Skip to content
A photo of a camping tent out the front door.
Photo Credit: Scott Goodwill

Camping Basics Instructor

Discipline: Camping Stream: Instructor Development

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


A Camping Basics Instructor is certified to:

  • conduct Paddle Canada Camping Basics skills courses and certify students at that level, and
  • assist on a Wilderness Camping skills course.
Find a School  Search for a Camping Course  Find a Camping Instructor
Course Prerequisites
  • Minimum Age Requirement
    • At least 16 years of age.
  • Skills Certification
    • Wilderness Camping skills certification
    • One of the following paddling skills certifications:
      • Intro Lakewater or Moving Water Canoe skills,
      • Basic Sea Kayak skills,
      • Basic Stand Up Paddleboard skills, or
      • Intermediate River Kayak skills.
    • River Rescue Training is strongly recommended for those offering any skills course on moving water.
  • Instructor Certification
    • None
  • Teaching Experience
    • None
  • Camping and Paddling Experience
    • Significant camping experience in a wide variety of conditions and locations.
    • A minimum of 6 camping trips with a total combination of 10 nights or more camping. It is not necessary that these trips involve paddling.

How to Register for an Instructor Course

  1. Contact the course director/organization and register with them first.
  2. Register yourself as an instructor candidate member with Paddle Canada by following these steps:
    • Are you existing Paddle Canada member or a past skill course student? Login to your account and follow the instructor candidate link there.
    • Are you brand new to Paddle Canada? Proceed to the Instructor Candidate membership form.