Summer camps, Outdoor adventure

Positions: Camp Counsellor — Wilderness Canoe Expeditions

Employer: Wabun Wilderness Canoe Trips

Location: Remote wilderness / backcountry Ontario

Employment type: Seasonal contract

About Wabun

Wabun is a summer camp for boys and girls that is uniquely focused on canoe tripping in the Canadian wilderness.

It was established by eight educators in 1933. Five generations have now traveled the lakes and rivers of the Temagami region and nearby Quebec in Wabun red canoes.

The traditions of the past linger in the techniques of today with wood/canvas canoes, wannigan boxes, canvas duffel bags and leather tumplines still important ingredients in the Wabun experience. wabun.org

About The Role

Wabun Wilderness Canoe Trips is looking for experienced, passionate outdoor educators to join our team as Camp Counsellors. In this role, you will lead and support multi-day wilderness canoe expeditions, taking an active part in camper well-being, skill development, and the creation of a safe, inclusive group environment. Whether you step into a Head Staff or Assistant Staff position depending on your experience, you will live and work alongside campers in remote backcountry settings, teaching paddling, portaging, navigation, and backcountry living skills while modelling resilience, sound judgment, and genuine care for the people around you. Between expeditions, Counsellors take on Base Camp responsibilities, facilitating activities, supporting camp routines, and contributing to a strong community atmosphere.

What You’ll Do

As a Camp Counsellor, you will guide campers ages 10-13 through wilderness canoe expeditions, delivering instruction in outdoor living skills and ensuring the safety and well-being of your group at all times. You will help build a cohesive, supportive team dynamic, respond to group challenges with empathy and good judgment, and adapt your approach to meet the needs of individual campers. More experienced staff will also mentor fellow Counsellors, contribute to trip planning and route selection, and evaluate group progress throughout each expedition. Back at Base Camp, all Counsellors lead activities, support daily routines, and model Wabun’s values in everything they do.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from candidates 18 and older who have experience working with youth in outdoor or wilderness settings- we can tain canoe tripping skills.

You should be physically able to lift 60 lbs and paddle for up to 8 hours in a day, and comfortable living and working in remote backcountry conditions.

Strong candidates will demonstrate solid paddling skills, the ability to manage group dynamics with empathy and sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to inclusion and community-building.

Head Staff positions require candidates to be 21 or older with extensive leadership experience and the ability to mentor other staff.

All candidates should share Wabun’s dedication to delivering meaningful, safe wilderness experiences for young people.

To apply, please e-mail your resume and a brief covering letter to:

jess.lewis@wabun.org

subject: Camp Counsellor

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