Adventure Leadership Practicum - Program Details
The Adventure Leadership Practicum is a 3.5-month program, designed for anyone interested in expanding their skill, knowledge and experience in a professional, outdoor environment.
Developed under the premise that a professional background in the outdoor field requires a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, certifications, and experience, the ALP program offers a unique opportunity for those considering a career in outdoor adventure, recreation, tourism, and more. The program includes multi-faceted training in various outdoor pursuits activities, many nationally recognized certifications, work experience in a professional guiding field, and leadership/teaching opportunities in a variety of areas (both outdoor and curriculum based). Upon completion of the course, participants of the ALP program will have gained a well-rounded and highly marketable professional outdoor background, allowing them the possibility of a career in the outdoor adventure field.
Goal:
The goal of the Adventure Leadership Practicum (ALP) is to provide a quality educational experience for students interested in future careers in adventure education and adventure tourism.
Specific Objectives:
Through a mix of formal training, certifications and work experience, the ALP program will provide students with the opportunity to:
Developed under the premise that a professional background in the outdoor field requires a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, certifications, and experience, the ALP program offers a unique opportunity for those considering a career in outdoor adventure, recreation, tourism, and more. The program includes multi-faceted training in various outdoor pursuits activities, many nationally recognized certifications, work experience in a professional guiding field, and leadership/teaching opportunities in a variety of areas (both outdoor and curriculum based). Upon completion of the course, participants of the ALP program will have gained a well-rounded and highly marketable professional outdoor background, allowing them the possibility of a career in the outdoor adventure field.
Goal:
The goal of the Adventure Leadership Practicum (ALP) is to provide a quality educational experience for students interested in future careers in adventure education and adventure tourism.
Specific Objectives:
Through a mix of formal training, certifications and work experience, the ALP program will provide students with the opportunity to:
- obtain practical and rescue skills, safety knowledge, and certifications in adventure education or outdoor pursuits programming including lake and river (whitewater) canoeing, rafting, hiking, trail biking, outdoor climbing, wilderness/plant interpretation, wilderness living skills, wilderness first aid, swiftwater rescue and emergency response;
- gain working knowledge and practical experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating environmental education, adventure education and outdoor pursuits programs;
- assist in the administrative and operational duties required in the delivery of adventure education programs to individuals and groups of varying ages;
- develop/enhance leadership skills in a variety of settings;
- become acquainted with utilizing experiential education to meet components of junior and senior high school curricula;
- work cooperatively as a team member in the delivery of quality environmental and adventure education programs;
- collaborate with a team to deliver all aspects of facility and non-facility based programming.
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Overview
The ALP program has 2 main components: training and work experience. Both components will be completed simultaneously throughout the season, with a larger emphasis on formal training during the spring season, and more focus on work experience in the summer season. Training and work experience will both be ongoing, with the possibility for employment in the final part of the season, upon completion of the ALP program.
Training component:
The initial focus of the program will be the development of fundamental skills, knowledge and certifications that will provide the foundation for the work experience component. ALP students will participate in a combination of formal training and mentorships as they work with senior staff in program delivery to clients. Participants will begin to acquire leadership skills during this component of the program.
Work experience component:
As training progresses, participants will apply their foundational knowledge to the delivery of client programs (mainly school groups, and private programs). Once all training has been completed, ALP students will be able to lead a variety of high quality outdoor programs with the support of other staff. Participants will rotate between programs (summer school groups, extended out-trips, private/public groups) and facility operations.
The ALP program has 2 main components: training and work experience. Both components will be completed simultaneously throughout the season, with a larger emphasis on formal training during the spring season, and more focus on work experience in the summer season. Training and work experience will both be ongoing, with the possibility for employment in the final part of the season, upon completion of the ALP program.
Training component:
The initial focus of the program will be the development of fundamental skills, knowledge and certifications that will provide the foundation for the work experience component. ALP students will participate in a combination of formal training and mentorships as they work with senior staff in program delivery to clients. Participants will begin to acquire leadership skills during this component of the program.
Work experience component:
As training progresses, participants will apply their foundational knowledge to the delivery of client programs (mainly school groups, and private programs). Once all training has been completed, ALP students will be able to lead a variety of high quality outdoor programs with the support of other staff. Participants will rotate between programs (summer school groups, extended out-trips, private/public groups) and facility operations.
Certification and Skills Courses
The ALP program provides the opportunity to achieve many nationally recognized certifications, as well as HeLa specific program skills courses. All courses will occur at camp, or close to HeLa, and will be provided by certified instructors and instructor trainers. Most training will be delivered in a hands-on, practical format, however, there will be a few theoretical classroom sessions. Below is a list of both skills and certification courses provided through the program.
Skills courses:
These programs are designed to increase skill and knowledge in the areas outlined below for future outdoor leadership and employment. A certificate outlining the skills achieved in each of these areas will be awarded.
- Top Rope Climb Site Set-up and Management
- Bike Leader
- Raft Leader
- Wilderness Living Skills Leader
- Hike Leader
- Orienteering Skills and Program Delivery
Certificate courses:
The certificate programs are skills courses from nationally recognized organizations.
- Paddle Canada Lake Intro Skills Tandem
- Paddle Canada Lake Intermediate Skills Tandem
- Paddle Canada Moving Water Intro Skills Tandem
- Paddle Canada Moving Water Intermediate Skills Tandem
- Paddle Canada Camping Basic Skills
- Paddle Canada Wilderness Camping Skills
Certification courses
The certification courses are nationally recognized certifications.
- Wilderness First Aid (40 hr)
- Wilderness First Responder Bridge (40 hrs)
- Swiftwater Rescue Technician I
- Paddle Canada Waterfront Instructor
- Paddle Canada Lake Intro Instructor Tandem
- Paddle Canada Moving Water Intro Instructor Tandem
- Paddle Canada Camping Basics Instructor
For a detailed overview of the certificates and certifications offered, click here.
Please note that there is no guarantee that students will achieve the certifications. They will be provided with an opportunity to participate in the course, but must meet standards outlined by the certifying body in order to obtain each certification.
Dates and costs
DATES: April 30 - August 14, 2022
COST: $2000 + GST
View full breakdown of costs here
Includes:
Does not include:
COST: $2000 + GST
View full breakdown of costs here
Includes:
- Personal time and commitment
- Certifications (see above)
- Staff Training (outside of certifications)
- Skill Development in a range of outdoor disciplines (outside of certifications)
- Food
- Accommodation
- Equipment use
- Transportation during program
- Workers Compensation Board
Does not include:
- Personal equipment
- Paddle Canada and Paddle Alberta membership fees ($110 annually)
- Special dietary surcharge ($300+GST) - for gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan diets or any other major dietary requirements
- Transportation to and from HeLa Ventures
Spots are limited. Please apply by February 15, 2022.