Tripper Apprentice

Location: Live on-site Camp Kandalore – Algonquin Highlands

Contract Dates: June 26th – August 31st, 2027, room & board included

Reports to: Assistant Director of Canoe Trip & Camp Life Director

Join us this summer as a Tripper Apprentice, where you’ll embark on an incredible journey toward becoming a skilled outdoor guide! Our program offers a unique blend of hands-on experience and essential training in both counselling and trip leadership.

Our Team

Our team is highly engaged and committed to excellence in camping and outdoor and experiential education. Working at Kandalore means you believe in supporting a camp culture that values participation, kindness and respect, and the power of the outdoors for young people.

The Camp

Founded in 1947 Kandalore offers an un-matched camp experience for children 6 – 16, providing the best of both canoe-tripping and camp activities. The camp prides itself on its warm and supportive community where children are made to feel included in the camp culture. The supportive nature of the camp allows for the campers to try new activities and develop new skills with the help of caring staff members. We offer campers an unmatched canoe tripping experience, starting from age 6, with the program designed to gradually introduce new skills and challenges as they get older.

Camp Kandalore helps kids to know and be themselves. We believe in authenticity of character; that challenging our campers develops resilience and independence; that the outdoors is an ideal environment where kids can learn and have fun; that an accepting environment promotes belonging and connection; and that our facilitators and staff inspire our campers. Most importantly, we believe that a positive camp culture leads to highly transformative experiences for young people.

Job Outline

As a Tripper Apprentice, you will spend one month as a Counsellor, inspiring and supporting our campers aged 6-15, and another month immersed in the Trip Department, honing your skills in outdoor adventure.

Our Counsellors support, inspire, and care about campers. The camp is divided into three sections prep juniors (6-11), inters (12-13), seniors (14-15). Counsellors are directly responsible for a cabin group of 8-10 campers each session with a co-counsellor. Our counsellors report to their section head and throughout the day facilitate various program activities.

Our Tripper Apprentices will prepare for and lead our prep junior canoe trips, ranging from 2-3 days. On these trips our TA’s will be responsible for the physical and emotional wellbeing of our campers and staff. Duties include assessing and managing risk, ensuring a culture of safety and inclusivity, administering first aid, managing behavioral issues, and facilitating outdoor educational programming.
This position includes subsidized training, access to pro-deals, room and board, canoe trip experience, and a fantastic summer at camp.

Minimum Qualifications
· Camp experience is an asset
· Coaching and experience working with youth is an asset
· Canoe Trip Experience is an asset
· Intermediate/Standard First-Aid with CPR-C.
· Bronze Cross Lifeguard certification required. National Lifeguard preferred.
· Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) required.

Responsibilities Include
· Care, supervision and mentorship of campers ages 7-15.
· Facilitate camp activities and programs.
· Join your cabin group on canoe trips from 1-12 days in length.
· Prepare for and lead 2-3 day flat water trips.
· Join all-camp events and have an active presence in camp life.
· Complete appropriate documentation throughout each session.
· Contribute to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for staff and campers at all times.
· Coordinating food and gear pack out with other TA’s.
· Collect med forms and review with nursing team.
· Contacting camp for any risk management, behavioural or route support.
· Review camper dietary and ensure supplementation.
· Keep accurate trip log and submit to Trip Director along with post trip documentation: LIT and staff evaluations, Damaged gear, Incident Reports, etc.
· Being flexible to changing schedules.
· Following risk management procedures.
How To Apply

If you or someone you know wants to learn and grow this summer, please apply online at: Join Our Team | Kandalore if a position is posted, we are still actively seeking candidates, and you are welcome to apply.
Your application matters to us and we will review it carefully. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

We work to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices as an integral and foundational part of Camp Kandalore’s culture and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills making us better together.

As a condition of employment, a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required.

Do You Need an Accommodation?

Camp Kandalore is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise the Hiring Manager if you require accommodation.