Summer Staff Application Guide

Counselling Supervisors help plan and facilitate camper cabin programs with staff they are supervising. Counselling Supervisors are expected to be flexible and step in where needed to support counselling staff. They will also be in charge of planning and facilitating section nights. Counselling Supervisors will also be booked out for programs staff they supervise to participate in the programs planned for their campers.

Counselling Supervisors are also responsible for organizing, distributing, and collecting Camper Experience Cards (CEC's), postcards, and birthday cards. Counselling Supervisors should be highly organized and able to complete tasks with a tight deadline. Counselling Supervisors are supervised by the Camp Coordinator.

The Inclusion Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the care and well-being of campers who are working with a 1:1 staff member. They are responsible for properly preparing each staff working with a 1:1 participant before their arrival. The Inclusions Supervisor is also the primary contact between camp and the inclusion campers’ families. The Inclusions Supervisor works with 1:1 staff and participants daily to provide coaching, support, and quality programming. They are in charge of welcoming volunteers with special needs and supporting them throughout their stay.

Inclusions Supervisor will also supervise some Counsellors and MACK's, support the Counselling Supervisors with their paperwork duties, and help problem-solve challenging camper conflicts when needed. The Inclusions Supervisor is supervised by the Camp Coordinator.

The Leadership Supervisor is responsible for supervising and developing programing for Pine Crest leadership participants and trainers. This role provides support and training for leadership staff and utilizes adolescent development resources. The Leadership Supervisor is involved in programming with each leadership group. The Leadership Supervisor ensures that administrative requirements, such as leadership appraisals, surveys, and high school credit paperwork, are met on time. They will work closely with the Out-Tripping (OP) team to ensure consistency between leadership programs in camp and on trips.

The Waterfront Supervisor is responsible for consistently facilitating the delivery of safe, enjoyable, challenging, fun, and inclusive water-based programming to Pine Crest. They are responsible for the successful day-to-day operations of all waterfront areas, including on-site swimming areas, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing programs. The Waterfront Supervisor’s focus is developing new programs, mentoring staff and contributing to their ongoing training, having a thorough understanding of high-quality programming and program resource development, mentoring the waterfront program team members, providing timely and frequent feedback, and being flexible in their day-to-day role.

They plan and deliver special events and schedule and oversee skill development areas and skill levels while making sure they are followed and tracked; they also ensure all program equipment is in good working order. The Waterfront Supervisor is supervised by the Program Director.

Leadership Trainers facilitate and deliver high-quality and intentional leadership programs at YMCA Camp Pine Crest. In pairs, trainers work cooperatively to provide our leadership programs. Leadership Trainers plan and deliver activities, learning sessions, and debriefs that help participants develop awareness and skills. Trainers also help each group member understand how their actions impact the well-being of the whole group and how to behave to benefit themselves and their group. Participants are introduced to leadership theory, group development, and skill development and have opportunities to build resilience and confidence.

An integral part of our leadership program is out-trips, where Trainers mentor participants in kayaking, flat water or white-water canoe trips. Leadership Trainers plan and deliver camping trips in ways that help participants develop awareness and skills. Leadership Trainers are expected to demonstrate a high level of accountability and act as positive and active role models. They must also be comfortable delivering a wide variety of qualifications, theoretical, and practical program sessions. Leadership Trainers must be proficient in facilitating various leadership development sessions and possess the certifications and experience necessary to manage risk and demonstrate sound judgment while leading trips. Additionally, Leadership Trainers provide support in the Out-Tripping department or any other program area where needed. All Trainers attend the Leadership Information Day in late May to meet the families of their participants.

Some trainers are also responsible for delivering high school credit to participants. This includes facilitating assignments, marking, and ensuring participant completion. An extra day of training is added for those who deliver the course.

Training opportunities include Junior Leadership in Training (JLIT) (14 years of age), Leadership in Training (LIT) (15 years of age), and Senior Leadership (SL) (16 years of age). The length of programs vary.

The Leadership Supervisor supervises Leadership Trainers for in camp programing with support from the OP Directors. For out-trip-based programs Trainers are supervised by the OP Directors with support from the Leadership Supervisor.

At Pine Crest, we have a mentorship structure that encourages all staff to share knowledge. Having the ability to work with a variety of age groups and experience levels is an incredible learning experience for all Leadership Trainers. Being able to modify and adjust your teaching style and deliver effective programming to any age group is a skill that all staff should feel confident in. We hire based on level of leadership; in your job offer, we’ll let you know which programs you are running. For information about our Leadership Programs this summer, go to our website.

