Out Tripping (OT) Director

Title: Out Tripping (OT) Director 

Location: Big Cove Camp, Thorburn, NS 

Position Status: Full-Time, Temporary 

Start Date: June 2026 

Compensation: $650+ per week 

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine. 

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labor market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.  

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighborhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.   

With us at their side, they can Shine On.  

About the role: 

The Out Tripping (OT) Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, and overseeing all wilderness camping and canoe tripping programs at Big Cove YMCA Camp. This includes staff training, safety oversight, route planning, food preparation, equipment maintenance, and leading a strong culture of environmental stewardship and youth development in the outdoors. 

As a member of the Resource Team, the OT Director also assists with other program areas around camp when needed and plays a vital role in supporting counsellors, leadership staff, and trippers. The OT Director ensures that all out trips—from single-night canoe trips to extended leadership expeditions—are delivered safely, intentionally, and in alignment with YMCA risk management standards. 

In this role, you will: 

Backcountry trip Planning & Logistics

• Coordinate all out tripping schedules with the Summer Camp Director and leadership team. 
• Plan routes, timelines, safety considerations, and contingency plans for all wilderness trips. 
• Oversee food ordering, packing, and distribution for trips. 
• Ensure all trips meet YMCA standards for supervision, environmental practices, and safety. 

Staff Training & Development 

• Train staff in canoe tripping skills, navigation, campsite management, Leave No Trace principles, and wilderness emergency procedures. 
• Provide coaching and mentorship for counsellors and leadership staff preparing to lead trips. 
• Assess staff readiness and assign trip roles accordingly. 
• Support leadership development programming related to tripping skills. 

Equipment & Safety Management 

• Maintain and repair all out tripping gear, including canoes, tents, stoves, paddles, water systems, and safety equipment. 
• Conduct routine inspections and maintain accurate inventory records. 
• Ensure emergency kits, communication devices, and rescue equipment are available and functional. 
• Support staff in learning proper packing, storage, and equipment care procedures. 

Program & Camp Support

• Serve as part of the Resource Team and assist with camp programs when not coordinating trips. 
• Participate in camp-wide events, special programming, and staff training. 
• Assist with camper support needs and behavioral challenges when required. 
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and outdoor-focused camp culture. 

Risk Management & Emergency Response 

• Ensure all wilderness trips follow YMCA and industry best practices for safety. 
• Model strong judgment, calm leadership, and decision-making in emergency situations. 
• Support staff in assessing weather, water conditions, and group readiness. 
• Maintain documentation including trip plans, incidents, and safety reports. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Assist with kitchen duties, including dishes and meal cleanup. 
• Support facility maintenance, including cleaning shared spaces and program areas. 
• Participate in groundskeeping, such as outdoor tidying and basic upkeep. 
• Assist with trail and campsite maintenance to ensure safe and accessible program spaces. 

Education and skills qualifications:  

Minimum Requirements 

• 20 years of age by December 31, 2026 
• Bronze Cross 
• Standard/Intermediate First Aid & CPR-C 
• WHMIS certification 
• Canadian Boating Licence 
• Strong understanding of canoe tripping practices and significant personal tripping experience  

Recommended / Assets 

• National Lifeguard (NLS) 
• Wilderness First Aid or Advanced Wilderness First Aid 
• Outdoor Council of Canada training 
• Interpretive Guides Association certification 
• Paddle Canada certifications (Instructor or Skills level) 
• Previous supervisory experience in a camp setting 
• Experience instructing in leadership or tripping programs 

Key Competencies 

• Excellent outdoor leadership and navigation skills 
• Strong risk management and decision-making abilities 
• Ability to teach outdoor skills to diverse groups 
• High-level organizational and logistical planning skills 
• Strong communication, mentorship, and teamwork abilities 
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and youth development 

To apply: 

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/. 

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide: 

• A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older 
• A valid First Aid and CPR Training  

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA. 

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. 

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.