Ottawa Valley (Pembroke)

Our Program

This Ontario College Diploma program, partnered with Wilderness Tours (Canada's largest outdoor adventure company), provides the training, practical skills and tourism industry experience to satisfy the provincial, national and international demand for skilled nature interpreters, soft-adventure and ecotourism guides. Appealing to individuals interested in working outdoors, guiding clients and interpreting their natural surroundings, the program focuses on nature and heritage interpretation, outdoor adventure training, leadership, business and risk management skills.

The curriculum includes over 700 hours of field study and practical training in the following: river touring skills (kayak touring and gentle rafting), river rescue, no trace camping and wilderness travel skills, cross-country cycling, flatwater canoeing, astronomy, winter camping skills, tracking, wildlife viewing, photography, wild edible plants and birding. In addition to the outdoor courses, students participate in several weekend expeditions and extended activity skills training sessions.

Students also gain a sound theoretical background in the business side of the industry through such theory courses as ecotourism, computer applications, risk management, interpretive media, marketing and customer service and small business and financial management.

Qualified students can participate in a summer work cooperative. The 500+ hour paid work placement offers students real-world work experience and an opportunity to network and make contacts in the outdoor tourism industry.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the outdoor adventure tourism industry.
• Are concerned about the environment and want to personally learn more about the environment.
• Are committed to guiding and teaching others in a variety of environments.
• Are interested in becoming well-rounded guides in the nature and interpretive segment of the outdoor adventure tourism industry.
• Are interested in acquiring the skills associated with working in and/or running a small business in the outdoor adventure tourism industry.
• Are interested in gaining industry experience, making contacts in the industry, and building on their credentials through participation in the cooperative employment educational experience offered in the program.

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Your Career

To meet the expressed industry needs of provincial, national and international adventure tourism, parks and education centres, Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program graduates are trained and prepared to work as nature and heritage interpreters, soft adventure or ecotourism guides, program managers or entrepreneurs. They also meet the professional standards established by the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council Heritage Interpreter program. Students have the opportunity to obtain industry-related certifications enhancing employment opportunities.

