Swimming 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 Swimming Program Head coordinates the day-to-day delivery of swimming programs and supports safe, organized waterfront operations. The position provides swim instruction, supports staff, maintains required records and equipment, and contributes to camp-wide programs and resource team responsibilities. The role works with the Program Coordinator, program heads, counsellors, and other staff to support a positive experience for participants.

In this role, you will:

• Coordinate swimming programs and provide direct program delivery, including swim instruction and swim tests, as required.
• Monitor waterfront activities and address safety concerns promptly to maintain a safe and organized environment in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures, Camping Quality Recommended Practices, and Ontario Camps Association standards.
• Supervise participants on and in the water, including during activities involving canoes or kayaks.
• Provide leadership and support to YMCA staff to help create a safe and positive waterfront experience, and promptly relay concerns to the Program Coordinator.
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and other program heads to plan and deliver camp activities, section nights, special events, camp days, and themed programs.
• Support counsellors during waterfront cabin programs and contribute to camp-wide program and cabin support.
• Maintain swimming equipment and complete waterfront documentation and administrative requirements accurately and on time, including in-service training records, opening and closing checklists, and swim test records.
• Participate in camp resource team responsibilities, including dish support, Staff of the Day duties, inclusion support, waterfront guarding support, and Driver on Call duties, as assigned.
• Act as a positive role model for children, youth, and staff by following the guiding principles of Camp Pine Crest, YMCA policies and procedures, and Ontario Camps Association standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• First Aid and CPR certification that meets Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board requirements and YMCA policies.
• National Lifeguard certification and Pleasure Craft Operator Card required by the first day of employment and valid through the last day of the contract.
• Lifesaving Instructor and Examiner certification is considered an asset.
• Minimum 2 years' experience working in a camp or aquatic or waterfront environment.
• Experience teaching swimming-related programs.
• Comfort with public speaking.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively to achieve collective results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and empower an inclusive staff team.
• 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 experienced staff.
• Ability to provide timely, professional, and constructive feedback.
• Flexibility to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as 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.
• A commitment to uphold strong, safeguarding practices that protect the safety, well-being, inclusion of children, and youth.
• 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.