Welcome to one of the most exhilarating college programs on earth – Outdoor Adventure! Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley is the leader in outdoor training in Eastern Canada. Our graduates have a career where they truly love what they do and work wherever in the world they want to!

Unique General Education Course Includes Costa Rica Trip
Rainforest & Tropical Science is an applied general education course that introduces students to ecotourism and ecology principles. The unique outdoor adventure course is held in the winter semester and combines online delivery with practical learning in the rainforests of Costa Rica.
For details and course information, visit the website at:
www.algonquincollege.com/rainforest.
- Ontario College Diploma
- 2 Year(s)
- Program Code:
- 6780X01FPM
- Academic Year:
- 2011/2012
Our Program
This two-year Ontario College Diploma program, partnered with Wilderness Tours (Canada's largest outdoor adventure company), prepares specialists with the theoretical and practical skills required to work in the global outdoor adventure industry and to acquire national and international certification in a selection of disciplines. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a well-grounded background in three main principles: safety of self and others, respect for self and others and respect for natural and cultural environments.Students gain theoretical knowledge in the business side of the industry through courses, such as, computer applications, accounting, risk management, ecology for naturalists, leadership and ethics, marketing and customer service and communications. While participating in over 1,200 hours of practical training, students learn a wide variety of adventure activities including whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, winter survival camping, alpine skiing, and scuba diving. In addition, students take part in four expeditions to other provinces and to the United States.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the outdoor adventure tourism industry.
- Want to acquire numerous certifications applicable to gaining employment in the outdoor adventure tourism industry.
- Are interested in becoming well-rounded guides, employable regionally, nationally and internationally, in 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.
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Your Career
Graduates may find employment across Canada and around the world. Students have the opportunity to obtain industry-related certifications enhancing employment prospects. 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, and it is up to the incoming student to preserve and enhance that reputation.Back to Top
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 |
| 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 |
| GED7105 | Professionalism and Ethics Professionalism and ethics are the foundation for those preparing for leadership roles in the workplace, community and educational settings. By exploring the different facets of leadership theory and ethical dilemmas, students develop decision making, judgment, and personal value positions that form the basis for the examination of professional conduct and personal accountability. | 45.0 |
| OAD7103 | Outdoor Expedition This first of four expeditions in the program is to introduce students to a challenging variety of rafting rivers and commercial operations. Destinations may include rivers in Quebec or United States, allowing students to apply their guiding, rescue and river skills in new settings. Students are required to observe and evaluate a variety of successful commercial operations and initiate trip log and trip reporting. | 40.0 |
| OAD7104 | 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 students to become better acquainted with the policies, procedures and expectations of their program. | 24.0 |
| OAD7105 | Camp Craft This course offers the student a chance to develop camping and cooking skills in a backcountry setting. Core topics of this course are: the camp triangle, shelter and sleep systems, layering systems, food preparation and presentation for commercial settings, as well as an introduction to navigation basics using map and compass. This course incorporates a certificate in Leave No Trace camping and travel techniques at the trainer level. | 16.0 |
| OAD7106 | Search and Rescue This course offers the student both a theory and practical introduction to search and rescue techniques. Participants revisit navigation skills in order to organize and lead a rescue scenario in the field. Emphasis is placed on the core elements of a search and rescue operation, where students are actively involved in a night search and rescue scenario involving live victims in the field. | 16.0 |
| OAD7110 | River Rescue I The River Rescue I course teaches students river rescue techniques as they pertain to canoes, kayaks and rafts. Hypothermia and drowning, rescue in moving water, improvised rescue, rope system rescue and rescue simulations are covered in this introductory course. This course is standard training for employment in the river industry. | 24.0 |
| OAD7111 | Whitewater Kayak I Whitewater Kayak I provides an introduction to modern whitewater kayaking: kayak equipment, strokes and concepts, rolling and rescues. Emphasis is placed on understanding the principles of moving water and kayak safety. All skills are performed on Class I to II moving water. | 32.0 |
| OAD7112 | River Rafting I Outdoor Adventure students are introduced to the fundamentals of paddle raft guiding. Students become familiar with such techniques as driving, ferrying, drifting and surfing. Scouting, hazard identification, strokes, communication and teamwork are core elements of this course. By course completion, students are comfortable to guide class III whitewater. | 48.0 |
| OAD7114 | Flatwater Canoeing Outdoor Adventure students are introduced to basic flatwater skills that are necessary to 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 emphasis of this course. | 32.0 |
| OAD7115 | Cross Country Cycling I 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. Students participate in a full day mountain bike tour. | 16.0 |
