Become an Outdoor School counsellor!

• Applications for the 2026-27 school year will be live starting September 23!
  

What is an Outdoor School Counsellor?

Grade 10-12 high school students act as youth leaders and role models for visiting grade 4 and 6 students of the Outdoor School program at Cheakamus Centre in Squamish, BC. They attend for 3-5 days, and lead afternoon and evening activities, assist teachers on field studies, and foster a strong connection with kids in their cabins providing overnight supervision. All new counsellors attend a training weekend (three options during the school year) to build confidence and leadership skills along with learning the specifics of their role.

Why become an Outdoor School Counsellor?

Along with a new counsellor name, many gain a sense of community, purpose, and deep connection to the natural world they are immersed in. Counsellors strengthen their communication and team-building skills as they help create a fun, inclusive environment for everyone. It's also a great way to make new friends and earn Volunteer Service Hours!

For many students who visit Outdoor School, their counsellors are what they remember most (along with the baby goats). This legacy of youth leadership, from visiting students to counsellors to alumni, is a foundation of Outdoor School.

If this sounds interesting to you, we encourage you to apply to become a counsellor!

I'm interested, how do I become a Counsellor?

Applications are open on September 23. Interested students are encouraged to attend one of two Virtual Information Sessions with Cheakamus staff. Below are the dates, times, and links to these sessions:

• Session 1: Wednesday, Sept. 23 1:15-1:45pm
  
• Session 2: Thursday, Sept. 24 8:30-9:00am

Please note the following:

• Students are selected for the weekend training through a lottery system - you are not guaranteed a spot on your first choice even if you apply early.
• We try our best to fit everyone into a training, however there are typically more applicants than spaces available.
• Grade 11 and 12 students have priority.
• If you are in grade 10 and you do not get a spot in a training weekend, you will be prioritized to attend in grade 11.
• There is a one-time subsidized training fee (there is no fee to attend as a counsellor). The fee for 2026-27 is $162

The two Friday-Sunday Counsellor Training dates for the 2026-27 school year are as follows:

1. November 6-8, 2026
2. February 5-7, 2027

CLICK HERE to apply to be an Outdoor School Counsellor (applications open Sept. 23) 

For more information, please see our Counsellor Process and FAQ pages.