Outdoor Living Skills

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.
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.
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
Mileage reimbursement
Team events + staff recognition
Learning & development opportunities
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.
CAMP EQUITABLE EMPLOYMENT FUND
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.
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.
**Fund Application Process**:
Submit the CEEF Application Form (on the Employment Opportunities page of our website)
Receive your offer of empl