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Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Level: 01		Hours
ADN7104	Ecology This course provides students with a broad overview of ecological concepts and issues. It provides the ecological foundation that students need to understand the environment and the impacts of development on a variety of ecosystems. Concepts that are covered include ecological principles, sustaining biodiversity and humans as agents of change. These ecological principles are studied and discussed in the context of current ecological issues.	45.0
ADN7106	Astronomy I This course is an introduction to the constellations of the night sky. Constellation names, location, identification and lore are studied. The focus of this course is for students to gain sufficient knowledge of astronomical concepts to be able to interpret commonly observed phenomenon for clients and guests.	16.0
ADN7112	Flora for Naturalists Designed as a comprehensive introduction to flora identification, this course focuses on identification of the trees and shrubs of Eastern Ontario. The basics of tree identification using leaf, bark, shape and fruiting structures are covered. Elements of habitat, historical use and economic value are also studied. Students have the opportunity to practise using field guides and keys to aid in tree identification.	45.0
ADN7115	Fall Camp This course provides students with an introduction to their diploma program and to the skills training component. Based at the Wilderness Tours site, activities include whitewater rafting, team building activities and the start of skills training courses. The Fall Camp is a means for Outdoor Adventure Naturalist students to become better acquainted with the policies, procedures and expectations of their program.	24.0
DAT7110	Computer Applications In this course, students learn to apply, appropriately and effectively, standard word processing, spreadsheet and database software to business applications. Furthermore, students combine these software applications with presentation software to produce effective marketing and instructional aids.	45.0
ENL7777	Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.	45.0
OAD7003	Cross Country Cycling This is an introductory course in mountain biking offering the student instruction in biking equipment, basic bike repair and riding technique. Soft cycling skills, riding responsibility and leadership are core elements of this course. Additional skills studied include assessment of group ability, group management, trip planning and instruction of riding skills.	32.0
OAD7200	Outdoor Adventure Leadership This course provides the basis for leadership and a career in the outdoor adventure industry. Decision making, judgement, and client safety are examined through case based learning; trip planning, instruction, and group management skills are acquired through theory and practical exercises. Students review the program expectations with respect to the graduate portfolio (ODA level 04), the industry work term requirements (ODA Level 03) and/or the optional Co-op Educational Employment Experience which happens between Levels 02 and 03 (Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program). This course is considered essential to the program and, as such, a passing grade is required in order to advance to the next level.	45.0
OAD7512	No Trace Camping and Wilderness Travel Skills This course introduces the many principles and skills required to lead groups safely and with minimal impact in an outdoor environment. Applying map, compass and GPS skills; No Trace camping skills and ethics; hiking and backpacking; search and rescue for the outdoor leader; and food provisioning and preparation skills are some of the many topics covered. This foundational course in Leave No Trace (LNT), camping and wilderness navigation is considered a prerequisite to the two expeditions which have a heavy navigational component; namely ADN7125 Winter Expedition and OAD7533 Sea Kayak Expedition.	72.0
OAD7513	River Rescue This is an introductory course for canoeists and kayakers that focuses on river hazard awareness and avoidance and self rescue including fundamentals of foot, body and equipment entrapments. As well as focusing on awareness and self rescue, this course emphasizes rescuing others in all hazard environments in moving water up to class III. This certification is standard training for employment in the river industry.	16.0
OAD7514	Flatwater Canoeing Students are introduced to the basic flatwater skills that are necessary to safely enjoy the sport of canoeing and earn instructor certification. Students are educated in canoe construction, equipment, strokes, and tandem and solo paddling. Teaching basic canoe skills and structuring a canoe class is an area of emphasis in this course.	32.0
OAD7521	River Touring This course covers two forms of soft adventure river travel. Kayak touring and gentle rafting are demonstrated and actively engaged in. River hydrology, paddling, and guiding techniques and basic rescue are emphasized. Guiding skills such as group and time management are studied. Trip planning, safety and integrating educational components into trips are examined from the perspective of being a professional in the industry.	32.0
OAD7526	Rock Wall, Rope and Challenge Course Supervision Students are introduced to rock wall, rope and challenge courses as an integral part of the modern adventure industry. Course operation standards, gear use and maintenance, policies, procedures, and risk management systems are practised and/or covered in an interactive class format. Students are introduced to the basic climbing gear and belays needed to safely set-up and supervise a rock wall, rope or challenge course.	16.0
WKT7100	Employment Preparation This course prepares students to find employment in their field of study. Resume preparation, cover letters, job search techniques and interview skills are covered. Students learn the proper etiquette, conduct and attitude necessary to be successful in their chosen career. The co-op component of the program (optional in some programs) is also introduced in this course and is considered as a prerequisite to taking the co-op option.	12.0

