Outdoor Pursuits Director
Top Benefits
About the role
Pay within range based on years of transferrable experience
Daily Rate: $126.00 - $130.00 Weekly Rate: $756.00 - $780.00
Location: YMCA Camp Pine Crest, Torrance, Ontario (Transportation to camp is available at the beginning and end of the summer)
Work Hours: Must be available to work 6 days a week between Monday – Sunday, with days off predetermined by supervisor
Employment Type: Seasonal Contract
Number of Vacancies: 2
Anticipated Start Date: May 31, 2026
Deadline to Apply: November 30, 2025 at 5:00pm
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 Outdoor Pursuits (OP) Directors work collaboratively with the Outdoor Pursuits Team to ensure the smooth operation of all canoe tripping and outdoor programs. The role oversees program development, trip logistics, and staff training while supporting leadership trainers to deliver high-quality programming for campers. Directors ensure that all trips leaving site follow safety protocols and are properly prepared before departure, and serve as a point of contact for emergencies, responding in a level-headed and informed manner. The position fosters staff growth, teamwork, and effective coordination across departments to meet camper needs and enhance program impact.
Two Outdoor Pursuits Directors will be hired based on experience and expertise, with one overseeing overnight camper trips (2–5 days) for ages 7–11 and the other overseeing leadership trips (8–30 days) for ages 14–16, both reporting to the Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator.
In this role, you will:
- Ensure out-trip program quality and development, including trip logistics and the smooth operation of the Outdoor Pursuits department
- Collaborate with the supervisory team to plan and deliver training for staff, preparing them for roles related to wilderness tripping, supervising Senior Leadership programs, and supporting other leadership programs
- Work closely with other departments to coordinate support for campers in a tripping context and ensure their fundamental needs are met
- Work with the supervisory team to create driving schedules and manage food orders
- Supervise staff by providing ongoing feedback and opportunities for growth
- Ensure a high level of programming for campers while on trips
- Ensure equipment needs are met through maintenance, inventory, and repair, and confirm that all trips leaving the Pine Crest main site follow safety protocols and are properly prepared before departing
- Be on-call to respond to emergencies and drive trips as needed based on program demands
- Act as a positive role model for participants and staff by embodying YMCA values and following all YMCA camp guidelines, policies, procedures, and Ontario Camps Association standards
- Continuously build relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners
- Perform other duties as assigned
You bring:
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification required
- Current Wilderness First Responder, National Lifeguard certification, Pleasure Craft Operator Card, and Safe Food Handling certification required by the first day of employment and valid until at least the last day of the contract
- F Class Driver’s License, ORCKA Canoe Tripping Instructor, and ORCKA Moving Water 2 certifications considered assets
- Minimum 2 years of camp or wilderness tripping-related experience
- Extensive knowledge of canoe and kayak tripping, including White Water
- Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort, including lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending, stooping, pushing, carrying, and pulling
- Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and adapt to change
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently to achieve optimal 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 in a timely, professional, and constructive manner
- Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays required
- Minimum 20 years of age by the start of the contract
- 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 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.
About YMCA of Greater Toronto
Everyone deserves a chance to shine.
That’s why the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to promoting equity and boosting well-being across the GTA — but as a charity, we don’t do it alone. When many think of the Y, a charity may not be the first thing that comes to mind — but our ability to ignite the potential in people and spark change for the better is only made possible by the loyalty of our participants, the generosity of our donors, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
Thanks to the breadth, quality, and inclusive nature of the services and programs we offer across our network of 500+ locations in the GTA, we attract a diverse and dynamic mix of participants and will never turn anyone away due to their financial circumstances. Many participate for life and many more choose to give back when they have the means, so that others can benefit from experiences like their own — experiences that can only be found at the Y.
Our focus on well-being means we help people thrive not only physically, but mentally and socially as well. We offer volunteering opportunities; safe spaces for teens; child care; camps; career guidance; employment services; support for immigrants; and a range of other services essential for individuals and communities to shine their brightest. No matter your needs or stage of life, when you join the Y community, you get to be part of something special.
Over our 170-year history, we’ve adapted to meet our communities’ most urgent needs. Today, these needs include mental health supports, affordable housing, accessible child care, help navigating our precarious labour market, and community for isolated older adults. By offering a safe destination where anyone can grow, lead, and give back, the Y has become both a beacon of inspiration and a trusted anchor of support driven by our knowledgeable, friendly, and caring volunteers and staff.
