ADVENTURE TOURISM LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the instructors?
The ATLEP instructors have worked in the field of Adventure Tourism and Adventure Education for many years. The ATLEP lead guide, Brett Pawlyk, is one of Canada’s leading Advanced Instructor Trainers of Paddle Canada’s Moving Water and Camping program. He is also ACMG certified for top-rope climbing. Brett has an extensive background in a variety of outdoor pursuits and has guided professionally on various rivers in the North and in Ontario. He is also a certified teacher and has devoted his life to education in the outdoors.
Henry and Lana Madsen, owners of HeLa Ventures, and creators of ATLEP will also be intricately involved in the delivery of the program. Both have extensive backgrounds as educators, outdoor instructors/instructor trainers, and professional guides. Both have a strong academic background and have devoted much of their lives to training and delivery of outdoor programs.
Additional guides/instructors include Adam Biesinger, long term guide with HeLa Ventures with and extensive background in biking and climbing. Adam has made the mountains his home and has been involved in professional delivery of many outdoor programs throughout his life.
Senior staff at HeLa Ventures will also be involved in the delivery and mentorship for the program. Please see our website for a full bio of our senior staff.
Why is this course so expensive?
Our goal is to provide participants with the opportunity to achieve an extensive number of certifications while keeping costs as low as possible. If you were to take each certification course offered through this program separately, the total cost would be much higher, especially when you factor in equipment rental, transportation, food and accommodations. While the cost may seem high, the skills, certifications, and leadership experience you will achieve through this program would be difficult to find in one extensive course. Comparative programs do exist, and we welcome you to research options and see how many certifications they offer as well as the cost of the programs. If you would like to request a detailed breakdown of costs for ATLEP, please contact us.
What are the living arrangements?
Throughout the 2 months of the program, accommodations will be provided on site at HeLa Ventures. The facility is located 24 km. west of Rocky Mountain House, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Accommodations will consist of individual rustic cabins that are equipped with a bed, and storage. Washroom facilities and common areas are available on site for relaxing, cooking, showers and laundry. While living at HeLa, it is the responsibility of ATLEP participants to keep their living space and common areas clean and tidy. On out-trips, you will be staying in tents. If you have your own, you are welcome to bring it - otherwise we will provide one for you.
What kind of meals are provided?
Meals are home-cooked, well balanced and reflect a healthy lifestyle. Because the program involves rather strenuous outdoor activities, a variety of healthy snacks are provided throughout the day. On out trips, participants will work in teams to create meals for the group. We do our best to accommodate special dietary considerations and food allergies. A special dietary surcharge applies for gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan diets or any other major requirement. There is no surcharge for vegetarian or nut-free diets. Please note that we cannot accommodate fully organic diets.
What equipment do I need?
All group equipment is provided. For personal gear, please refer to the equipment list.
I have never canoed/climbed before, is this a problem?
Absolutely not. Participants of all skills levels and experience can apply. That being said, applicants should be physically fit and able to handle long hours in potentially adverse weather.
What does the work experience component involve and is it mandatory?
Upon completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to participate as an assistant guide on an outdoor educational trip with high school students. There will be a variety of trips and dates to choose from in July and August. During this trip, you will be shadowing HeLa instructors through the delivery of a variety of outdoor adventure programs. Depending on the trip these may include lake and river canoeing, rock-climbing and rappelling, hiking, biking, wilderness living skills or river tripping. The work experience component is not mandatory.