Level: 02		Hours
ADN7101	Interpretive Program Planning This course prepares students to deliver environmental, interpretive and/or educational programs by providing a basic framework in interpretive program planning and delivery. Students prepare interpretive programs, experiment with delivery methods and study existing programs. This course builds towards the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council Heritage Interpreter certification and covers the first two stages of that certification. This course is considered an essential part of the program and a passing grade is required in this course in order to continue on to Level 03.	45.0
ADN7125	Winter Expedition This course is a practical test of winter camping skills. Direct focus applies to all aspects of winter travel and camping including map and compass/GPS navigation, winter LNT practices, shelter building, cooking and expedition planning. Prerequisites: OAD7200 and OAD7512 Co-requisites: OAD7218 and OAD7523	24.0
ADN7126	Astronomy II This course allows students to apply the skills learned in Astronomy I to the winter celestial sky. It also focuses on how, when and where to find stars, planets, black holes and galaxies. Students also learn about the solar system, telescopes and the past and future of the universe. Prerequisites: ADN7106	16.0
ADN7129	Tracking and Wildlife Viewing This course introduces students to the art of animal tracking and viewing in the wild. Track, scat and animal sign are studied. Identification, use of field guides and interpretation are the focus. In addition, students go into the field to practise the art of wildlife viewing. Dress, safety, tools, approach, viewing shelters and positioning are all studied.	24.0
ADN7147	Birding Theory and field study are combined in this course to offer beginning birding skills. Species identification by sight and vocalization, the importance of habitat in predicting species to be found, the timing of species to be expected due to migration patterns, the use of field guides, audio recordings and birding optical equipment are all covered. Students also start their personal sighting list.	32.0
ENL7643	Literature and the Environment In this general education course, students examine the relationship between humans and their environment as portrayed in short stories, poetry, essays and visual media. Through readings, research and discussions with their peers, students explore the following themes: human oneness with nature, nature as enemy, humans as exploiters and humans as caretakers. Students also have an opportunity to create their own artistic work on a environmental theme.	45.0
MKT7300	Marketing and Customer Service This course provides students with a broad perspective from which to explore and analyze various components of the marketing discipline including market research, product pricing and costing, service as a primary product, advertising methods, target marketing, factors in consumer preference and assessment of guest satisfaction. Students also learn how to provide the customer with a positive experience and how to deal with customer complaints or difficult clients.	45.0
MTM7201	Interpretive Media This course introduces the student to the various media types that are available as tools in supporting nature based interpretive programs. Students learn the fundamental principles behind good graphic design and their direct application to print and digital media. Students then validate these skills through the analysis and/or creation of various industry media, such as posters, brochures, letterhead, business cards, press releases, audio and video digital presentations and websites. Media issues are also discussed in relation to advertising and public relations, self promotion and trade shows.	45.0
OAD7004	Winter Camping and Travel Skills This course covers a broad cross section of winter skills. Snowshoeing, winter camping, dressing for the environment, sleeping warm, fire starting, shelter building, water and food packing for the winter environment are some of the skills learned in this course. Historical significance, modern interpretation and the integration of winter camping and travel skills into a soft adventure tourism package are a focal point.	40.0
OAD7005	Nordic Skiing for Naturalists Nordic skiing, both classic and skating techniques, are the focal point of this course. Students are introduced to concepts, such as ski design and waxing, basic propulsion concepts in both techniques and how those two broad areas combine in the two skiing techniques.	32.0
OAD7218	Risk Management - Outdoor Adventure This course introduces theoretical and practical applications to dealing with risk in the outdoor adventure industry. Risk assessment, systems based planning and prevention, control and mitigation strategies are studied. Managing emergency situations, training, planning and documenting are covered from the guide's perspective. The Canadian legal system, liability and negligence, waivers and releases and insurance are looked at from the business perspective. This course is considered essential to the program and, as such a passing grade is required in order to advance to the next level. Prerequisites: OAD7200	45.0
OAD7523	Wilderness First Aid Skills This intensive first aid course is designed for professionals who work in remote settings. This course focuses on principles of management and decision making. Special emphasis is placed on prevention, traumatic injuries, illness assessment, accident scene management, long-term patient care, leader responsibility and liability, advanced medical aid kits, wound cleaning, evacuation procedures and working with Emergency Medical Services. Students must have current standard First Aid and "C" Level CPR prior to registering in this course. Prerequisites: OAD7200 Co-requisites: OAD7218	72.0
OAD7532	Spring Canoe Expedition Concepts learned in flatwater canoeing are now applied to canoe tripping. Canoe skills, camp craft, leadership, and risk management are adapted and applied to a multi-day canoe expedition on an Ottawa Valley river. Prerequisites: OAD7200 and OAD7523 Co-requisites: OAD7218	40.0
PHO7221	Photography for Naturalists An introductory photography course for nature enthusiasts with emphasis on photocomposition and the application of photography to the outdoors and nature. Basic camera skills and terminology are introduced and students learn how to approach outdoor photography while dealing with varying lighting conditions and environmental factors.	16.0

Elective: choose 1		Hours
ENV0003	Rain Forest and Tropical Science Students actively participate in the Algonquin Rain Forest Project by completing a week-long field trip to Costa Rica to explore its ecosystems and the rich biological resources found in its humid tropical climate. Hands-on experiential learning is supported by online learning activities, as well as independent and group learning projects. Students appreciate the biological resources of the rain forest, the humid tropics, and the variable characteristics of the rain forest habitat, as well as examine sustainable agriculture and other environmental management practices. Students participating in this course are, at times, required to hike long distances in difficult to navigate terrains. All students are expected to reach the Algonquin Rain Forest Reserve via a whitewater rafting trip down the world famous Rio Pacuare. Guided by professional river guides, students experience several ecosystems before arriving at the Algonquin College Forest project area. Students also study and learn at Escuela de Agricultura de la Region Tropical Humeda (EARTH University).	45.0
OAD7405	Ecotourism and Sustainable Development This course begins with a general introduction to tourism and its many forms and then builds a strong focus on nature-based tourism and the development of such practices on an international scale. Ecotourism and responsible travel techniques are discussed and introduced. As part of the culminating performance, students take part in an Ecotourism exhibition, demonstrating the core elements of Ecotourism and its many forms of operations.	45.0

Co-op: 01		Hours
WKT7102	Cooperative Education Work Term For students who qualify academically and who choose to participate, there is the opportunity to enhance their diploma with an officially recognized co-op designation. This designation is achieved by successfully completing a paid co-op educational employment experience where students have the chance to gain valuable work experience, network and make contacts in the industry, and assess their skills and weaknesses in a real world work environment. Prerequisites: WKT7100	0.0

Level: 03		Hours
ADN7132	Primitive Living Skills The activities involved in the Primitive Living Skills course are a culminating performance and experience which facilitates a synthesis of much of the program's learning. Enhanced shelter building skills and gentle interactions with the land to find water and stay warm are priority requirements. Food source recognition, as well as collection and processing of available wild foods are also a priority. Creating fire is a final priority that is pursued. When students have created shelter, found food and water, and created fire, an enhanced sense of independence and confidence becomes theirs. The Primitive Living Skills course draws from a wide range of previously introduced activities, such as knowledge of birds, animals, trees, plants, geography, and cartography; it also involves social skills, leadership and risk management.	32.0
ADN7141	Interpretive Program Design and Delivery Project This course is a culminating performance for the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program. Students design, plan, create and deliver a nature/adventure based interpretation program for a host operator. Prerequisites: ADN7101 and OAD7200 and OAD7218	45.0
ADN7142	Wildlife for Naturalists Students learn to identify various species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals and acquire an understanding of the behavioural traits and habitat requirements of these species. Students also examine the role of the adventure naturalist as public educator.	45.0
ADN7149	Student Directed Field Trips This credit course offers students a chance to explore areas of personal interest in a field trip format. In small groups, students propose, plan, fund and execute an independent field trip. Trip plans are subject to approval by the program coordinator. Prerequisites: ADN7101 and OAD7200 and OAD7218 and OAD7523	40.0
ADN7150	Wild Edibles and Small Plant Identification Combining theory and practical application, identifying, picking and preparing edible wild plants is the emphasis of this course. Using field guides, identification and safety, are key aspects. This course also introduces students to a wide range of plants in the following categories: sedges, grasses and rushes, ferns and allies, as well as mosses, lichens and liverworts. Differentiating characteristics and use of identification keys are emphasized.	48.0
GEO7000	Geology and Landforms Understanding the Earth and its Geological System are the focus of this integrated classroom and field course. Plate tectonics, glaciation, the atmosphere, geological structures and human interactions are covered. In addition to classroom study and experimentation, students participate in practical field trips to observe geological features characteristic of the area. Being able to synthesize and relate geological information in an interpretive manner to other program courses is also a focal point for this course.	60.0
MGT7334	Small Business and Financial Management This course provides students with the basic skills required to establish and operate a small business. Personnel management, business finance, contracting, and marketing are covered. Students learn the components of a business plan and study other steps required to start a new business. As well, students learn practical accounting and finance concepts including the review of balance sheets, income statements and cash flow analysis. Sources of capital and funding and analyzing financial problems faced by operators in the adventure industry are studied.	60.0
OAD7404	Sustainable Trail Development This is a skill intensive course, incorporating modern trail building techniques used to create sustainable, multi-use trails. This course is based off of the International Mountain Bicycling Association's (IMBA) trail school. Prerequisites: OAD7218	16.0
OAD7504	Leadership Camp This course provides students with an opportunity to apply their leadership and technical skills by facilitating certain activities within the Level 01 Fall Camp. In addition, students review relevant program policies and procedures and begin their skill training courses. On their first day, students are to provide the program coordinator with documentation supporting their self-directed work term/co-op educational employment experience if applicable.	24.0
OAD7533	Sea Kayaking Expedition This multi-day expedition takes place in a large river/lake fresh water environment. Sea kayaking, Leave No Trace practices, open water hazards, the lake and river environments, navigation, marine charts, land and water group management practices, and ecological interpretation are among the many skills either newly learned and/or reviewed, refined and applied. Prerequisites: OAD7200 and OAD7218 and OAD7512 and OAD7523	40.0

