New Paid Camp Staff - Camp Waabanaki - Tripper

This application is for new paid camp staff. Those applying for volunteer positions (including the CIT program) should apply in camp brain.

Employment Type: Full​​ Time, Contract

Live On-Site Range: Varies by position ($390-$750/week)

Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2026​​

Contract End Date: August 29, 2026

Deadline to Apply: July 24, 2026

Total Rewards Package:

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Part-time team members start with:

• Vacation earnings of 4% on each pay (Increases to 6% after 5 years of continuous employment)

Well-Being Benefits

A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers

Discounts on YMCA programs and services

​Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services

Role Overview:

Who we are…

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission 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.

We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine!

This is where you come in.

What you'll do...

Lead Safe and Engaging Wilderness Experiences

Plan and guide overnight and multi-day camping trips for groups of campers, making sure every activity is completed safely and in line with camp policies, risk management procedures, and outdoor best practices. As the lead outdoor specialist, stay alert to weather, route conditions, group dynamics, and emergency response protocols while away from camp.

Teach Outdoor Living and Camping Skills

Teach campers core outdoor skills including campsite setup, tent care, Leave No Trace principles, fire safety, equipment use, navigation, and responsible wilderness travel. Build confidence, independence, and a sense of adventure through hands-on learning.

Provide Canoeing Leadership and Water Safety

Lead canoe trips and waterfront travel while teaching proper paddling techniques, water safety practices, canoe handling, and trip etiquette. Make sure all participants follow safety procedures and model responsible decision-making around water at all times.

Support Campers' Physical and Emotional Well-Being

Oversee camper safety, health, and emotional needs throughout the trip, with the understanding that overnight excursions take place away from the resources of the main camp. Build positive relationships, help campers work through challenges, and make sure every participant feels included, supported, and successful.

Supervise Outdoor Meal Preparation and Food Safety

Support campers as they prepare and cook meals outdoors, covering safe food handling, proper use of camp stoves and cooking equipment, meal planning, hygiene practices, and campsite cleanliness. Encourage teamwork and responsibility through shared cooking and camp chores.

Partner with Cabin Counsellors to Deliver Exceptional Camper Experiences

Work closely with cabin counsellors who accompany the trip, sharing responsibility for camper supervision, behaviour management, and program delivery. Bring outdoor expertise while helping create a fun, memorable, and rewarding experience for every camper.

Serve as the Responsible Leader While Away from Camp

Take on a high level of accountability for the group while travelling and camping away from the main camp property. Use sound judgment on safety, logistics, weather, route changes, and emergency situations, while keeping accurate attendance, equipment management, and communication procedures.

What you bring...

Do you enjoy teaching campers about out trips? Do you enjoy helping them discover nature and learn about the environment around them? Consider being a tripper, who guides cabin groups on out trips.

Must be 18 years of age or older

Current National Lifeguard (NL) Certification

Current Standard First Aid & CPR-C certification

Enjoy teaching campers about outdoor tripping, wilderness travel, and environmental stewardship

Passion for helping young people discover nature, build confidence, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors

Previous canoe tripping, backcountry camping, or outdoor leadership experience considered an asset

Additional Information:

Camp Equitable Employment Fund

Camp Waabanaki is excited to be offering the YMCA Camp Equitable Employment Fund (CEEF) to our staff applicants. CEEF is a grant implemented across all YMCA overnight camps in Canada to decrease barriers to employment at camps for people traditionally marginalized and underrepresented in the camping industry. The fund is open to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) Canadians aged 17 to 25 with previous experience or a demonstrated interest in working with youth. No previous camp-specific experience is required.

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

Funding will be awarded to successful applicants who have been offered a position at a YMCA overnight camp in Canada in the order applications are received and based upon available funding. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as possible.

To apply, click here. If you have any questions, please contact davin@rkycamp.org.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per 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.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws. We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws. Please visit our website for more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy.

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.