Who: The Camping Association of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island (CANSPEI) is hosting a training weekend at Camp Tidnish (Easter Seals Nova Scotia) in Baie Verte, New Brunswick.
What: A weekend full of engaging opportunities for youth and young adults working in camps in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island!
On top of the three course options below, CANSPEI will be facilitating other exciting opportunities throughout the weekend. Following our AGM on Friday May 29th, we will invite all camps to join our Campfire-a-Palooza - bring a song and skit and share with everyone! After dinner on Saturday May 30th, Andrew Paris, the Sport and Recreation Lead from the Province of Nova Scotia, will lead our participants through an activity around equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation and accessibility.
1) Canoe Instructor Course (10 Spots Available):
Through Paddle Canada's Curriculum, the Waterfront Instructor is an entry-level instructor program is designed for those individuals that would like to teach in a small designated area (80 x 100 metres) such as a pond or lake beachfront in calm waters. Participants must be a minimum of 16 and pre-requisites for this course include First Aid and CPR.
2) Standard First Aid & CPR C Course (16 Spots Available):
Through the Lifesaving Society's Curriculum, this course teaches participants the skills to recognize emergencies and medical needs of individuals, critical thinking in emergency scenarios and response when safe to do so. Operating on the 3 P's - preserve life, prevent deterioration and promote recovery - this 16h course meets the required need for accredited camps in NS & PEI.
3) Directors & Programmers Training (16 Spots Available):
Hosted in collaboration between three instructors, Directors and Programmers Training serves to provide high-quality skills and certifications to leaders in the Summer Camp Setting. On Saturday, this stream hosts two workshops. 1. A Behaviour Intervention workshop hosted by a guest speaker2. From Good to Unforgettable: Outdoor Experience Design, a workshop hosted by Fin from Ferro & Tide Outdoors. Fin is a multi-faceted outdoor leader, nature educator, sea kayaking instructor, and wilderness first aid teacher who brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to every learning environment. With more than 15 years of outdoor leadership experience in his home province of Nova Scotia, he specializes in helping learners of all ages connect with the natural world, using forests, trails, wildlife, and seasonal changes as living classrooms.
Lastly, on Sunday, this stream will engage with an 8-hour Mental Health First Aid course. Hosted by the owner of Labyrinth Wellness, Heather is a licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years experience in Mental Health and a contract instructor with Opening Minds and has been facilitating Mental Health First Aid – Supporting Youth for 9 years both in-person and virtually. Heather truly believes that giving people Mental Health First Aid skills to intervene in a young person’s life when they are struggling, saves lives. Please note: participants must complete 1-2 hours of self-directed learning and show proof of completion via email prior to attending the course. Participants cannot miss more than 30 minutes of the classroom component in order to receive certification.
4) PENDING INTEREST: Kayak Course:
Many of our member camps have requested sessions and certification for kayak instructors in the summer camp environment. Pending interest, we would be excited to offer and host this on site in 2026. If we have adequate registration for this by April 29th we will offer this pending instructor availability. When:Friday May 29th 6pm arrival, Saturday May 30th, 8am - 5pm and Sunday May 31st, 8am - 5pmAll participants are encouraged to arrive on Friday evening, though courses will begin on Saturday morning and run through Sunday afternoon.
Where: Camp Tidnish, Baie Verte, New Brunswick
Costs: Member Camps of CANSPEI: $120 per participant Non-CANSPEI Member: $300 per participant. This reflects a closer cost of the course, accommodations and meals. Non-CANSPEI Member camps will receive an invoice from us following registration. By preference, fees can be paid by E-Transfer to: info@canspei.org (please note the participant name and course name when sending!)
Or if necessary, by cheque to:
Camping Association of NS & PEIc/o Sports Nova Scotia5516 Spring Garden Road, 4TH Floor Halifax, NS, B3J 1G6
(please note the participant name and course name when sending!)
Any questions or concerns? Contact our Education & Growth Director below
Alison Cook
Director of Education & Growth
Camping Association of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (CANSPEI)
902-240-7475
All member camps of CANSPEI exist on Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. CANSPEI seeks to live in peace and friendship with our indigenous brothers, sisters and two-spirited siblings as we seek truth and reconciliation with our communities. We acknowledge the work that needs to be done, the bias in our acknowledgement and our need to bridge the gap between the two. We acknowledge the engagement of traditional camp activities