Choose one from equivalencies:		Hours
GED6783	General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ARC9001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED1896 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or PSI0003	45.0

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Fees & Expenses

Approximate Program Costs

Tuition/Fees: $ 8,456
Books/Supplies: $ 2,190
Incidental Fees: $ 615
Total: $ 11,261



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $2,480.26 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Incidental Fees: $305 in Level 01, $110 in Level 02 and $200 in Level 03.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Service Fee: $10 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Co-op Fee: $465 payable in two installments in the term preceding each work term. The first installment of $100 is payable at the time of registration for co-op and is non-refundable. The second installment of $365 is payable on the standard fees due date. Students on a co-op work term will pay 10% of the Student Activity and Building Fees. Co-op students on work term in the Fall will pay the Health Plan Fee.

1. Clothing and equipment: Students need appropriate clothing and equipment to participate in outdoor activities throughout the three semesters of the program. A complete "gear list" may be found on the website. Many students already own many of these items. When applicants are accepted into the program, they receive a complete list of clothing and equipment required. Expect to spend $1,000 to $1,200 over the 16 months.

2. Books and supplies cost approximately $2,190.

3. Expeditions: Travel, food, and equipment are supplied for expeditions. Travel documents (passport and travel insurance) if required, are the
responsibility of the student.

4. Student Directed Field Trip: All expenses for this student planned field trip are the responsibility of the student groups. This is a Level 03
course which is the culmination of the student groups' learning and skill development in many diverse areas. Students prepay $200 towards this field trip (Incidental Fee Level 03) which is reimbursed to them upon completion and approval of a comprehensive student directed field trip plan.

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Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

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Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements to:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca or from the Registrar's Office of any Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology. A $95 application fee must accompany the application form.

Applications for Fall Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1, and applications for Winter and Spring Terms, will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

Note: International applicants applying from out-of-country may obtain an "International Student Application Form" and instructions by logging onto algonquincollege.com/international/programs_courses/apply.htm or by contacting the International Client Service Officer at the address shown below.

For further information on the admissions process, please contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
315 Pembroke Street East
Pembroke, Ontario K8A 3K2
613-735-4700 ext. 2708

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Additional Information

This program is offered at the Pembroke Campus, which is surrounded by the fantastic natural resources of the beautiful and rugged Ottawa Valley. Sitting on the shores of the mighty Ottawa River, the campus is in close proximity to world-renowned Algonquin Park, numerous natural history interpretive sites and its program partner, Wilderness Tours. The Wilderness Tours resort is located just 20 minutes from the Pembroke Campus.

At least two weekends per term are scheduled for expeditions and/or practical skills courses. Students must attend these weekend programs. A schedule is distributed on the first day of fall camp.

Please note that the activity skills offered in this program are subject to weather and logistical requirements.

In order to apply what the students have been learning and gain "real life" experience, students have the opportunity to participate in a co-op placement (summer between Levels 02 and 03) at a College approved company in the outdoor adventure tourism industry. In order to qualify for the co-op component of the program, students must meet predetermined co-op elegibility criteria. For more information visit the Algonquin College co-op website at
www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

For more program information, please contact Ian Pineau, Program Coordinator, at 613-735-4700 ext. 2759 or pineaui@algonquincollege.com.

Statement of Responsibility, Safety and Liability:

In order to learn the skills necessary to become an effective leader in the outdoor adventure tourism industry, students must perform beyond the limits of a mere participant and assume a greater degree of responsibility and risk.
There is an inherent element of risk which is beyond human control. Only those risks that contribute to career related skills, knowledge, and experience are acceptable, as dictated by industry standards, certification, licences, and specific course outlines. This is termed "risk appropriate" training. Risks that fall outside of the scope of industry practice are deemed inappropriate for technical training programs at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley. Although effort is made to minimize exposure to these risks, we can ultimately assume no responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment.
A signed liability release is required of all students before commencement of the program. An additional liability release may be required for courses delivered through subcontractors or host agencies. The student is encouraged to read these carefully and fully understand the form's legal implications before signing. A parent/guardian release is required for minors (under 18
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