Inclusion Program Director

Title: Inclusion Program 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: 

The Inclusion Program Director is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating all camp-wide programming with a focus on inclusive practices, accessibility, and belonging. This role ensures that all activities and experiences meet the diverse needs of campers and create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. 

As a member of the seasonal leadership team, the Inclusion Program Director collaborates closely with the Camper Care Manager, Leadership Manager, and Assistant Director to support staff, structure programs, and maintain high-quality instruction and supervision. Responsibilities include creating weekly schedules, overseeing specialty programs and events, training and coaching staff in inclusive practices, adapting activities for diverse needs, and contributing to overall camp leadership and risk management. 

In this role, you will: 

Program Leadership & Development 

• Plan, implement, and evaluate all camp-wide programming with a focus on inclusion, accessibility, and belonging 
• Create weekly schedules for cabin groups, program areas, and special events 
• Ensure all activities are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and adaptable for diverse camper needs 
• Oversee specialty programs, theme days, evening programs, and camp-wide events 
• Support risk management by ensuring programs follow YMCA policies, safety standards, and behaviour expectations 

Inclusive Practice & Camper Support 

• Adapt activities, environments, and materials to increase accessibility and participation 
• Provide on-the-ground support for campers with diverse needs, including social–emotional, behavioural, cultural, and neurodivergent needs 
• Collaborate closely with the Camper Care Manager and Leadership Manager to support individualized camper success plans 
• Model and promote inclusive facilitation, restorative approaches, and trauma-informed practices 
• Ensure programming reflects diverse cultures, identities, and learning styles 

Staff Leadership & Coaching 

• Train staff in inclusive program delivery, behaviour support, and accessible activity adaptation 
• Mentor program instructors, counsellors, and leadership staff to improve quality and consistency 
• Lead program-area team meetings, ensuring communication, preparation, and alignment across departments 
• Provide supportive, strengths-based feedback to staff throughout the summer 
• Assist with conflict resolution, problem solving, and maintaining a positive, collaborative team culture 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Work alongside the Assistant Director and other Directors to deliver a cohesive, mission-driven camp experience 
• Communicate program expectations, schedules, and adaptations clearly to staff 
• Participate in daily leadership meetings and contribute to planning, documentation, and decision-making 
• Support coordination between programming, leadership, camper care, and operations teams 

Risk Management & Safety 

• Ensure all program areas follow safety protocols, supervision standards, and YMCA guidelines 
• Monitor equipment, spaces, and program areas to maintain safe, accessible environments 
• Support emergency response procedures as part of the seasonal leadership team 
• Contribute to incident documentation and follow-up 

Camp Operations Support 

• Assist with kitchen duties, including dishes and meal cleanup 
• Support facility maintenance, including cleaning shared spaces and program areas 
• Participate in groundskeeping and basic outdoor upkeep 
• Assist with trail and campsite maintenance to ensure safe and accessible program spaces 

Education and skills qualifications:  

Education & Experience 

• Experience in camp programming, recreational leadership, child and youth development, education, or a related field. 
• Demonstrated experience working with children and youth with diverse needs, including behavioral, social–emotional, neurodivergent, and accessibility needs. 
• Experience planning and facilitating inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programs. 
• Experience providing training, coaching, or leadership to staff or volunteers (asset). 
• Experience adapting activities or environments to support participation for campers with varying abilities and learning styles. 

Knowledge & Specialized Skills 

• Strong understanding of inclusive practices, accessibility standards, and DEI principles in youth settings. 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches, behavioural support strategies, and restorative practices. 
• Ability to design and modify programs to meet diverse cultural, social, emotional, and developmental needs. 
• Understanding of risk management, safety protocols, and child safeguarding practices in a camp or recreation environment. 

Leadership & Professional Skills 

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities, with the capacity to support, mentor, and motivate staff. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across departments. 
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability skills in dynamic, fast-paced environments. 
• Ability to manage schedules, organize large-scale programming, and maintain consistent program quality. 
• Ability to model YMCA values and maintain a positive, inclusive, and professional presence. 

Personal Attributes 

• Inclusive and compassionate leadership style that supports belonging for all campers and staff. 
• Patience, empathy, and sound judgment when supporting children and youth with varying needs. 
• Creative, flexible, and proactive approach to program development and problem-solving. 
• Strong work ethic and commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and equitable camp environment. 

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.