This position ensures that YMCA, CQRP, and OCA standards are met in each program area. The Program Director’s responsibilities include:

• Facilitate fun, inclusive, and safe programming
• Plan and deliver memorable events
• Make schedules for resource staff
• Oversee skill development areas, ensuring skill levels are followed and tracked
• Contribute to staff training and program resource development
• Mentor program team members and provide timely and frequent feedback
• Ensure all program equipment is in good working order
• Facilitate a program fair each session to help counsellors plan fun and meaningful programs for their campers
• Help develop and implement cabin programming with the help of Counsellors and MACKs

The successful applicant for this role must have exceptional organizational skills, exceptional program delivery, enjoy mentoring and coaching, and communicate well with others. The Program Director is directly supported by the Summer Camp Coordinator.

Skills Area Heads coordinate the day-to-day operation of our various skill areas. There are boating, ropes, natural arts and crafts, sailing, and outdoor living skills (OLS) Area Head positions. They ensure the effective delivery of Pine Crest skills levels and develop new resources for their respective areas. Area Heads are also responsible for the overall operation of their program areas, ensuring that policies, procedures, and safety expectations are met and maintaining equipment. Skills Area Heads actively promote high-quality programs, support Counsellors in their cabin programs, and work together as Skills Area Heads to plan and deliver special events. Skills Area Heads should have the desire to go the extra mile to ensure that all in-camp programming is being run at a high level. Counsellors and MACKs look to the Skills Area Head (Program Team) for guidance on developing and implementing high-quality programming with their cabins. Skills Area Heads provide input to all special events at camp and assist in the planning, preparing, and delivering themed meals, all camp days, section nights, and more.

The Outdoor Pursuits (OP) Coordinator oversees the overall operation of the out-tripping department. This individual is responsible for out-trip program quality and development, trip logistics, and the smooth operation of the OP department. Our OP department coordinates approximately 240 canoe, kayak, and hiking trips throughout the summer. The OP Director must be able to manage many tasks at once and prioritize them appropriately. The OP Coordinator is expected to support the OP Director in daily operations and responding to trip emergencies. The OP Coordinator must be able to manage a budget. They are in charge of managing all travel costs, food ordering, and program supply purchasing. They must possess the maturity and understanding to support staff in the field and coordinate evacuations if necessary. Along with the Director, the OP Coordinator must ensure that all Pine Crest expectations and procedures are followed to meet our risk management expectations for extended and camper trips.

The OP Coordinator works closely with other departments, such as the Section Head, Wellness, Office, and Food Services teams. They must cooperate to support campers on out-trips, ensuring their fundamental needs are met. The OP Coordinator also works closely with the Supervisory Team to create driving schedules and food orders.

The OP Coordinator and OP Director collaborate, plan, and deliver training to all staff to prepare them for their out-tripping roles. The OP Coordinator supervises Senior Leadership programs and supports all other Leadership programs. Due to the depth and scope of this role, the OP Director has an extended contract to ensure that Camp Pine Crest’s high expectations of safety and program quality are met. The successful applicant for the OP Director position must have significant wilderness-tripping experience, exceptional organizational and communication skills, and remain calm and competent in stressful situations. This position is supported and supervised by the Summer Camp Directors.

The OP Directors work closely with each other and the OP Coordinator. They work collaboratively to ensure the smooth daily operations of the OP building. They coordinate drivers and vans, maintain the general cleanliness of OP kitchens and main areas, support and teach staff using the OP building, and ensure a high level of programming for our campers on trips. One OP Director oversees our camper tripping program, the other manages the leadership tripping program, and both lend support where it’s needed daily. OP Directors ensure the equipment needs of each group have been met through maintenance, inventory, and repair; they ensure that all trips leaving the Pine Crest main site follow all safety protocols and are adequately prepared to depart. The OP Directors are on-call to respond to emergencies and drive to out-trips as needed. The OP Directors, who work with the OP Coordinator and Counselling Section Heads, must have exceptional communication skills. The OP Directors are directly supervised by the OP Coordinator.

Trippers support our cabin groups. For cabins that don’t have two Counsellors with their NL, or if a cabin group needs extra support, Trippers are sent with the group to ensure that the trip runs smoothly. Trippers are scheduled to go on trips throughout our two-week sessions to support our Counselling staff. Trippers act as additional staff, helping with all parts of the trip. This role requires valid Standard First Aid, CPR-C, NL certification and be 18 years old. This role is supervised and scheduled by the OP Directors.

Drivers are a crucial piece of the out-tripping program. They transport camper or leadership groups to various locations, driving 15-passenger vans with canoe trailers. Drives vary in length: Many are within two hours of camp, but routes also include multi-day drives to Manitoba or Quebec. Drivers work with the Facilities Manager to ensure proper vehicle maintenance. Drivers are supervised and supported by the OP Coordinator.

