Paddle Canada Manuals

Camping Basics Instructor Trainer

This development process provides national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Camping Basics Instructor course.

Discipline: Camping Stream: Instructor Trainer Development

Mandate of the Camping Basics Instructor Trainer

The Camping Basics Instructor Trainer is certified to conduct Paddle Canada Camping Basics Instructor courses and to certify Instructors at that level.

Prerequisites

All prerequisites must be completed before applying to become a Camping Basics Instructor Trainer.

Age

At least 18 years of age.

Membership

Current Paddle Canada membership and Provincial/Territorial membership (where required).

Skills Certification

Camping Leadership skills course.

Instructor Certification

Wilderness Camping Instructor course

Teaching Experience

Taught five or more Camping Basics skills courses with at least three participants in each course.

Minimum Course Length

The Instructor Trainer Candidate must apprentice on a minimum of two Camping Basics Instructor courses. The candidate can work with the same Instructor Trainer mentor on both courses.

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Wilderness Camping Instructor Trainer is required to assess a Camping Basics Instructor Trainer candidate.

Class Ratio

One Instructor Trainer can mentor up to two apprentices at a time so long as there is only one candidate participating in their second (or final) apprenticeship. During a final apprenticeship, it is expected that the IT candidate will teach the majority of the course.

Course Location

Appropriate to a Camping Basics skills course.

Environmental Conditions and Water Classification

Environmental conditions must match those outlined in the Camping Basics skills course syllabus.

General Policies and Procedures

Please refer to the Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer Development Manual for all general policies, development process and Instructor Trainer certification maintenance requirements.

Camping Basics Instructor Trainer Apprenticeship and Assessment

Assessment occurs on an ongoing basis throughout the mentorship process. The IT apprentice must assist on at least two Camping Basics Instructor courses. After each course, the IT Mentor will promptly submit an evaluation form online. If more than one instructor trainer is involved with the assessment, they will each submit an evaluation online.

Published: January 7, 2025 Last updated: April 30, 2026