Yes, our Training Weekend for 2026 will be at Woodland Trails in Stouffville May 8-10, 2026. 

This training weekend is mandatory for all staff. At this orientation you will meet the rest of the staff team, learn more about your responsibilities for your position, camp practices/regulations, various training sessions, share your input to our kitchen staff on what to eat at camp, and most importantly, have fun!

What do I bring?

• clothes

• pillow

• sleeping bag/blankets (bunkbeds with mattresses are there)

• notebook and pen/pencil

• personal hygiene items

• indoor and outdoor shoes - we will have some outdoor sessions

• outdoor gear (rain jackets, hats, etc.) - we will have some outdoor sessions

• reusable water bottle

• any medication you need to take

Pre-camp is the week (sometimes longer for returning staff) before we open. This will be when your contract starts for 2025 on June 23rd. If you are not able to arrive on the 23rd due to exams, please let us know and we can accommodate your schedule.

In pre-camp, we will do more job specific training, prepare program areas for lessons, prepare camp sites with necessary equipment/maintenance, putting in the H-Dock, camp property orientation, and much more. We have a big property and there is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into it. The more staff the help with these tasks, the easier it is!

Once you are hired, you will need to attain the Pleasure Craft Operators Card. This course takes about 3 hours, there is a fee and an exam. This course and exam can be done online. This needs to be attained prior to your contract start date.

MyBoatCard

BoaterExam.com

You will also need to attain your Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C. There are many courses available through Canadian Red Cross, St. John's Ambulance, and many others. Courses are available for all in-person classes and also in mixed online/in-person. This needs to be attained prior to your contract start date.

Uniform

We have two types of uniform shirts, staff hoodie, and navy blue shorts. 

The green uniform t-shirt is worn for most departments during the work day. 

The green collared uniform shirt is worn by everyone for dinner everyday, by Store staff everyday, on Saturdays for arrivals/departures, and Waterfront staff on Sundays for canoe lessons. These shirts are always tucked in. 

The staff hoodie can be worn anytime with your uniform. 

Navy blue shorts are required as part of all uniform combinations. They must be formal (i.e. not drawstring, activewear, or loungewear). These are your responsibility to purchase and are not provided by us. We recommend having 3+ pairs. Navy blue long pants that are formal can also be worn on cold days.

Two of the green uniform t-shirt, two of the green collared uniform shirts, and 1 staff hoodie are provided to each staff member. Additional shirts and hoodies are available to purchase upon request. 

Sizes and additional uniform shirts/hoodies requests will be collected at Training Weekend. 

You are required to be in the proper uniform during work hours and at dinner everyday. It is also your responsibility to keep your uniform clean. Laundry facilities are available on the property.

Footwear

All staff should have comfortable closed-toe shoes (like running shoes) for everyday use, completing tasks around the property, etc. 

Crocs or water shoes can be used when doing water activities or barge driving. Should not be worn at other program areas, in Store, in Kitchen, or Maintenance. 

Store: comfortable closed toe shoes

Kitchen: comfortable closed toe shoes - you are on your feet most of the day

Maintenance: steel toe safety shoes/boots with the CSA Green Triangle, comfortable closed toe shoes, crocs (occasionally have to do work on the water) 

Program: closed-toe shoes (like running shoes), crocs

Outtripper Instructor: comfortable hiking shoes - you will be doing a lot of hiking this summer

Staff-in-Training: steel toe safety shoes/boots with the CSA Green Triangle (you will have 1-2 weeks on Maintenance and will need these - can be shared with other Staff-in-Training), comfortable closed toe shoes, crocs (occasionally have to do work on the water).

Yes, you need your Pool NLS to be a Waterfront Instructor. You do not need it in order to apply; however, this must be acquired before your start date. 

Learn more: https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/lifeguarding/national-lifeguard.aspx 

We do have internet connection for our office to conduct our work and other elements of the camp operation. It can be used by staff for minimal school use or other important tasks. 

It is not openly available to use for streaming, social media, video calls, etc. There is cell phone coverage on the property and can get good cell service in most areas of the property. Staff are encouraged to embrace the outdoors, connecting with other staff, and enjoying all that camp has to offer. It is a great time to disconnect from our devices. 

There sure is! We have an on-site clinic with a nurse every week. We will also have the occasional doctor on site. Staff should see the nurse if they are not feeling well or need medical guidance. The nurse is also a fantastic person to talk to about mental health. 

If there is a time you need to go the emergency room or a pharmacy, we can bring you into town. 

There are two pharmacies in town if you need to refill a prescription while you are at camp as well: Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall.

If there are medical concerns or medication we should be aware of, please let us know when you sign your contract. 

We do not recommend being enrolled in a course while you are working at camp. Quite frankly, you'll be too busy working and having fun! We have many staff recs after dinner throughout the summer for you to connect with your fellow staff and you won't want to miss them. You will also be busy with work most days. 

There is plenty to do on your day off - enjoy the day!

Everyone gets one day off per week. The day varies by department and may vary week by week. If there is a specifc day you need off, please talk to your supervisor.

• go to town with the Camp Van Driver and others who are on day off

• enjoy the property (hiking, go out on the lake, try out program areas - with permission from Program Coordinators)

• do your laundry

• clean your cabin

• 
  

Prior experience is not required (but it is an asset)! Haliburton Scout Reserve prides itself on being a training ground for teens and young adults. We ensure you are trained in all areas of your expectations. There are also returning and senior staff in each department area to help you.