Ben Broadbent spent last summer working in Hamilton Ontario with kids at McMaster University’s Marauder program, a support system that makes it possible for kids with exceptionalities and special needs to attend the school’s summer day camps. The third year, the Mount Allison student liked the job so much that he decided to do it again, this time at Mount A. But although Mount Allison runs a successful summer camp program each year, there was no equivalent to McMaster’s Marauder program. So Broadbent decided to create one.

“I loved every moment there,” says Broadbent. “So I figured, with my internship, why not bring that sort of thing here?”

Over the winter Broadbent pitched his idea to Tabatha Carter, Mount Allison’s co-ordinator of events and summer camps, and through a partnership with the school’s Experiential Learning program, the Mountie Program was born.

The Mountie Program is for kids who might not normally be able to attend summer camp on their own, or who can benefit from extra help to thrive. Broadbent provides an extra layer of support for kids, shadowing them through activities and stepping in when needed. “I don’t want to overstep, but I want to be there when they turn around and need that extra hand to complete an activity,” says Broadbent. “And as the week goes on, pushing them more and more to be the best versions of themselves. They’re all capable, they just need that extra help.”

There’s no special training involved to become a Mountie counsellor. It’s basically about showing interest, and then being there on a one-to-one basis when needed, says Broadbent. “What these kinds of programs need is just people who are willing to take that step.”

It took a few weeks to get the word out, but Broadbent says the camp is now fully subscribed for the season.

He’s the only counsellor available in the program this year, and he’s not yet certain what the future holds. “There’s actually another student at Mount A who’s shown interest in taking this role, or being a part of this role next year,” says Broadbent. “So whether I’m here or not, there’s interest on both sides, which is obviously amazing to make this sustainable.”

Broadbent says his goal, beyond showing his campers a great time this summer, is long term sustainability. “I just want the money program to be here in 20 years when I’m here for my reunion,” says Broadbent. “That’d be awesome.”

Broadbent dropped in to CHMA studios last week to talk about the Mountie program, and how it works alongside Mt A summer camps: