The Wilderness Day Hike Leader certification is a sanctioned standard and will assist the successful candidate in leading wilderness day hikes more than 2 km from road support for clubs and youth groups. In addition, educators, outdoor professionals in the adventure travel industry and aspiring outdoor leaders will find this course particularly relevant.
Cost
$85.00 per person | Refund Policy
Registration
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Prerequisites
To be eligible to take this course and thereby become a Wilderness Day Hike Leader, participants must:
- Possess current Hike Ontario Certified Hike Leader certification
- Have participated in a minimum of five (5) WILDERNESS day hikes (more than 2 km from road access)
- Verify that they have led 5 hikes as a CHL hike leader
- Present a letter of recommendation from a recognized authority (i.e., a certified Hike Leader, a teacher, a hiking club, etc.)
- Have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificates (Wilderness First Aid recommended)
- Be a minimum of 18 years old
Objectives
- Develop the skills, attitude and knowledge of a competent and comfortable wilderness hike leader for day hikes where the hike is more than 2 km from road access.
- Provide a prerequisite for the Hike Ontario Wilderness (Overnight) Trip Hike Leader and direction to national hike leader programs and other Hike Ontario programs.
- Equip leaders to be particularly attuned to effective risk management planning and practices and emergency response for day-long expeditions in remote locations.
Content/Topics Covered
Wilderness leadership, clothing and gear, risk management, navigation, survival techniques, environmental protection, practical hike with problem solving scenarios, review of Standard Course.
Required Text
To be purchased prior to the course:
The Backpacker's Field Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills, by Rick Curtis
Amazon | Indigo | Penguin Random House Canada
Format
Much of the emphasis is instructional with lots of opportunity for small group work and group interaction but, as a certification program, a significant portion of the course is ongoing assessment and skills evaluation.
Participant Expectations during the 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 leadership and route finding.
- 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.
Pre-Course Assignment: (1) Pack and bring a backpack for leading a day hike in the wilderness. (2) Written assignment submitted prior to course start on your personal leadership style in a wilderness setting.
Course Length: 8 hours (most Hike Ontario courses run from 9:00 am-5:00 pm).
Participant Assessment: (1) Pre-course and final written assignments. (2) Participants to model and demonstrate the appropriate actions and judgments of a wilderness hike leader. (3) Full attendance and participation.
Resources Required by Participant: Paper, pen, lunch, water, compass, weather-appropriate clothing, text.