Wilderness ; Seasonal

At the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, we believe that belonging is the heart of potential, and for more than 130 years, Camp Stephens—owned and operated by the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg—has brought this belief to life through exceptional overnight camp experiences on its island site in the heart of Lake of the Woods, near Kenora, Ontario. Guided by The Y Way and our commitment to Shine On Experiences, Camp Stephens fosters a culture where safety, inclusion, growth, and community are embedded in everything we do.

As a Wilderness Staff (Seasonal), you will lead campers through transformative outdoor experiences, teaching canoeing, navigation, campcraft, and Leave No Trace principles while ensuring safety, skill development, and positive group dynamics. You will play a critical role in creating meaningful wilderness trips that foster confidence, teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong connection to nature.

Working at Camp Stephens means being part of a values-driven, people-first culture grounded in inclusiveness, well-being, sustainability, and inspiration. You will live and work in a unique wilderness environment, build strong relationships with campers and peers, and contribute to life-changing outdoor experiences while being supported by a passionate leadership team that values belonging, learning, and personal growth.

You will lead and mentor campers through wilderness trips, providing instruction in paddling, portaging, campsite setup, outdoor cooking, and environmental stewardship. You will manage trip logistics, prepare and maintain gear, and ensure all activities comply with YMCA-YWCA policies and best practices in risk management. You will model strong leadership, foster inclusion, and support campers’ personal growth while assisting with trip documentation, incident reporting, and continuous program improvement.

• Previous wilderness tripping or outdoor leadership experience, including canoeing, navigation, and campcraft
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and camper supervision skills
• Knowledge of risk management, first aid, and emergency preparedness in remote settings
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to create a supportive, inclusive environment
• Technical proficiency in outdoor skills, equipment use, and Leave No Trace principles
• Willingness to complete the Y Winnipeg Camp Stephens Training Pathway (paid training provided if required)
• Required
  
  Certifications:
  
  Intermediate First Aid with CPR‑C, National Lifeguard (NL) Pool

• Professional Development:
  Paid training and certification opportunities; applicants who do not yet have all required certifications are encouraged to apply, as training and support may be available
• On‑site Accommodation:
  Includes board and lodging while on trip
• Wellness:
  Complimentary Y membership and access to Employee Assistance Program
• A supportive, mission‑driven environment where your leadership and contributions are valued

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.

While only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews, we are committed to transparency and will provide an update on application status within 45 days of submission.

Canadian experience is not required. We value diversity and welcome applicants with international education and work experience, and we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.