Leadership Counsellor at YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth

Title: Leadership Counsellor

Location: Big Cove Camp, Thorburn, NS

Position Status: Full-Time, Temporary

Start Date: April to 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:

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.

In This Role, You Will:

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, 2026
• A minimum of two years working at a summer camp or related experience
• Strong work ethic
• Positive team-oriented attitude
• Good judgement
• Patience with children and an interest in their growth and development
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• NLS
• Standard First Aid and CPR C
• WHIMIS
• Wilderness First Aid
• Paddle Canada Certification
  
  

Recommended Qualifications:

• Wilderness Advanced First Aid
• Outdoor Council of Canada
• Interpretive Guides Association
• Class 4 Driver’s Licence
  
  

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, 2026
• A minimum of three years working at a summer camp or related experience
• Strong work ethic
• Positive team-oriented attitude
• Good judgement
• Patience with children and an interest in their growth and development
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Standard First Aid with CPR C
• NLS
• WHIMIS
• Wilderness First Aid
• Paddle Canada Certification
  
  

Recommended Qualifications:

• Outdoor Council of Canada
• Interpretive Guides Association
• Class 4 Driver’s Licence
• Wilderness Advanced First Aid
  
  

Please note: 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).

To Apply:

Please clearly indicate on your application form that you are applying for spring and/or fall at Big Cove YMCA Outdoor Centre.

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.