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,…