Camp Stephens Six Week Tripper (Seasonal)

Your Opportunity to SHINE ON:

Spend your summer leading a 6-week whitewater canoe expedition through the Canadian backcountry. As a 6-Week Tripper in the Camp Stephens Wilderness Program, you'll plan, guide and supervise an extended wilderness trip that builds campers' resilience, skills and connection to nature. This is a full-time, seasonal student position reporting to the Camp Director and Wilderness Coordinator.

WHY you'll love Camp Stephens:

Y Winnipeg has run summer camp on Lake of the Woods since 1891, on Camp Stephens' five islands since 1893. We welcome all youth aged 8–17, follow Manitoba Camping Association and YMCA Canada standards, and are committed to a respectful, inclusive camp where everyone belongs.

HOW you'll create Moments that Matter:

Leadership 

• Serve as a positive role model, showing professionalism, respect and enthusiasm for wilderness living. 

• Foster a supportive, inclusive group culture that encourages teamwork and personal growth. 

• Lead during emergencies, including first aid response and evacuation procedures. 

• Communicate clearly with campers, co-trippers and camp leadership to keep everyone safe and informed. 

Program Operations 

• Plan and run every part of the 6-week canoe expedition, including route selection, food provisioning and gear preparation. 

• Teach and model wilderness skills: paddling, portaging, campsite setup, fire building and Leave No Trace principles. 

• Carry out risk management, including daily safety checks, weather monitoring and emergency protocols. 

• Keep trip logs and camper progress reports for program evaluation and future planning. 

• Maintain all equipment and return it in good condition at the end of the season. 

Administrative 

• Take part in pre-season training and trip planning meetings. 

• Complete all required documentation, including incident reports, camper evaluations and inventory records. 

• Update the Wilderness Coordinator and Camp Director regularly on trip status and camper well-being. 

• Help with end-of-season reporting and gear inventory. 

You'll bring:

Education / Certifications / Credentials 

• Required Certifications: Wilderness First Responder (WFR); Whitewater Rescue Level 1 or 2; National Lifeguard; WHMIS. 

• Assets: Paddle Canada Canoe Skills Certification; Mental Health First Aid; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Whitewater Rescue Technician. 

• Mandatory YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Trainings: Pre-season staff training, including the Child Protection Policy. 

• Screening Requirements: Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search; Child Abuse Registry Check. 

• Other Requirements: Valid Manitoba Class 5F driver's licence; able to work on-site at Camp Stephens for the camp season; able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; overtime may be required based on operational needs. 

Experience 

• Previous experience leading multi-day whitewater wilderness canoe trips, preferably 3+ weeks. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage group dynamics and create positive camper experiences. 

• Strong knowledge of backcountry camping, navigation and risk management. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

1. Proficiency in canoe tripping skills, including paddling, portaging and wilderness cooking. 

1. Ability to apply the Child Protection Policy and keep campers safe in remote environments. 

1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage campers and work with co-trippers. 

1. High level of physical fitness and resilience for extended wilderness travel. 

1. Willingness to learn about Indigenous history, connection to community and the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. 

How Y Winnipeg Supports Your Impact:

• Compensation: Daily Wage - $179.50 

• Professional Development: Paid training and certification opportunities. Applicants who do not yet have the required certifications are still encouraged to apply. 

• On-site Accommodation: Includes board and lodging. 

• Wellness: Complimentary Y membership and Employee Assistance Program. 

AI Disclosure: Our recruitment process incorporates AI technology for initial application screening to assist with assessing qualifications. All applications are also reviewed by our hiring team to ensure a fair and accurate assessment. 

Equity & Inclusion: Canadian experience is not required. We value diversity and welcome applicants with international education and work experience. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.