437 - Camps Waabanaki & Belwood Manager

Waterloo Region – Camp Waabanaki & Belwood Manager

Location: Waterloo Region

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Employment Type: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: January 05, 2026

Deadline to Apply: December 12, 2025

Guaranteed Starting Annual Salary : $70,000

Why Join the Y?

The Manager of Camps Waabanaki and Belwood is responsible for the operational leadership of both camp locations (Huntsville and Fergus). This role ensures the delivery of exceptional programming, the stewardship of facilities, and the cultivation of strong, mission-driven staff teams. The Manager upholds the rich traditions of both camps while fostering innovation to meet the evolving needs of campers and the broader community. During the busy spring and summer season, this role is expected to be present on site at Waabanaki 2-3 days and at Camp Belwood 1-2 days per week.

What you'll Be Doing…

Leadership & Staff Management

• Provide directional and operational leadership to camp directors and staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work culture.
• Support professional development and performance management.
• Serve as a coach and mentor to camp directors, offering guidance and feedback.
• Act as direct supervisor in the absence of a Camp Director.
• Inspires staff to provide high quality customer service and satisfaction to participants and campers; acts as liaison/support for escalated customer service and parent concerns; approves exceptions, special refund requests, requests for over-enrollment.
• Supports Directors and Supervisors in the recruitment process for seasonal camp (approx. 200 team members) including analyzing staffing requirements, building staff plans, developing job descriptions, training, HR and payroll processes, etc. Participates in recruitment opportunities including attending job fairs, coordinating with summer job placement programs, and identifying other avenues to attract diverse group of staff.

Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and functionality of all facilities and grounds.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures.
• Coordinate logistics for programming, rentals, and special events.
• Provide operational support in areas such as parent relations, staff communications, conflict resolution, and resource management.

Program Excellence

• Ensure delivery of high-quality, mission-aligned programming.
• Collaborate with program staff to innovate and improve camp experiences.
• Monitor program outcomes and participant satisfaction.
• Uphold standards for inclusion, accessibility, and child/youth development.
• Uphold compliance with provincial and legislative standards.

Emergency & Incident Management

• Act as the primary contact during escalated emergency situations or critical incidents.
• Ensure all required protocols and procedures are followed.

Financial Oversight & Strategic Planning

• Develop and manage annual budgets for all camp operations.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure cost-effective practices.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Assist in the creation and review of annual work plans and financial plans.
• Supports facility staff and the Asset Development department to maintain the facility and grow the capital infrastructure in line with the property plan. Monitors and supports daily maintenance, facility and equipment repairs, contract maintenance, and capital projects within budget.
• Closely follows program bookings and registrations and monitors to ensure achievement of revenue targets; determines and implements action plans and strategies in situations of low enrolment or group dissatisfaction.

Customer Service & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for families, clients, and community partners.
• Ensure timely and professional communication with all stakeholders.
• Promote a welcoming and responsive customer service culture.
• Represent both camps at community events and in public relations efforts.
• Participates on internal committees as requested, external committees (Ontario RDC, OCA); attends and conducts workshops at conferences; conducts research as requested; works closely with the Lake Association; represents Camps Waabanaki and Belwood in YMCA Ontario work groups.

Special Projects & Professional Development

• Support the Vice President on special projects and strategic initiatives.
• Attend workshops, trainings, conferences, and staff meetings as required.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support camp operations and leadership.

What you will bring (Knowledge & Experience) …

• Proven leadership experience - camp management, outdoor education, or hospitality leadership an asset.
• Strong organizational, financial, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex operations.
• Knowledge of child and youth development, safety standards, and risk management.
• CPR/First Aid and other relevant certifications (or willingness to obtain).

Working Conditions:

• Year-round position with seasonal fluctuations in workload.
• On-site presence required during peak camp seasons.

• Occasional evening and weekend work.

• Outdoor work in varied weather conditions

What you will gain…

You will be part of and an organization that has a massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization, but you will also be a part of a global movement. Your work will have an impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you. We provide several continuous professional learning opportunities at no cost to you.

Please note: As an organization committed to the safety and well-being of children, youth and other vulnerable populations, we prioritize the protection of those under our care. All employees must meet specific requirements, including obtaining a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check and providing three professional references.

Applications..

If you are an external candidate interested in joining our team, please click the apply button below to create an application. Internal candidates can apply through the internal career center by clicking here. The posting will be open until December 12, 2025, However, we will begin reviewing applications as they arrive to find the right person for this opportunity.

The YMCA of Three Rivers proudly serves the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. Our purpose is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

The YMCA of Three Rivers embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers' commitment to privacy, please visit our website.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page.