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Big Cove YMCA Camp

Record #: APC0072
Last Modified: 24 Feb 2021
Last Full Update: 05 Dec 2014

Location

Located In Thorburn
Where To Find Us
119 Big Cove Rd
Thorburn, NS B0K 1W0
Areas Served Pictou County

Contact

Social Media Facebook
Website www.ymcahfx.ca/big-cove-ymca-camp/
E-Mail scott.thomas@halifax.ymca.ca
Phone (902) 425-9622 Ext. 235
Contact Scott Thomas, Camp Director, YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
Mailing Address c/o YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth 
2269 Gottingen St 
Halifax, NS B3K 3B7
Fax (902) 422-2469

Description & Services

Information Big Cove YMCA Camp is an historic wilderness camp dedicated to providing youth with opportunities to develop leadership skills, enhance their self-esteem and foster an appreciation of the natural environment in a safe, respectful community. 
 
Big Cove YMCA Camp is the oldest residential camp in Canada and many of our buildings reflect the rich history and traditions of the camp. We also have a wide variety of modern program areas as well as pristine wilderness for all ages to enjoy. The camp is located on a 120 acre peninsula on the quiet Merigomish Harbour, surrounded by ocean shoreline and including forest, field and a beautiful salt marsh. We have a special place called The Pavillion which is our historic dining hall where the entire camp enjoys all their meals together. Nearby is a large waterfront area equipped with one swimming dock and one canoeing/kayaking dock. 
 
Some of the resources at Big Cove YMCA Camp: 
 
Fleet of ocean canoes 
Outtripping Centre  
Kayaks 
Archery Range 
High Challenge Course, Zip Line and Climbing Tree 
Low Challenge Course with Bouldering Wall 
Arts and Crafts Hall 
Heated washhouse facility  
Health Centre 
Gaga ball pit 
13 cabins that house 8 campers and 2 counsellors each 
Authentic tipis for our Leadership program participants 
Multiple outdoor campfire sites 
3.5 kms of hiking trail and many more  
 
Big Cove YMCA Camp offers programming for a variety of ages: 
 
Little Big Cove 
Sessions at Big Cove especially suited for younger and first-time campers! These 3-night programs have been established to give younger children a taste of the “experience that lasts a lifetime” 
 
Junior 
Juniors will be offered an action-packed program designed to spark interest and creativity while developing self-confidence and an appreciation of nature. 
 
Senior 
Senior campers will have the opportunity to develop new skills, enhance their self-esteem and foster cooperation among their peers.  
 
Leadership 
Our leadership development program is designed to meet all of these goals in a way that can be applied to all aspects of a young person’s life. 
 
Big Cove YMCA Camp is located off the Trans Canada Highway 104, east of New Glasgow. Take exit 27 off of the 104. Turn left onto NS-4 Trunk W (signs for Nova Scotia 4 Trunk W/Pine Tree/Little Harbour/Melmerby Beach)300 metres.The Big Cove road is the first road on the right. Follow that road all the way to the main camp. Please drive carefully on the camp road because of a railroad crossing and other cars.