A registered charity operating in Canada since 1969

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Introducing The Outward Bound Canada Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals (the “Training Academy”). Developing Canada’s next generation of outdoor leaders.

The Training Academy reimagines the outdoor sector to be more accessible and inclusive by decreasing barriers and offering free training to aspiring and current outdoor leaders in both social-emotional competencies and technical skills.

Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, the Training Academy offers a unique combination of expedition experiences and centre-based workshops to help you grow your outdoor career.

INCLUSIVITY MATTERS TO US!

We believe that the outdoor sector should be accessible, welcoming and diverse, and we strongly encourage BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals to sign-up!

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE

 Trainees will learn how trauma can affect students and influence their interactions and behaviour, informing how to approach and empathize with students.

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

 Participants will learn how to guide others to build positive relationships through respectful and empathic communication, understanding how different personalities shape interactions and build trust.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (EDIS)

 EDIS will evaluate policy, infrastructure, and curriculum within organizations and Canada’s history of systemic oppression. Topics include unconscious bias, microaggressions, intersectionality and colonialism within the broader context of outdoor education.

INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES

 Workshops will be customized to each region and explore sacred reciprocity and reconciliation based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

 Trainees will build the confidence to address mental health situations early by recognizing mental health issues, risk factors, and their signs and symptoms. They will also gain the tools necessary to respond to critical situations such as panic attacks, suicidal behaviour, psychotic episodes and acute stress reactions.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

 This module focuses on helping others understand and connect meaningfully with the land we work on – its natural history, gifts, strengths and fragility. Trainees will learn to instill wonder and curiosity in their practice and foster respect and responsibility for the natural world.

COACHING OTHERS FOR SUCCESS

 This module focuses on tools to coach students through difficult moments, working with them 1:1 to increase motivation, and giving them the agency to choose how they respond to situations. Trainees will also practice how to frame group scenarios and activities so that students can intentionally focus on their own learning and goals.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

 Technical skills will be region and experience-dependent. Participants will learn the competencies needed to navigate or lead a group through different terrain, manage risk and be familiar with emergency field communications.

SCHEDULING:

FALL 2022
British Columbia
Date Range: Sept. 15-Oct. 16, 2022
Location: Comox Valley, BC

Ontario
Date Range: Sept. 23-Oct. 25, 2022
Location: Minden, ON

SPRING 2023

To be confirmed.

Ready to Apply?

To complete your application, you will be required to submit:

  • Intake forms (via online application)
  • Confidential Medical History Form (via online application)
  • Cover Letter / Letter of Interest (upload in PDF or Word format)
  • Resume & Trip Log (upload in PDF or Word format)
  • Proof of Covid-19 full vaccination (upload)
  • Relevant certifications (optional)
  • Reference Form (optional)

Please ensure all documents are ready before you proceed. The application process will take approximately 1 hour. Do not hesitate to reach out if you require any
assistance or guidance with regard to the application process by emailing us at: admissions@outwardbound.ca

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Participants that are registered and accepted into the Training Academy program must give a minimum of four weeks advance notice to withdraw. This helps to ensure that we can fill your spot from the waiting list and give other individuals a chance to participate in training. Failure to withdraw within the notice period will impact your acceptance into future training opportunities.

ECO Canada Wage Funding Program grant

Training Academy participants are also eligible to apply for the ECO Canada Wage Funding Program grant. Up to $15,000 in wage funding is available to help young practitioners and students support and grow their career within the outdoor sector (Note: this grant is only eligible for persons 30 or younger at this time).

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The Outward Bound Canada Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program, as an investment into this sector’s economic recovery.

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