procedures, and safety expectations are being met while also maintaining sailboats, sailing docks, and other equipment needed for sailing. They will take an active role in promoting high-quality programs around camp, supporting counsellors in their cabin programs, and working with the rest of the program team to plan and deliver regularly scheduled special events throughout each session.   

In this role, you will:

• Monitor the safety of all sailing programs and responds immediately to rectify any safety concerns; maintains the sail boats, sailing docks and other equipment needed for sailing and is proactive in their role in ensuring the waterfront environment is safe and organized


• Supervise participants when on/in the water and is ultimately responsible for the waterfront environment in relation to sailing activities. May be required to support in supervising activities in other waterfront areas (lifeguarding shifts at the waterfront and during boating blocks)


• Coordinate all sailing programs, including direct program delivery as required, in accordance with YMCA Camp Pine Crest skill levels to deliver safe, engaging, and fun programs


• Work with the Waterfront Supervisor, Program Director, and other Area Heads to plan and lead all camp activities, section nights, and special events


• Provide leadership to all YMCA staff; ensuring they understand how they can contribute to a safe, and positive program experience for all participants, relaying any concerns to the Waterfront Director right away


• Ensure administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time including all paperwork associated with running the sailing area and any administration duties delegated by the Waterfront Director


• Act as a positive role model for children, youth and fellow staff through embodying the values of the YMCA and the guiding principles of Camp Pine Crest, YMCA policies and procedures, and Ontario Camps Association


• Perform other duties as assigned

You bring:   

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a camp or aquatic/waterfront environment


• Standard First Aid & CPR-C, NLS, and Pleasure Craft Operators Card by first day of employment and valid until at least the last day of your contract


• Prior sailing experience required


• White Sail Levels considered an asset


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


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


• Demonstrated organizational skills and detailed oriented


• Excellent and 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 support to both inexperienced and seasoned staff


• 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.