Leadership Counsellor

Title: Leadership Counsellor

Position Status: Full-Time, Seasonal

Vacancies: 8

Salary: $650+ per week

Start Date: June 2024

Location: Big Cove Camp, Thorburn, NS

The YMCA is a place where everyone belongs. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all, in a welcoming space that is both nurturing and fun – in a community of shared responsibilities, where children and families can thrive.

There are lots of places to work, but few opportunities to do work that really matters, and the Y is one of those rare places. When you join our team, you don’t just get a job – you’ll embark on an exciting path in career development. You will be part of a team that provides children, youth, and adults of all ages a sense of belonging in their community.

The Opportunity

Leadership counsellors play a vital role at Big Cove as they are directly involved with training future Big Cove staff. They must have strong leadership skills, be able to work both independently and as part of a team and be able to delegate jobs and tasks to participants while ensuring safety and fun. Leadership counsellors live in tipis in our leadership village, away from the main part of camp, with a co-leader and eight campers. Please note that this role requires you to be on site for the duration of summer camp.

Leadership 1 Counsellor

This position is responsible for coordinating and implementing the first year of Big Cove YMCA Camp’s two-year Leadership Program. It is a four-week program for youth ages 15-16. The focus of the program is mechanical skill development through multi-day canoe trips and instruction in all the camp program areas.  Applicants must have extensive leadership experience in canoeing and wilderness camping, navigation skills and experience in a residential camp setting.  

Qualifications & Skills

• Must be 19 years of age by December 31, 2024
• A minimum of two years working at a summer camp or related experience
• Minimum qualifications: NLS, Standard First Aid and CPR C, WHIMIS, Wilderness First Aid, Paddle Canada Certification, Mental Health First Aid
• Recommended qualifications: Outdoor Council of Canada, Interpretive Guides Association, Wilderness Advanced First Aid
• Start Date: Spring session April 28 (preferred); Summer session June 23
• Strong work ethic
• Positive team-oriented attitude
• Good judgement
• Patience with children and an interest in their growth and development

Leadership 2 Counsellor

This position is responsible for the co-ordination and implementation of the second year of Big Cove YMCA Camp’s two-year Leadership Program. The four-week program is designed to train youth aged 16-17 in group management skills such as communication, counselling, and teambuilding development. Participants spend ten days on trip and 7 days in cabins as a cabin shadow (CIT) residency. This position requires organization, excellent facilitation skills, experience working with teens in a residential camp setting as well as strong programming and planning skills. Applicants must have extensive leadership experience in canoeing and wilderness camping as well as navigational skills.

Qualifications & Skills

• Must be 20 years of age by December 31, 2024
• A minimum of three years working at a summer camp or related experience
• Minimum qualifications: Standard First Aid, NLS and CPR C, WHIMIS, Wilderness First Aid, Paddle Canada Certification, Mental Health First Aid
• Recommended qualifications: Outdoor Council of Canada, Interpretive Guides Association, Class 4 Driver’s Licence
• Start Date: Spring session April 28 (preferred); Summer session June 23
• Strong work ethic
• Positive team-oriented attitude
• Good judgement
• Patience with children and an interest in their growth and development

Please note that all staff hired as leadership counsellors may be required to lead either leadership 1, 2 or our 12-day program depending on the makeup of the program and breakdown of groups. Staff hired as leadership counsellors may also be eligible for discounted rates on some courses run through Big Cove (Wilderness First Aid, Paddle Canada, ACCT level 1).

Please also note that successful candidates are required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check (18+) and Vulnerable Sector Check (18+), clear Child Abuse Registry Check, and valid Standard First Aid and CPR-C training at minimum. All YMCA employees are required to attend YMCA Child Protection Training.

Apply Today

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is an equal opportunity employer that values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify.