Paddle Canada National Camping Program

Skills Stream

Camping Basics
Wilderness Camping
Camping Leadership
Expedition Camping Module

Instructor Stream

Camping Basics Instructor
Wilderness Camping Instructor
Camping Leadership Instructor

Instructor Trainer Stream

Camping Basics Instructor Trainer
Wilderness Camping Instructor Trainer
Camping Leadership Instructor Trainer

Program Overview

The Paddle Canada Camping Skills Program begins with a Camping Basics skills course in a frontcountry setting and progresses to a wilderness environment. The complete program also includes Instructor and Instructor Trainer levels.

Please Note: It is expected that students will develop their skills between each level. The minimum competent skill set at a lower level is not the minimum skill set necessary for entrance to a course at a higher level.

Key Policies for New Instructors

New instructors should take note of these key polices before running your first course or clinic. All instructors must make themselves familiar with our complete list of policies as well.

Assessment Guidelines for Skill Courses Learn how to apply the pass, weak, or fail evaluation system on skills courses including the use of conditional passes.
Course Administration Policies Learn about the various policies and requirements related to course registration and reporting.
Code of Conduct for Instructors and Volunteers Learn about the code of conduct, developed to foster a safe, inclusive, and healthy paddling environments for all course participants and instructors.
First Aid Certification Requirements and Standards Learn about the first aid certification requirements that all Paddle Canada Instructors must meet and keep up-to-date.

Intoxicants Policy Learn about your responsibilities related to Paddle Canada's Intoxicants Policy.
Paddle Canada Accident Policies Learn about your responsibilities in the event of an accident on a Paddle Canada course.
Policies and Definitions Pertaining to Course Roles Learn about the various course roles on in skills, instructor and instructor trainer courses.

Recent Program Changes

See a complete list of recent changes to the program.

Camping Skills Program Mission Statement

To promote and teach the necessary knowledge and safe use of campcraft and leadership skills in the Canadian wilderness. Through our support of a safe, enjoyable, and accessible campcraft community, we develop respect for the environment as well as an understanding of camping’s place in our Canadian heritage.

General Instruction Style Expectations of this Program

We expect students to progress with increasing competence as they move through the program and instructors are expected to adjust their teaching to suit these evolving competencies. Our goal is for the camper/paddler to become more independent and able to support others while responding safely to a changing and complex paddling environment. This can be summarized as a progressive and safe response to: Me – We – Sea where the camper/paddler first concentrates on their own skills (Me). As these develop, they are then able to capably assist and support their fellow camper/paddlers (We). With further training and experience, this extends to making decisions with a full consideration of the outdoor environment (Sea).

Since camping and paddling takes place in the physical world, Paddle Canada places emphasis on the physical environment in our progression. As such, our environmental guidelines emphasize weather, terrain, water conditions as well as group factors in managing risk and making sound decisions. Accordingly, our water classification system considers the physical, social and psychological environment.

The Paddle Canada Camping Skills Program is the product of five years of commitment by camping and paddling enthusiasts from across Canada and to those individuals, Paddle Canada extends a sincere thank you.

The Paddle Canada Camping Skills Program begins with a Camping Basics skills course in a frontcountry setting and progresses to a wilderness environment.

Program Development Process

The process for the development of this program included the review of recreational programs from other camping and leadership organizations in Canada and the United States. The initial draft was forwarded to interested individuals across Canada. Upon reviewing the comments received, the subsequent draft was also widely circulated. In September 2018, a draft of the skills stream was published on the Paddle Canada website along with a request for comments. The resulting comments were reviewed before the final draft was completed by the Program Coordination Committee and submitted for approval to the Board of Directors in January 2019.

Future Program Development

This a living program; always getting refined and updated. The Program Coordination Committee welcomes any suggestions for improvement by Paddle Canada members. Please conta c t us with your ideas or comments.