Whether you're brand new to trail walking/hiking, want to "upgrade" your family walks, or you're ready to step up to become a hiking leader, the Safe Hiker full-day foundation course will get you there. We will introduce you to the skills and benefits of hiking and walking, and build awareness of hiking opportunities in Ontario. Special focus is placed on safety, planning, sustainability and enjoyment for personal outings.
Cost
$85.00 per person | Refund Policy
Registration
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Prerequisites
12 years of age and older
Objectives
- To provide the novice hiker with the knowledge necessary to keep themselves safe while hiking.
- To provide hikers with the knowledge to make this a sustainable activity (environmentally and socially).
- To assist novice hikers in developing the confidence to join hiking groups and/or go on their own hikes.
- To deliver the ‘best practices of hiking’ so that candidates can become confident, self reliant hikers and walkers.
- To act as a prerequisite for the Certified Hike Leader course unless exempted by demonstrated previous experience.
Content
This course will take candidates through the process of planning a hike in a safe manner. It will start with an Introduction to Hiking, including the Joys of Hiking and Types of Hikes. Students will then be guided through the steps of planning and going on a hike including:
- Preparing for a Hike — including collecting the necessary information, using that information to collect a route, making sure someone knows where we are and our hiking plans, and finally knowing the risks involved so that we can properly prepare for the hike.
- Packing and Outfitting — including what to pack in a first aid and safety kit, how to properly hydrate and feed ourselves on a hike as well as how to dress and what gear we should bring along.
- Hitting the Trail — once the planning is done, we can determine how we will get to the trail, how to follow the route, monitor hiking conditions to ensure safety, problem solve some hike scenarios, and learn about Leave No Trace and trail etiquette.
Course Format
There will be small group and large group learning activities as well as instructor-led instruction.
Participant Expectations during Course: Participants are expected to fully participate and attend all course activities.
Pre-Course Assignment: None
Course Length: 8 hours including lunch and snacks
Participant Assessment: Participants are expected to participate and attend fully and demonstrate appropriate hiking behaviours.
Resources Required by Participant: Pen, paper, lunch, snacks, water, weather-appropriate clothing
Materials Provided: Safe Hiker Student Manual
Become a Safe Hiker Instructor
Find our more about our instructor training and certification program.