Outdoor Living Skills

Overview

Spanish, ON P0P 2A0, Canada

The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario has been serving our local communities for over 180 years and we are committed to supporting our local families, children, adults, youth and seniors in our various programs and services today. At the YMCA, our values and purpose drive everything that we do. As a charity, we’ve championed values of empathy, health, trustworthy, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility. Helping people develop a healthy spirit, mind and body and inspiring a sense of social responsibility is the cornerstone of our legacy of caring. To learn more about our programs and services offered please visit our website. This job posting is for the creation of an applicant pool and is not intended to fill a current vacancy at this time.

Position

We are currently looking for an Outdoor Living Skills & Tripping Team Lead to join our team of committed professionals. This full-time contract position within the Association is based at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s John Island Camp location near Spanish, Ontario.

Responsibilities

Under the leadership of the Program Manager and Director of John Island Camp, the Outdoor Living Skills & Tripping Team Lead is responsible for all outdoor living skills and tripping programs at camp. This includes planning, preparing, and leading canoe trips and outdoor skills programming such as camping skills, navigation, trip preparation, and backcountry living. The Outdoor Living Skills & Tripping Team Lead ensures the safety and well-being of all staff and participants, supervises tripping and outdoor skills staff, manages program equipment and resources, and works to deliver a high-quality, engaging, and meaningful experience for all campers.

START DATE: May 1, 2026

LOCATION: YMCA John Island Camp

RATE OF PAY: $18.00-$19.50

Major Responsibilities

- Plan and prepare all outdoor living skills and tripping programs, including fire-building, shelter-building, archery, trip preparation, and backcountry living

- Ensure the safety and well-being of all staff and participants during trips and outdoor programs

- Support staff in their training and development related to tripping and outdoor living skills

- Manage tripping and outdoor equipment, inventory, and program resources

- Collaborate with the Program Manager to deliver high-quality, engaging, and meaningful experiences for all campers

- Follow OCA, YMCA, and John Island Camp policies, procedures, and guidelines

- Perform other duties as assigned by the Association

Qualifications

- Must be at least 18 years old

- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working at summer camps or outdoor centres

- Experience in outdoor living skills and tripping programs, including leading or supporting canoe trips and backcountry programming

- Experience planning, facilitating, and instructing outdoor living skills and tripping programs in an overnight camp setting

- Experience supervising staff in outdoor or tripping environments and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants

- Skilled in risk management related to outdoor living skills and tripping programs

- Proficient in outdoor living and tripping skills, including shelter building, knots, fire building, hiking, canoeing, and basic wilderness rescue techniques

- Ability to facilitate staff training sessions for outdoor living skills and tripping staff

- Knowledge of OCA standards is considered an asset

- Hold a current National Lifeguard (NL) certification

- Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C required

- Strong verbal and written communication skills

- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills

- Bilingualism in both official languages is considered an asset

- Current and satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

Benefits

As a charity and community-based organization, we know how important connection and wellness is, and we offer a workplace that invests in people. We provide:

- Free YMCA membership + 10% off family membership

- Paid personal/sick days

- Employee & Family Assistance Program with counselling, coaching, legal + financial supports

- Team events + staff recognition

- Explore different YMCA roles and career paths

How to Apply

If you would like to work in a family friendly environment, please apply by website only, with a cover letter and resume by April 30, 2026 to the attention of the Hiring Manager.

Additional Information

The Camp Equitable Employment Fund (CEEF) is a grant created to reduce barriers to camp employment for individuals who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in the camping industry. The fund is open to Canadians, ages 18 to 25, who are part of a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities. Ideal candidates will have previous experience, or a demonstrated interest, in working with youth. Camp-specific experience is not required.

Successful applicants will receive financial assistance to offset the personal expenses of working in the outdoor industry. This could include: certification courses, personal gear, equipment and travel costs.

Apply for a position at YMCA John Island Camp and complete the interview process. Submit the CEEF Application Form (on the Employment Opportunities page of our website). Receive your offer of employment, based on successful interview and reference checks. Receive notice of any awarded funds before the need to respond to your offer of employment. Funding will be awarded to successful applicants across Canada in the order received and based upon available funding. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as possible after applying for employment at camp.

If you have any questions about the Camp Equitable Employment Fund, please contact johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca

Please ensure that your cover letter and resume both specify the job title of the position that you are applying for.

All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted and you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, you must advise the Human Resources Department.

Please note that successful candidates will be required to submit a current and satisfactory Police Record with Vulnerable Sector Check for review prior to starting employment. Police records are reviewed on an individual basis, and any offences are considered in relation to the nature of the position and its responsibilities, particularly in working with children and vulnerable populations. A positive record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.

Please note that candidates invited for an interview will be required to submit three professional references.

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is an equal opportunity employer that is dedicated to maintaining a fair and equitable work environment. All of our employees and job applicants will be promoted or employed solely on the basis of their abilities and qualifications.

Educational credentials completed outside of Canada require an Educational Evaluation along with your credentials. If you do not have an evaluation document, please visit https://www.wes.org/ca/ or https://www.icascanada.ca. Applications submitted without an evaluation document may not be considered.

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