NEW  Instructor Development Program - Mountain, Level 1
35 day training program for ages 18+
Calgary, AB Click to print this course...

Our Instructor Development Program (IDP) is designed to mentor people who are interested in a career in outdoor, experiential and adventure-based education with Outward Bound or other outdoor leadership situations. This is a competency-based program that will develop Outdoor Leadership skills helping participants learn the power of the outdoors as an educational tool for building resiliency in individuals and groups. 

BENEFITS

Outward Bound Canada's Mountain IDP is an intensive program like no other. It is the only program of its kind in the country that offers this collection of professional industry-level certification, delivered in an intensive short semester and designed for aspiring outdoor educators. It is intended to attract individuals who have a passion for nature based education and who see a need for developing a deeper connection between humankind and the Natural World.

IDP participants who successfully complete the course will receive the following:

  • Outdoor Council of Canada Hiking Accreditation
  • Interpretive Guides Association Standard Certification
  • 80 Hour Wilderness First Aid Course
  • An Outward Bound Canada Instructor Development Program Certificate of Completion
  • An Outward Bound Canada Instructor Skills Assessment
  • A letter of reference from an Outward Bound Canada course director

Graduates of this program will not only be able to work as apprentice leaders in Outward Bound Canada’s programs, they will have the necessary skills to work in many of the 50+ Outward Bound schools in more than 30 countries around the world.  

PROGRAM GOALS

The Mission of Outward Bound Canada The Mission of Outward Bound Canada is to 'Ignite the Human Spirit, Invite Self Discovery and Inspire Human Potential' by promoting leadership, self-reliance, adaptability, responsibility, confidence, integrity and persistence. The goal of the IDP is to develop leaders to carry this mission, and to guide others physically, mentally and emotionally in a dynamic mountain environment. The IDP requires people who are committed to becoming exceptional outdoor leaders and teachers. It is a holistic approach in outdoor leadership development where outdoor leaders are developed through both technical and facilitation skills. These disciplines are not uniquely required by Outward Bound but are foundational for any outdoor leadership situation around the globe.

 

what you learn

Facilitation skills: Leading others in the outdoors takes much more than knowing the way. Good leadership results from leading the experience for the participants and using what people experience to allow for a deeper understanding of themselves in the world. On the IDP program participants will learn about facilitation skills by walking through a process themselves. Outward Bound founder Kurt Hahn believed that 'There is more in you than you think'. The outdoor environment is a wonderful place to learn that lesson; with some skilled facilitation participants have the potential of learning even more.

Mountain Travel Basics: You will see and experience the deep wilderness of the Canadian Rockies as you move through the mountains efficiently and effectively over simple mountain terrain. Few countries in the world have wild places like we have here in Canada. You will learn how to be comfortable in the deep mountains, navigate and route-find on and off trail, manage wildlife, minimum impact travel techniques and natural history.

Solo: A rare experience in our modern world, solo is a chance to connect with the power of silence. The three day experience is a journey into the depths of yourself and the wilderness. For many participants solo can be a life changing event because it is an opportunity to discover elements of the self that may have been previously uncharted.

Rock Climbing: The rock program is an introduction to technical rock climbing and the skills needed facilitate the experience for participants. You will learn top rope climbing systems and learn to facilitate the experience for others, being mindful of the participants physical and emotional safety.

OCC Hiking: The Outdoor Council of Canada’s Standard Hiking Certification teaches you how to practically plan and manage hiking experiences in simple terrain for youth or dependant adult groups. You will learn to develop programs with the client’s needs in mind.

IGA Apprentice Interpreter: The Interpretive Guide Association Apprentice Level Course is a 2-day course that is designed as a stepping-stone to the Professional Interpreter Accreditation. You will learn effective interpretation skills, local natural history, cultural history and park management.

90 Hour First Aid: Advanced Wilderness First Aid is an extremely important skill for outdoor leaders to have. As educators, guides or leaders, there are certain skills you need to have if you are going to be responsible for others in remote wilderness settings. On this program you will learn:

  • How to assess and manage injuries caused by force as well as non-traumatic illnesses
  • Common medical conditions, and small wounds
  • Current legal considerations for care and risk management procedures
  • To use field portable medical supplies and available resources to provide emergency care
  • Complex evacuation planning skills with special emphasis on long-term patient care 
PROGRAM DETAILS

The program covers all of your needs for the 35 days. This includes food, transportation, accommodation (Camping or Hostels), Certification fees, [with Slipstream (First Aid), the IGA & OCC) and backcountry permits.

It also includes mentorship, leadership and facilitation training from highly qualified educators, master interpretive guides and senior Outward Bound staff.

The program begins and ends in Calgary, Alberta. You will be transported to Canmore, Alberta where your program will begin. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS PROGRAM

You will need to be in condition to participate for 35 days and be open to developing your professional leadership skills. The program will be intense because each element of the program is purposefully linked to the next element.

You will also need some basic personal equipment.

SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Activities: Basic Rock Climbing, Group Facilitation, Interpretive Guides Association Apprentice Certification, Mountain Backpacking Expedition, Mountain Travel Basics, Outdoor Council of Canada Hiking Certification, Overnight Solo, Wilderness First Aid
 
Instructor Development Program - Mountain, Level 1
AIEA1  /  May 27, 2010 - Jun 30, 2010
Bow Valley, AB  /  CDN$ 6995
  This course has run for this year.
 
Course availability is subject to change without notice.