Trip Staff — Keewaydin Temagami in Northern Ontario

A leadership apprenticeship in wilderness canoe tripping

What is the role?

Trip Staff are developing canoe-trip leaders who support the Guide and Staff in all aspects of section life — both at base camp and on wilderness trips.

This is a hands-on leadership learning role that includes:

• Supporting daily section leadership and camper care

• Learning navigation, trip planning, and wilderness cooking

• Teaching and reinforcing tripping skills with campers

• Supervising campsite tasks and group responsibilities

• Maintaining equipment and section organization

• Building morale through games, songs, and group activities

• Observing camper well-being and communicating with senior staff

Who should apply?

We are looking for a few more male leaders for our boys program and 1-2 more women for our girls program. We run two single gender programs from the same camp location.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Wants to grow as a wilderness or youth leader

• Works well on a team and takes initiative

• Is attentive to group dynamics and camper well-being

• Communicates openly and seeks feedback

• Enjoys teaching and mentoring younger campers

• Is resilient, positive, and dependable in challenging environments

• Appreciates the traditional methods of canoe tripping: wood canvas canoes, cooking over an open fire, using tumplines and wannigans

Required certifications include Wilderness First Aid or WFR with CPR, and Wilderness Water Safety certifications (Bronze Cross and/or Swiftwater Rescue as applicable). Keewaydin provides and pays for medical training.

Where is Keewaydin?

Keewaydin Temagami is a wilderness canoe-tripping camp located on an island in Lake Temagami, Northern Ontario. Trip Staff live and travel with a section of campers and staff — both on the island and on extended canoe trips through remote lakes and rivers.

When is the season?

The Keewaydin summer season runs mid-June through mid-August (exact dates vary by role and session). Trip Staff are present for training, base camp periods, and scheduled canoe trips throughout the season.

Room and board are fully provided while at camp and on trip.

How does the role work?

Trip Staff are mentored directly by experienced Staff, Guides, and the Camp Director.

Learning happens through:

• Daily leadership participation

• Trip planning and execution

• Ongoing feedback and debriefs

• Skill teaching with campers

• Circular communication with leadership

• Progressive responsibility across the summer

Assistant Staff are both learners and leaders — contributing to decisions, safety, and group culture while building their own judgment and competence.

Why work at Keewaydin as Trip Staff?

Because it is a rare opportunity to step into real leadership in a meaningful setting.

At Keewaydin you will:

• Gain immersive leadership experience in the wilderness

• Learn expedition skills and outdoor education methods

• Practice responsibility for group safety and well-being

• Develop teaching and mentoring ability

• Build resilience, judgment, and teamwork

• Be part of a deeply collaborative leadership culture

• Prepare for future roles as a canoe-trip Guide

The skills developed — communication, decision-making, logistics, care for others, and leadership under challenge — are highly valued far beyond camp.

Trip Staff at Keewaydin is not just a summer job — it is a formative leadership apprenticeship in wilderness canoe tripping.

Summer wages are in USD$. Positions open to Canadian and US citizens; the work permit process for US citizens is supported by Keewaydin. 

Must have a current US passport if a US citizen. Background checks are mandatory for all employees.