Our Staff

Image of staff training session

Our program employs more than 60 staff each summer. Staff are hired for their exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills as well as experience and certification in the outdoor field. All staff require a CPIC as part of the employment process and must be at least 18 years of age.

Supervisor Qualifications

The following are the required minimum skill certifications for each staff:

  • ORCKA Canoe Tripping Level 3
  • ORCKA Flatwater Kayak Instructor (for kayaking courses)
  • current CPR
  • current Advanced Wilderness First Aid (40 hours)
  • current National Lifesaving Service (NLS)

In addition to the above certifications, many of the staff will have additional certifications such as:

  • Wilderness First Responder (80 hours)
  • Ontario Certifcate of Teaching
  • ORCKA Canoe and Kayak certifications
  • River Rescue or Swiftwater Rescue Technician

Learn more about Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA).

Supervision Requirements

All co-ed trips will have a minimum of one male and one female staff. (Female only trips (GAP) will have a minimum of two female staff.) A senior supervisor will be "on call," at all times throughout the summer, available to lend support and facilitate communication should the need arise. There will be a minimum ratio of staff to students based on the remoteness of the trip,
the age/experience of the students and group size regulations for 
the various parks used in our programming. 

Staff to Student Ratios

  • Outdoor Escape - 1:5

  • Quest/GAP - 1:5

  • Outreach - 1:4

  • Outdoor Pursuits - 1:3

  • Outdoor Skills - 1:5

  • SOLO - 1:4

  • Wilderness Instructors Course - 1:5

  • Kayak Instructors Course - 1:5