Inclusion Camper Care Manager

Title: Inclusion Camper Care Manager 

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 labor 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-Focused Camper Care Manager ensures that every camper—regardless of identity, background, ability, or support needs—experiences Big Cove YMCA Camp as a place of belonging, safety, and acceptance. This role builds upon the traditional Camper Care Manager position by embedding inclusive practices, cultural safety, accessibility, and trauma-informed approaches into all camper care systems, protocols, and staff coaching. 

This position oversees the overall in-cabin experience for campers and provides leadership, support, and guidance to Section Directors, counsellors, and the wellness team. The Camper Care Manager monitors camper wellbeing, assists with behaviour support and conflict resolution, and ensures that staff maintain YMCA Child Safeguarding, health, and safety standards. This role is a key leader influencing camp culture, emotional safety, and the sense of belonging for all young people. 

In this role, you will: 

Camper Wellbeing & Inclusion 

• Ensure all cabins operate as inclusive, emotionally safe, and welcoming environments. 
• Use trauma-informed, culturally safe, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches when supporting camper needs. 
• Create and/or support individualized camper support plans, accommodations, and communication strategies. 
• Help counsellors establish predictable routines and structures that support emotional regulation and reduce anxiety. 
• Respond to camper concerns with empathy and dignity, using restorative and strengths-based approaches. 
• Monitor the quality of camper care across all cabin groups and implement systems to continually improve care. 

Staff Support, Coaching & Training 

• Provide ongoing coaching to counsellors and Section Directors on: 

o Inclusive cabin management 

o Co-regulation and emotional support 

o Positive behaviour guidance 

o Restorative conversations and mediation 

o Creating and maintaining inclusive group norms 

• Conduct regular cabin observations and provide actionable, real-time feedback. 
• Assist with or lead staff training sessions in: 

o Equity, diversity, and inclusion 

o Trauma-informed practice 

o Supporting neurodivergent and diverse learners 

o Mental health and wellbeing 

• Support ongoing training and evaluation of counselling staff throughout the summer. 

Camper Behaviour & Conflict Resolution 

• Respond to behavioural challenges, cabin conflicts, bullying concerns, or group dynamic issues using restorative and progressive methods. 
• Help staff identify root causes of behaviour (stress, unmet needs, trauma triggers, sensory needs). 
• Model de-escalation and conflict mediation techniques. 
• Ensure that interventions align with YMCA Child Protection and risk management standards. 

Communication & Collaboration 

• Maintain strong communication with: 

o Section Directors 

o Program Directors 

o Leadership staff 

o Wellness team 

o Camp Director 

• Participate in daily leadership debriefs to identify themes, emerging needs, or proactive strategies. 
• Communicate with families as needed for collaboration, clarification of support plans, or updates. 

Administration & Documentation 

• Maintain thorough documentation of camper support interactions, behaviour logs, and accommodation plans. 
• Contribute to incident reports, safety documentation, and camper care plans. 
• Assist Section Directors with cabin placements, group dynamics planning, and transitions. 
• Support integration of inclusion, accessibility, and emotional safety standards into camp policies and procedures. 
• Fulfill administrative responsibilities related to the counselling program as required. 

Education and skills qualifications:  

Required 

• Must be 21 years of age by December 31, 2026 
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C 
• Bronze Cross 
• WHMIS 
• Strong work ethic and positive, team-oriented attitude 
• Good judgement, patience, and genuine interest in supporting child development 
• Ability to remain calm, compassionate, and clear during high-pressure situations 
• Experience working with children or youth in one or more of the following: 

o Camp or recreation 

o Education 

o Child & youth care 

o Social work 

o Behaviour support or mental health settings 

Assets 

• National Lifeguard Service (NLS) 
• Class 4 Driver’s License 
• Pleasure Craft Operator’s License 
• Mental Health First Aid 
• Crisis intervention or behavioural support training 
• Previous upervisory experience in a camp setting 
• Experience delivering leadership development programs 

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.