Section Director

Title: Section Director 

Location: Big Cove Camp, Thorburn, NS 

Position Status: Full-Time, Temporary 

Start Date: June 2026 

Compensation: $650+ per week 

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine. 

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.  

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighborhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.   

With us at their side, they can Shine On.  

About the role: 

Big Cove campers are divided into two age-based sections: 

• Junior Section (ages 7–11) 
• Senior Section (ages 12–15) 

Each section is led by a Section Director, and the two Section Directors work closely together, as well as with the Camper Care Manager and the Summer Camp Director, to ensure that all campers and counsellors receive exceptional support, guidance, and supervision. 

The Section Directors play a central role in shaping camper experience, providing counsellor leadership, ensuring smooth session transitions, and supporting parent communication. This is a leadership position suited for individuals with strong interpersonal skills, excellent judgment, and experience in youth development. 

In this role, you will: 

Camper & Counsellor Leadership 

• Oversee all aspects of camper experience within assigned section. 
• Pair counsellors and organize campers into balanced cabin groups each session. 
• Provide ongoing support, coaching, and guidance to counsellors. 
• Deliver formal mid-summer and end-of-session staff evaluations. 
• Assist with camper-related situations, concerns, or behavioral challenges. 
• Serve as a primary liaison between parents, the Admin Coordinator, and camp leadership when needed. 

Programming & Training 

• Develop and deliver training sessions for counsellors during pre-camp and mid-summer. 
• Plan and coordinate section-wide activities and special events. 
• Participate actively in all-camp programming and traditions. 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Work closely with the Camper Care Manager and Summer Camp Director to monitor camper well-being and staff performance. 
• Ensure counsellors receive clear, supportive communication and expectations. 
• Maintain consistent records and documentation related to staffing and camper needs. 

Camp Operations Support 

• Assist with kitchen duties such as dishes and meal cleanup. 
• Support facility maintenance including cleaning shared spaces. 
• Participate in groundskeeping tasks and general outdoor upkeep. 
• Support trail and campsite maintenance to ensure safe environments. 

Education and skills qualifications:  

Minimum Requirements 

• Must be 20 years of age by December 31, 2026. 
• Bronze Cross certification. 
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C. 
• WHMIS certification. 

Recommended / Assets 

• National Lifeguard (NLS). 
• Class 4 Driver’s Licence. 
• Canadian Boating Licence. 
• Previous supervisory experience in a summer camp setting. 
• Experience instructing or supporting a camp leadership program. 

Key Competencies 

• Strong work ethic and ability to lead by example. 
• Positive, team-oriented attitude. 
• Good judgment and the ability to remain calm under pressure. 
• Patience, empathy, and genuine interest in youth development. 

To apply: 

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

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide: 

• A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older 
• A valid First Aid and CPR Training 

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA. 

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. 

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.