Norquay Leadership Trainer & Guide

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 an existing vacancy and is intended to fill a current position within our organization. 

We are currently looking for a Norquay Leadership Trainer & Guide to join our team of committed professionals. This Summer Contract position within the Association is based at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s John Island Camp location near Spanish, ON.

Under the supervision of the Camp Director, the Norquay Leadership Trainer & Guide is responsible for the planning, implementation, facilitation, debriefing, and evaluation of the most senior Leadership Development Program.

This is one position with two distinct types of shifts. Trainer shifts take place when at John Island Camp. During these shifts, the Trainer delivers leadership development programming, supervises and mentors Norquay Leadership Campers, oversees their high school credit requirements, and prepares participants, equipment, and programming for their upcoming wilderness expedition. Guide shifts take place during the multi-week outtrip, when the Guide leads participants through their wilderness expedition and is responsible for the safe and effective delivery of the trip.

START DATE: As Soon As Possible

LOCATION: YMCA John Island Camp

RATE OF PAY: Starting at $19.00/hour for Trainer shifts and $21.56/hour for Guide shifts

HOURS: 42 hours/week

Major Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement the Norquay River program

• Support and lead Norquay River participants, with a focus on technical skills such as whitewater wilderness expedition, risk management, and other program areas of camp

• Promote leadership skills for campers while providing experiences in wilderness travel, whitewater canoeing, and camper care skills

• Follow and implement the Norquay curriculum as outlined in the Norquay Trainer Manual

• Oversee the delivery of the high school credit program for Norquay Leadership Campers, including communicating course expectations, supporting participants in completing course requirements, collecting and organizing assignments, and ensuring required documentation is completed

• Supervise and mentor Norquay Leadership Campers throughout their leadership placement, providing guidance, coaching, and regular feedback on their development

• Support Leadership Campers during their cabin placements, helping them transition into leadership roles and develop their skills while working with younger campers

• Plan and facilitate leadership development sessions that prepare campers for their responsibilities as leaders and future camp staff

• Evaluate camper progress and leadership development, including providing feedback on participation, technical skills, camper care, and leadership responsibilities

• Maintain appropriate records and documentation related to camper progress, assignments, evaluations, and other program requirements

• Communicate with relevant camp staff and school or credit program contacts regarding the progress and requirements of Leadership Campers, as required

• Prepare campers, equipment, and program resources for the Norquay outtrip

• Lead Norquay Leadership Campers through their multi-week wilderness outtrip, providing instruction, supervision, mentorship, and technical leadership throughout the expedition

• Ensure program activities and wilderness travel are delivered safely and in accordance with YMCA policies, camp procedures, and applicable risk management practices

• Assist with the preparation, organization, and maintenance of equipment and resources required for Norquay and leadership programming

• Build positive relationships with campers and staff and serve as a positive role model throughout the camp experience

• Participate in staff training, meetings, evaluations, and program debriefs as required

• Assist in other areas of camp programming and provide support during Family Camp

Qualifications

• Possession of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) considered an asset

• Working towards or completion of a post-secondary education program in Outdoor Recreation, Adventure Leadership, Recreation, Education, or a related field

• Minimum 3 years of experience working in a camp, outdoor education, or wilderness tripping program

• Minimum 50 days of experience as a trip leader/guide

• Experience working with campers ages 14–16

• Experience planning and leading wilderness trips by canoe, sea kayak, and hiking

• Strong wilderness camping, travel, and expedition skills

• Knowledge of outtrip practices, remote travel, and wilderness risk management

• Knowledge of leadership theories and teachings

• Experience teaching wilderness, tripping, and leadership skills

• Strong planning, organization, and independent decision-making skills

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and time management skills

• Current 80-hour Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification

• Current Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) certification

• Current National Lifeguard certification

• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification

• Current and satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

• ORCKA certifications considered an asset

• Food Safety certification considered an asset

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to work in a family-friendly environment, please apply through our website with a cover letter and resume addressed to the Hiring Manager. This position will remain posted until filled.

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.