Inclusion Specialist - Camp YMCA Kanawana

INCLUSION SPECIALIST

Camp YMCA Kanawana is Québec’s oldest residential summer camp, offering innovative programming and traditional YMCA values-based camping. Staff members live on-site for the duration of the summer, from June to August. Salaries include food, lodging and transportation to and from camp.

Reporting to the camp director and/or section directors, the inclusion specialist is responsible for integrating children with special needs into camp. They may act as a one-on-one companion to integrate a camper with a group of children of the same age, assist in leading activities and encourage participation when appropriate, touch base with multiple children throughout the day to offer their counsellors advice or assist with additional supervision for certain activities. The inclusion specialist must be a full participant in camp life, and establish and maintain positive relationships with the children, parents and the camp team.

This position requires camper supervision during the entire day. The inclusion specialist will supervise children with special needs during all meals and activities and, depending on the level of care needed for an individual child, may accompany them to the washroom and spend time with them during the scheduled free period in the day. The inclusion specialist may sleep in the cabin/tent with the campers to ensure they can provide optimal care if needed throughout the night.

WHAT CHALLENGES WILL YOU TACKLE?

• Train, support, and work with a team of companions and counsellors in working with campers with different abilities and needs;
• Ensure the safety, security, health, and well-being of campers, staff, and program participants at all times;
• Follow policies regarding program delivery, care of campers, and staff conduct at all times;
• Participate in compulsory staff training;
• Plan activities for groups in one cabin/tent group for four sessions (each session lasts twelve days);
• Attend regular section meetings;
• Attend meetings for all staff, as needed;

• Complete a camper evaluation at the end of each session for all campers with different needs under your supervision;
• Signal all safety risks or maintenance issues to the section director;

• Provide a general camp evaluation to the director at the end of the summer;
• Adhere to the YMCA’s Protection of Children and Vulnerable Persons Policy ;
• Understand and integrate the value of philanthropy in both your specific position and the Association, and participate in the Annual Campaign and/or other fundraising events.

WHY JOIN THE YMCA?

YMCA Kanawana offers great benefits and a unique natural environment to work in, but being part of our team also means you will:

• Develop your expertise and gain experience;
• Have a positive impact on your community;
• Really make a difference in people’s lives;
• Have an opportunity to take on exciting challenges;
• Collaborate with people who love camp and working with children.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Have a valid First Aid & CPR certificate (training may be offered during the spring);
• Have strong English language skills and spoken French;
• Are passionate about working with children and the environment;
• Have experience working with children with special needs;
• Have no criminal record in connection with employment.

CONDITIONS

• Location: Camp YMCA Kanawana in Saint-Sauveur (673 Saint-Elmire Street, Saint-Sauveur, J0R 1R1)
• Status: full-time from June to August 2025