The Wilderness Trip Hike Leader certification is a sanctioned standard and will teach participants to lead wilderness backpacking and overnight trips for hiking clubs and community youth groups. This course is particularly relevant for educators, outdoor professionals in the adventure travel industry and aspiring outdoor leaders.
Cost
$170 per person | Refund Policy
Course Duration
Approximately 34 hours: (i) Pre-trip meeting (2-3 hours), (ii) Trip: Saturday 9:00 am-Sunday 4:00 pm (times are approximate).
Location
As appropriate to Hike Ontario or the hosting club or organization.
Prerequisites
Eligible participants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have Hike Ontario Certified Hike Leader certification and be in good standing
- Have Hike Ontario Wilderness Day Hike Leader certification
- Have led at least five (5) day hikes in remote/wilderness areas (more than 2 km from road access)
- Submit a trip log verifying participation in 5 wilderness, overnight backpacking trips
- Have a documented history of camping
- Present 2 letters of reference/recommendation from a recognized authority (for example, a Hike Ontario instructor, school Principal/VP, a hiking club executive member) attesting to the candidate’s hard and soft outdoor skills and particularly their hike leadership skills (hard skills involve campcraft, e.g. fire lighting, cooking, knots, safe site location, first aid in the field, route finding/map and compass, etc.; soft skills involve leadership, interpersonal, communication, problem solving, organizational skills, etc.)
- Have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate (Wilderness First Aid recommended).
Objectives
- To develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes of a competent and comfortable wilderness overnight trip hike leader.
- To equip trip leaders to be particularly attuned to safety involving proper risk management planning and emergency response for expeditions which are in remote locations. (Hike Ontario defines “wilderness/remote” as a trip more than 2 km from road access.)
- To prepare successful course participants for advanced national outdoor leadership programs.
Course Content
Trip planning, search and rescue, map reading and compass work, building shelters, survival techniques, water filtering, menu preparation, cooking, hygiene, appropriate personal and group gear selection, safe camp layout, first aid, animal safety, conflict resolution, environmental protection techniques, review of the Wilderness Day Hike Leader course.
Format
This program is based on a field trip structure with “learning on the trail.” As an “expedition course” participants will be self-contained, carrying tents, food, personal gear and other equipment for approximately 3 hours per day on hilly terrain. Individual pack weight will vary but will be approximately 45 lbs. Much of the emphasis is instructional, generated by the instructor and also the participants in the form of seminar presentations. Included in this delivery method, and as a certification course, is ongoing assessment with participants afforded the opportunity to demonstrate and refine their skills.
Participant Expectations During Course
- Demonstrate superior physical fitness and the ability to move confidently and efficiently when travelling on wilderness trails.
- Present a positive and commanding attitude on safety when leading a group.
- Demonstrate a high of standard of leadership including a positive attitude and facilitation of positive group dynamics
- Show ability to establish effective communication with regard to the hiker’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
- Have a proper standard of equipment as required for wilderness hiking trips.
- Model strong environmental protection strategies.
- Plan and provide their own food.
Pre-Course Assignment: There is a written assignment in the form of a specific trip plan to be submitted prior to the course. In addition, there will be preparation for a seminar for delivery on the trail.
Required Text: The Backpacker's Field Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills, by Rick Curtis
Amazon | Indigo | Penguin Random House Canada
Resources Required by Participant: Full camping and backpacking equipment. To be discussed at pre-trip meeting.
Assessment: Methods of assessment will require participants to model the appropriate actions, skills, judgement and decisions of a wilderness trip hike leader. In addition, participants will be responsible for the presentation of topics related to the outdoors in a seminar format. This will be done “on the trail,” around the campfire, etc.