CANOE TRIP LEADERSHIP FOUNDATIONS
Paddle Canada X Outdoor Council of Canada
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Trusted by 75+ organizations and counting.
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Facilitated by outdoor experts to meet high Safety Guidelines.
Manitoba Curriculum alignment across multiple areas.
Indigenous & Métis partnership & integration.
Learn to Lead
Manitoba is a wonderful place to paddle and share with others. This multi-day introductory canoe trip leadership course is designed to empower camp staff, educators, and recreational outdoor leaders to confidently facilitate quality trips up to 3 days in duration while camping in a remote setting.
Our experienced instructors will model and facilitate the course with a focus on student discovery and practice. Participants will be expected to be highly engaged and actively participate in the ongoing management of the trip through being "leader of the day", under the supervision of the instructors. Participants will be provided personal evaluation of outdoor skills, leadership competency, risk management, and group management.
Successful completion and passing of included courses, fulfills the minimum requirements of the newly imposed MPASS leadership guidelines.
Certification #1
Paddle Canada Canoe Skills
Throughout the course, students will have opportunity to learn and practice both formally and informally the required paddling skills to meet minimum standard for Paddle Canada Intro Lakewater Tandem.
Certification #2
Outdoor Council of Canada
This course will formally work through the OCC's outdoor leadership framework. Through group discussions, activities, and being "leader of the day", students will have ample opportunity to learn and practice sound risk management strategies while on the trail.
Students have opportunity to acquire both the OCC Field Leader Hiking & Paddling certifications throughout the course. Successful students will both demonstrate competent leadership skills and pass a written exam.
Skills Workshops
Foundational Outdoor Skills
This course presents opportunity for students to learn foundational outdoor skills relevant for any camping experience. The following skills will be reviewed and practiced:
- Tarp / Shelter Set-up.
- Fire Building & Safety.
- Navigation.
- Water Purification.
- Nutrition and Food Planning.
- Basic Knots.
- Self Care.
- Emergency Planning.
Experiential Leadership
"Leader of the Day"
One of the anchors of this course is the ongoing practice and critical feedback that builds as we travel in a remote setting. Students will be presented with opportunity to be part of a team to lead the group and manage everything from people, the itinerary, meals, campsite, and managing unexpected situations.
MEET OUR TEAM
Matt Peters
Outdoor Council of Canada Instructor
Paddle Canada Instructor
Matt's joy is the opportunity to inspire young outdoor leaders through engaging trips and courses in wild places. From 20+ years as a frontline camp leader, wilderness guide, and outdoor program manager, his passion and zeal for outdoor adventure and leadership will inspire you!
Pauline Nadlersmith
Paddle Canada Instructor
Owner/Operator Riversong Wilderness
Pauline can be found leading family and youth groups on life-changing canoe trips and teaching canoe courses each year. A mother of 5 and mentor to dozens, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to leading others and managing high quality outdoor adventures.
Kyle Kushnier
Paddle Canada Instructor
Outdoor Council of Canada Instructor
Kyle is an experienced educator, guide, and former summer camp leader. He has a special gift of teaching with warmth, patience, and humility that is rooted in his genuine ability to help others grow. He'll empower you to lead others in the same way and always has a unique story to share!
COURSE DETAILS
Course Dates:
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We strive to facilitate Spring & Summer courses.
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Custom courses are subject upon Instructor availability.
Course Duration:
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3 Days / 2 Nights.
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Pre-trip Zoom Meeting (2 hrs).
Start/End Location:
To be determined. Each course location is dependant upon group size, season, permit availabilty, etc.
Prerequisites:
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Confident being on the water and in remote settings.
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Some Canoeing experience. Willing to learn.
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Some camping experience (doesn't have to be wilderness).
Certifications:
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Paddle Canada Intro to Lakewater Canoe Skills.
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Paddle Canada Camping Skills.
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Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader (Paddle) + (Hiking)
What’s Not Included:
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Gratuities for your instructor(s).
Ages:
Participants MUST be age 16+ years.
Course Size:
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2-6 students per instructor.
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Total course size won't exceed 12 students and 2 Instructors.
Booking & Cancellation Policy:
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Registrations are confirmed with submission of Course Registration Form AND a 50% non-refundable deposit.
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Full payment is due 30 days in advance of the course start date.
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Cancellations at least 30 in advance of course start date receive full refund minus a $50 admin fee.
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Cancellations 30 days or less in advance of the course start date forfeit the 50% non-refundable deposit.
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Cancellations 14 days or less in advance of the course start date forfeit the entire course fee and are eligible for 50% credit for a future course within a calendar year.
This course is subject to maximum 12 participants and is limited each year. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to register early. Have a group of 4+ and want you're own private course... contact us!
IMPORTANT
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Camping Permits
We take care of the group Special Event Permit as required by Manitoba Parks.
Certifications & Workshops.
Learn and practice outdoor skills and leadership while being coached by experienced and certified instructors.
Peer Learning
Within a tight and intimate schedule, you will have ample time to meet and build relationships with other outdoor leaders. Peer sharing and feedback is key to personal discovery and growth.
Program Equipment
We provide all the canoes, paddling gear (paddles, pfd's), firewood, shelters, most meals, and safety equipment.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Personal Equipment
A packing list will be provided for all participants. This will include what clothes to bring, sleeping bag, rain gear, foot wear, and toiletries.
Some Meals & Snacks
All students will be responsible for some meals like first day bag lunch and snacks/drinks.
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Transportation
Participants are responsible for your own transportation to the trail for the course. We will help coordinate ride shares.
Group Management
For PRIVATE GROUPS, it is the group leader's responsibility for group management. Our instructors will be focused on the course facilitation.
PRICING
General Course Fee
3 Days / 2 Nights + 2hr Zoom
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Starting at $545 +gst
*Discount pricing available for Custom groups of 6+ participants.
CCI Affiliated Camps
3 Days / 2 Nights + 2hr Zoom
Contact Us for Special Pricing
*Discount pricing available for Custom groups of 6+ participants.
Private Courses
3 Days / 2 Nights + 2hr Zoom
Contact Us for Special Pricing
*Discount pricing available for Custom groups of 6+ participants.
Courses Fill Quickly - Reserve Your Spot Today
Limited courses are offered seasonally and fill fast, especially in spring and fall. Secure your preferred date early to avoid disappointment.
Join Us for a Learning Experience Your Students Will Never Forget!
