WILD Connect Leadership Course
Truro May 27-29, 2016
The WILD Connect Leadership Course will be held from May 27 to 29 at Gittens Lodge in Truro. Developed as a partnership between the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) and the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC), the WILD Connect leadership course is a one evening + two day intense learning experience. Attendees will become certified in Project WILD and in Field Leader (Hiking) while participating in orientation, curriculum-based activities (indoors and outdoors) and discussions regarding the practice and outcomes of experiential outdoor education. They return to their communities with quality program activities and a national risk management certification that is often required by their administrators.
Participants will:
- Learn how to lead children and youth into natural environments.
- Become a certified instructor for Project WILD and Below Zero.
- Become a certified Field Leader (Hiking).
- Engage with other environmentally passionate educators from across Nova Scotia.
The program is suitable for school teachers and non-formal educators like youth group and community leaders. The course will be delivered by Dawn D’Arcy and Shauna Heighton, OCC certified instructors as well as Sue Penney, CWF certified WILD instructor.
The course is offered through Hike Nova Scotia in partnership with the NS Chapter of the OCC and the Canadian Wildlife Federation and supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. Hike NS thanks its local partner the Nova Scotia Community College for its support.
Location: Glittens Lodge, 420 McLeod Road, Manganese Mines (near Truro)
Times:
- Friday, May 27 from 6 to 9:30 pm
- Saturday, May 28 from 9 am to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm
- Sunday, May 29 from 9 am to 4 pm
Note that all meals and snacks are provided and accommodation is available (camping inside the lodge) for those who choose to stay overnight. Please contact Dawn D’Arcy Dawn.D'Arcy@nscc.ca to reserve your accommodation in the lodge for one or both nights or to learn more about accommodation.
Registration:
- $125.00 for non-Hike Nova Scotia members
- $115.00 for current paid Hike Nova Scotia members
Registration includes meals and accommodation as well as all course materials and manuals, two certificates, a one year membership with the Outdoor Council of Canada and a one year membership with Hike Nova Scotia. Registration is on a first come first served basis. Spaces are limited. Further course information will be provided upon registration. The deadline for registration and payment is: May 22.
Participants must:
- Review the course manual in advance of the course (to be distributed electronically to participants once registered and a hard copy provided at the course)
- Bring pen and paper
- Dress for the outdoors for the final lesson on the trail (rain or shine)
- Bring a Leader Pack as described in the course manual (see point above)
Cancellation Policy
The WILD Connect Leadership Course is subsidized for participants, so we need to fill the workshop in order to break even. As such, our cancellation policy requires three full days’ notice in order to reimburse anyone who wishes to cancel their registration (so we require notice of cancellation by email or phone by 5 pm on May 23). This allows time to recruit someone to fill the spot.
If the course organizers must cancel the course due to unforeseen circumstance, it will be cancelled the morning of the day before the course. Participants will be contacted by email and all participants will be reimbursed their registration fees. They will then be contacted regarding a new date for the course.
About the Program
About WILD Education: Aimed at both school teachers and non-formal educators like youth group and community leaders, WILD Education is a professional development program that trains educators to become certified instructors of Project WILD and Below Zero. These interdisciplinary activity guides feature interactive indoor and outdoor activities for youth that focus on wildlife and the environment. Workshop participants develop the knowledge, skills and commitment to make informed decisions and take constructive action for wildlife and the environment. This course will only cover Project WILD certification.
About the Field Leader Program: The Field Leader program offers outdoor leadership certification courses for entry level leaders. These courses, based on industry standards, provide a comprehensive introduction focused on the roles and responsibilities of the outdoor leader. New leaders begin by taking the Field Leader course in one or more of three activity areas: ‘Hiking’, ‘Paddling’ or ‘Equine’. These courses can be supplemented by additional modules that provide training for winter environments, overnight trips and navigation skills. This course will only cover Field Leader - Hiking certification.