Outdoor Educator - Fall Contract

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

An Outdoor Educator delivers dynamic and engaging programs that inspire participants of all ages to connect with nature and develop valuable skills. The role emphasizes maintaining safety and ensuring programs meet high standards, all while fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Responsibilities include hosting and facilitating groups, managing logistics, and contributing to the upkeep of facilities and equipment. This position requires a proactive approach to relationship-building, teamwork, and maintaining the professional standards of the YMCA.

Accommodation and meals are provided on-site at no additional cost; however, staff living on site may be scheduled for 2-3 on-call evening shifts per week.

In this role, you will:

• Outdoor Educators deliver programs directly to participants of all ages in a fun, engaging, and safe manner. Provide activities such as low and high ropes courses, archery, orienteering, fire building, canoeing/kayaking, shelter building, initiatives, out-trips, and more


• Monitor the safety of all activities and programs during the duty period and respond immediately to rectify any safety concerns. Complete and submit YMCA Accident/Incident forms and follow-up forms within 24 hours


• Act as host and facilitator for individuals and groups, ensuring overall satisfaction with facilities, programs, and staff


• Maintain Health & Safety procedures and share responsibilities with the staff team to ensure the camp remains clean, organized, and safe for all participants. Support kitchen, cleaning, and maintenance tasks as needed


• Assist with general maintenance and cleanliness of the site and provide support with other required duties


• Build relationships with participants, members, staff, volunteers, and community partners, representing the YMCA, Association, and Camp Pine Crest professionally


• Perform other duties as assigned

You bring:

• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C required for the duration of the contract


• National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification preferred


• Challenge Course/High Ropes training and experience – ACCT Level 2 is an asset


• Wilderness First Aid certification (WFR, WAFA, WFA) is an asset


• Prior experience planning and/or facilitating engaging group activities preferred


• French Language skills are an asset


• Demonstrated experience and passion for outdoor education


• Ability to lead a group and engage with people of all ages


• Ability to communicate ideas, rules, and concepts effectively and in an engaging, entertaining, and supportive manner


• Ability to work independently and within a team to achieve a common goal


• Excellent communication skills


• Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate a warm, inclusive, and safe environment for guests and colleagues


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


• 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.