Outdoor Adventure at Algonquin College

Prepare for an exciting leadership role with a career in the outdoors.

The two-year Outdoor Adventure Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for working in the outdoors, leading adventure trips and teaching outdoor skills. Half of your time in the program is spent outdoors, in a variety of locations and adventure operations, including our partner training location at Wilderness Tours. The other half takes place at Algonquin College`s Waterfront Campus.

Complete technical training in various land-based activities from mountain biking and rock climbing to skiing and ice climbing. You also build guiding ability in water-based activities, such as:

• whitewater rafting
• kayaking
• canoeing tripping

This program is built around an adventure tourism and small business management curriculum, with classroom courses in:

• risk management
• business management
• ecotourism
• human resources
• computer applications

Participate in one expedition per term, including one that you plan and execute with a group of classmates.

Benefit from the opportunity to earn up to 20 industry certifications in your courses, such as:

• Wilderness First Responder - 80 hours First Aid
• Swift Water Rescue Technician and Operator
• Canoe Instructor
• Whitewater Kayak Instructor
• Leave-no-trace Master Educator
• Cycle Tour Guide
• Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS
• Downhill ski, Snowboard or Nordic ski instructor

Graduates may find employment opportunities such as:

• wilderness trip leaders
• kayak, climbing or mountain bike guides
• ski patrol members
• canoe or snowboard instructors

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning outdoor adventure skills and the outdoor adventure tourism industry.
• Enjoy being outside and being challenged physically and mentally.
• Are committed to guiding and teaching others in a variety of outdoor environments and adventure activities.

Careers

Graduates may find employment across Canada and around the world. The combination of technical skills certification, leadership and risk management, and industry and business study creates multiple career paths and graduates that are in demand. Entry-level positions, such as wilderness trip leaders, kayak guides, ski patrol, climbing or snowboard instructors are seasonal in nature and are combined to create year-round work and travel opportunities. Parallel industry positions may include outdoor education, logistics planning and support. With relevant field experience, graduate`s training may allow them to move to senior and guide manager positions, such as ski school director, terrain park manager or program coordinator. Several graduates have purchased an existing business or started their own adventure company, ranging from whitewater rafting to international adventure travel. The Outdoor Adventure program has built a reputation of high quality graduates.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Assess risk and exposure, manage liability, and create systems consistent with leading risk management practices.
2. Lead others leveraging interpersonal ability, group management tools, and sound decision making and judgement.
3. Consistently demonstrate professional communication strategies, including written, spoken and digital applications.
4. Instruct outdoor technical skills.
5. Initiate an effective and methodical response to emergency and rescue scenarios.
6. Build technical skills and acquire industry recognized certifications.
7. Incorporate environmental awareness and sustainability into outdoor and business practices.
8. Identify and develop business and management strategies to capitalize on opportunities in the adventure industry.
9. Plan and manage adventure-based trips, events and programs.
10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).

PART 1

• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

PART II:

Prior to commencement of the program, accepted applicants must:

• Participate in a mandatory Program Readiness Camp orientation weekend (several dates available, details in Applicant`s Handbook available on program website).
• Submission of Applicant Personal Information, Consent and Health form (available on program website), prior to attending mandatory Program Readiness Camp orientation weekend.
• Provide proof of current Standard First Aid Certification.
• Sign and submit an Outdoor Adventure Program Assumption of Risk and Release form (available at program website).
• Those under the age of 18 must submit Parental Consent documentation (available on program website).