The OP Staff helps with all things OP-related. This can include repairing, inventorying, and organizing gear, helping campers and participants pack food, and helping Counsellors plan routes. This role ensures the OP Team has the hands and support they need to make the out-tripping program successful.

The Office Staff provides administrative support for all camp operations, which includes coordinating arrival and departure days, managing phone calls and general email, distributing all incoming and outgoing mail, ordering office supplies, coordinating camper packages, managing the camp store, which includes managing petty cash, overseeing postcards and birthday cards, coordinating bus pick up and departures, and other duties as needed. The Office Staff is directly supervised by the Customer Service Team Lead.

The responsibilities of this role are the same as those of the Office Staff position outlined above. Plus, they handle photography and newsletter creation to provide families with frequent updates. 

The Summer Food Services Coordinator works with the Kitchen Team to provide three meals a day to everyone staying on-site at Pine Crest, along with maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen and equipment and following established health and safety procedures in accordance with the Ministry of Health. All staff will play an important role in planning, preparing, and presenting the meals for campers and staff, with the Summer Food Services Coordinator providing leadership under the guidance of the Food Services Director to the Kitchen Team. The Summer Food Services Coordinator will also be responsible for working with the program team to ensure a relationship of open communication within the camp, especially for kitchen program planning. The Summer Food Services Coordinator helps to foster a team that is passionate about diligently working with campers and families who have allergies and dietary restrictions, making sure that all campers have delicious and nutritious food throughout their stay at camp.

The OP Food Services Coordinator works with the Kitchen and OP teams to ensure three meals a day are provided to everyone on-site and on out-trips, maintain the cleanliness of the kitchens and equipment, and follow established health and safety procedures in accordance with the Ministry of Health. The OP Food Services Coordinator plays a vital role in the menu planning, preparation, dehydration, and packing of meals for campers, participants, and staff, providing leadership under the guidance of the Food Services Director to Trainers, Counsellor, MACKs, and Trippers in this regard. The Food Services Team is diligent in working with campers and families with allergies and dietary restrictions, ensuring that all campers have delicious and nutritious food throughout their stay.

Prep Cooks play an important role in planning, preparing, and presenting meals for the entire camp. Placements for Prep Cooks change between the large dining hall (Kekindewin) and the smaller dining hall (Winter Lodge) throughout the summer. Prep Cooks work at a specific station each day. Stations include baking, dietary prep, salad bar, and more. They are also responsible for maintaining a clean and healthy kitchen in accordance with the Ministry of Health. All kitchen staff are supported and supervised by the Summer Food Services Coordinator and Food Services Directors.

The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing all dietary meals throughout the summer. They must know and understand the dietary restrictions of including staff and campers. Dietary Cooks plan and prepare meals that meet the needs of any dietary restrictions and assist with managing dietary restrictions on out-trips when staff are packing for them. They also help with meal service and are responsible for maintaining a clean and healthy kitchen in accordance with the Ministry of Health. All kitchen staff are supported and supervised by the Summer Food Services Coordinator and Food Service Directors.

The Little Critters Director oversees the Little Critters and Nature Explorers Day Camp programs. Their primary responsibilities are to provide expertise and consistency in program planning for ages 4–12, be the main liaison between Pine Crest and families, and oversee the Day Camp Program Head and Day Camp Counsellors. The Day Camp Director works with their team and other departments to create schedules for Day Camp that ensure equipment and program spaces are available.

The Day Camp Director builds relationships with families, takes daily attendance, and runs the value-beads program at the end of each day. This person balances their time between working with children, families, and staff to ensure that everyone involved in the Day Camp programs have a fun and rewarding experience. The Day Camp Director is directly supervised by the Assistant Summer Camp Director.

The Day Camp Program Head will work with the Day Camp Director to plan and facilitate all programing and themed weeks for Day Camp. They will also act as a float during the week to ensure all programs are running smoothly and supporting new Day Camp Staff. The Day Camp Program Head will report to the Day Camp Director.

Day Camp Counsellors at Pine Crest are responsible for ensuring the successful day-to-day implementation of our day camp programming. They will be responsible for a group size of up to ten campers that are between the ages of 4 – 12 years old. Counsellors ensure that all children and youth have a safe and positive camp experience leading to personal growth and leadership opportunities. Day Camp Counsellors plan and implement various camp programs such as natural arts, nature hikes, small and large games and more! Day Camp Counsellors will also participate in weekly lake swimming and canoeing activities, supervised by National Lifeguarding Society-certified lifeguards.