Paddle Canada Manuals

Camping Leadership Instructor Trainer

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

Discipline: Camping Stream: Instructor Trainer Development

Mandate of the Camping Leadership Instructor Trainer

The Camping Leadership Instructor Trainer is certified to:

  • conduct Paddle Canada Camping Basics Instructor, Wilderness Camping Instructor, and Camping Leadership Instructor courses and certify Instructors at each level, and
  • mentor the following Paddle Canada IT apprentices: Camping Basics and Wilderness Camping

Prerequisites

Prerequisites must be completed before applying to become a Camping Leadership Instructor Trainer:

Age

At least 18 years of age.

Skills Certification

Camping Leadership skills course.

Instructor Certification

Camping Leadership Instructor course.

Instructor Trainer Certification

Wilderness Camping Instructor Trainer

Teaching Experience

Taught three or more Camping Leadership skill courses with at least three participants in each course.

Instructor Trainer Experience

Taught four or more Camping Instructor courses, including two or more Wilderness Camping Instructor courses, with at least three candidates 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 Leadership skills course.

Environmental Conditions and Water Classification

Environmental conditions must match those outlined in the Waterfront Kayak 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 Leadership IT Apprenticeship and Assessment

Assessment occurs on an ongoing basis throughout the mentorship process. The instructor trainer apprentice must assist on at least two Camping Leadership 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