Boating Program Head

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic Day Camp team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

The Boating Program Head is responsible for the effective day-to-day operation of the waterfront, with a dedicated focus on all boating program areas. This role ensures that safety standards, policies, and procedures are consistently met while overseeing the maintenance of boating docks, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and related equipment. In collaboration with the Camp Counsellor the Boating Program Head contributes to the planning and delivery of skill-based boating programs, and regularly scheduled camp-wide events. The position also provides leadership and support to staff, helping foster a safe and positive waterfront experience for all participants.

 In this role, you will: 

• Coordinate all boating programs, including direct program delivery as required, to ensure safe, engaging, and enjoyable experiences


• Set up, take down, perform maintenance on, and organize equipment


• Plan all boating skill level blocks in alignment with the camp’s established skill levels


• Support Camp Counsellors by leading high-quality boating programming in line with program manuals and focused on meeting expectations and program descriptions


• Assist with the planning and execution of all camp days and themed programs


• Provide overall camp support by assisting with break coverage and filling in for absent staff


• Provide leadership to YMCA staff by ensuring they understand how to contribute to a safe and positive waterfront experience for all participants, and promptly communicate concerns to the Head Lifeguard and/or Camp Director


• Ensure administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time, including paperwork related to the boating area and any duties delegated by the Head Lifeguard and/or Camp Director


• Monitor the safety of all waterfront activities and respond immediately to address any safety concerns; proactively maintain a safe and organized waterfront environment


• Supervise participants during boating activities and maintain responsibility for the waterfront environment; support supervision in other waterfront areas, including swimming and sailing as needed


• Perform lifeguarding duties during waterfront and boating blocks


• Attend all staff trainings and meetings, arrive on time, and actively participate and contribute to the development of all camp staff


• Build relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners


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


• Perform other duties as assigned

 You bring: 

• Standard First Aid & CPR-C and National Lifeguard Service (NLS), by the first day of employment


• ORCKA Basic Instructor certification considered an asset


• ORCKA Kayak Instructor certification considered an asset


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


• Ability to work effectively with others and independently to achieve optimal collective results


• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment


• Ability to deliver feedback in a timely, professional, and constructive manner


• Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to both inexperienced and seasoned staff


• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with members, staff, and volunteers


• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays required


• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

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.