Outdoor Pursuits Director
Top Benefits
About the role
Pay within range based on years of transferrable experience
Daily Rate: $126.00 - $130.00 Weekly Rate: $756.00 - $780.00
Location: YMCA Camp Pine Crest, Torrance, Ontario (Transportation to camp is available at the beginning and end of the summer)
Work Hours: Must be available to work 6 days a week between Monday – Sunday, with days off predetermined by supervisor
Employment Type: Seasonal Contract
Number of Vacancies: 2
Anticipated Start Date: May 31, 2026
Deadline to Apply: November 30, 2025 at 5:00pm
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 Outdoor Pursuits (OP) Directors work collaboratively with the Outdoor Pursuits Team to ensure the smooth operation of all canoe tripping and outdoor programs. The role oversees program development, trip logistics, and staff training while supporting leadership trainers to deliver high-quality programming for campers. Directors ensure that all trips leaving site follow safety protocols and are properly prepared before departure, and serve as a point of contact for emergencies, responding in a level-headed and informed manner. The position fosters staff growth, teamwork, and effective coordination across departments to meet camper needs and enhance program impact.
Two Outdoor Pursuits Directors will be hired based on experience and expertise, with one overseeing overnight camper trips (2–5 days) for ages 7–11 and the other overseeing leadership trips (8–30 days) for ages 14–16, both reporting to the Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator.
In this role, you will:
- Ensure out-trip program quality and development, including trip logistics and the smooth operation of the Outdoor Pursuits department
- Collaborate with the supervisory team to plan and deliver training for staff, preparing them for roles related to wilderness tripping, supervising Senior Leadership programs, and supporting other leadership programs
- Work closely with other departments to coordinate support for campers in a tripping context and ensure their fundamental needs are met
- Work with the supervisory team to create driving schedules and manage food orders
- Supervise staff by providing ongoing feedback and opportunities for growth
- Ensure a high level of programming for campers while on trips
- Ensure equipment needs are met through maintenance, inventory, and repair, and confirm that all trips leaving the Pine Crest main site follow safety protocols and are properly prepared before departing
- Be on-call to respond to emergencies and drive trips as needed based on program demands
- Act as a positive role model for participants and staff by embodying YMCA values and following all YMCA camp guidelines, policies, procedures, and Ontario Camps Association standards
- Continuously build relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners
- Perform other duties as assigned
You bring:
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification required
- Current Wilderness First Responder, National Lifeguard certification, Pleasure Craft Operator Card, and Safe Food Handling certification required by the first day of employment and valid until at least the last day of the contract
- F Class Driver’s License, ORCKA Canoe Tripping Instructor, and ORCKA Moving Water 2 certifications considered assets
- Minimum 2 years of camp or wilderness tripping-related experience
- Extensive knowledge of canoe and kayak tripping, including White Water
- Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort, including lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending, stooping, pushing, carrying, and pulling
- Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and adapt to change
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently to achieve optimal 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 in a timely, professional, and constructive manner
- Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays required
- Minimum 20 years of age by the start of the contract
- 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 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.
About YMCA of Greater Toronto
Everyone deserves a chance to shine.
That’s why the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to promoting equity and boosting well-being across the GTA — but as a charity, we don’t do it alone. When many think of the Y, a charity may not be the first thing that comes to mind — but our ability to ignite the potential in people and spark change for the better is only made possible by the loyalty of our participants, the generosity of our donors, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
Thanks to the breadth, quality, and inclusive nature of the services and programs we offer across our network of 500+ locations in the GTA, we attract a diverse and dynamic mix of participants and will never turn anyone away due to their financial circumstances. Many participate for life and many more choose to give back when they have the means, so that others can benefit from experiences like their own — experiences that can only be found at the Y.
Our focus on well-being means we help people thrive not only physically, but mentally and socially as well. We offer volunteering opportunities; safe spaces for teens; child care; camps; career guidance; employment services; support for immigrants; and a range of other services essential for individuals and communities to shine their brightest. No matter your needs or stage of life, when you join the Y community, you get to be part of something special.
Over our 170-year history, we’ve adapted to meet our communities’ most urgent needs. Today, these needs include mental health supports, affordable housing, accessible child care, help navigating our precarious labour market, and community for isolated older adults. By offering a safe destination where anyone can grow, lead, and give back, the Y has become both a beacon of inspiration and a trusted anchor of support driven by our knowledgeable, friendly, and caring volunteers and staff.