| OAD7126 | Rock Climbing I Outdoor Adventure students develop specific skills required to manage themselves in an outdoor climbing environment. Rock climbing, belaying techniques, equipment, core knots and rope systems are covered. A belay certification is awarded upon completion of skills testing. | 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 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| ACC7200 | Accounting In this accounting course, students learn practical accounting concepts including the balance sheet, recording changes to financial position, journal entry transactions and end of period adjustments. Students learn to spot trends, making timely adjustments and informed business decisions. | 45.0 |
| ENL7655 | Communication for the Outdoor Adventure Workplace This course continues from Communications I to help you achieve graduate level communication skills. Topics include workplace and employment correspondence, reports, presentations and other communication skills required in the outdoor adventure industry. Prerequisites: ENL7777 | 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 |
| OAD7202 | 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, shelter building, cooking and expedition planning. Prerequisites: OAD7200 | 24.0 |
| OAD7213 | Nordic SkIIng I This course is an introduction to cross country skiing. Classic striding (or skating) technique, waxing and basic fitness are covered. Prerequisites: OAD7200 | 16.0 |
| OAD7214 | Winter Camping and Survival This experiential credit provides the basis for living out of doors comfortably in winter. Shelter, dressing for the activity and the environment and warm sleeping are the main elements. Students cook and sleep outdoors throughout the winter term. Prerequisites: OAD7200 | 24.0 |
| OAD7216 | Ice Climbing I This introductory course focuses on the sport of ice climbing with emphasis placed upon safety in the vertical environment, ice climbing technique and equipment. Students meet or exceed the ability to climb grade III ice. Prerequisites: OAD7200 | 16.0 |
| OAD7217 | 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 prior to registering in this course. Prerequisites: OAD7200 | 72.0 |
| 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 |
| OAD7220 | Alpine SkIIng and Snowboarding I This course is an introduction to alpine ski and snowboard techniques and equipment. This course utilizes CSIA and CASI teaching progression and techniques and serves as an introduction and preparatory course for students to take the CSIA or CASI Level I instructor course. Skills are marked according to the CSIA and CASI Level one instructor standard. Prerequisites: OAD7200 | 96.0 |
| Choose one from equivalencies: | Hours | |
| GED6780 | 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 ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED1896 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 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 |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| MGT7230 | Human Resources This course deals with personnel functions including human resources concepts, principles and practices. Students learn techniques of personnel administration (staffing, development, incentives, and discipline). Effective management principles and employment responsibilities in personnel administration are learned (communication, decision making, motivation, change and leadership). | 45.0 |
| MKT7321 | Marketing and New Media Digital media has changed how marketing is created, delivered and consumed. This course provides specific tools and strategies to leverage new media avenues. Web-based applications, social networks, brand creation and customer relationship management are addressed. Digital imaging, video and audio material are applied to a variety of media. | 45.0 |
| OAD7100 | Understanding the Natural Environment This course focuses on the natural environment to gain an understanding of the processes of ecosystems and respect for natural environments. Terrestrial and marine environments are explored to enable students to anticipate the possible consequences of disturbance to natural systems. | 45.0 |
| OAD7304 | Leadership Camp This course provides Level 03 Outdoor Adventure 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. Prerequisites: OAD7200 and OAD7217 and OAD7218 | 24.0 |
| OAD7307 | Sea Kayak Expedition Sea kayak expedition planning, navigation and sea kayaking techniques are all part of this multi-day, third level expedition. Group travel considerations, the marine environment, and Leave No Trace skills are all applied. Prerequisites: OAD7217 and OAD7218 | 100.0 |
| OAD7400 | The Outdoor Adventure Industry This course discusses the history, current status, and future trends of the different segments within the adventure travel industry. Through industry analysis, students examine market players, participants, growth areas, and professional associations in different active and geographic regions. Land and resource management are examined for their role and relevance to adventure tourism both in Canada and internationally. | 45.0 |
| Elective: choose 3 | Hours | |
| OAD7342 | Raft Guide - Paddle and Oar Rig This course prepares guides for commercial and multi-day guiding in both paddle rafts and oar rigs. Paddle crew management, verbal communication and efficient movement in current is emphasized in the paddle raft, while oar based pulling and portagee (push) techniques, rigging for multi-day trips, and running safety in the rowing rafts. A rescue module follows the guidelines set up by Rescue Canada and the Technical Level 3 curriculum, including anchors and mechanical advantage and qualifies for certification. Prerequisites: OAD7110 and OAD7112 and OAD7217 and OAD7218 | 48.0 |
| OAD7343 | Rock Climbing II This course offers advanced skill development in all aspects of rock climbing. Emphasis is placed on edge management, top anchor and top belay setup, rappelling, mach lead climbs in both traditional and sport, ascending and improvised rescue systems. This course covers the fundamentals of becoming a climbing instructor and guide. Prerequisites: OAD7126 and OAD7217 and OAD7218 | 48.0 |
| OAD7344 | Canoe Guiding This course prepares students for canoe trip leading. Trip planning, logistics, navigation, group management and safety are covered via a multi-day trip. Tandem and solo moving water paddling and rescue modules round out this skill set. Prerequisites: OAD7110 and OAD7114 and OAD7217 and OAD7218 | 48.0 |
| OAD7345 | Whitewater Kayak Instructor This skill development course is targeted to more comfortable and aggressive paddlers by continuing the technique progression towards instructor certification. Starting with technique improvement, self and assisted rescue, basic playboating and adapting to big water conditions are developed and applied to teaching and leading beginner kayakers. Teaching kayak strokes, concepts, rolling, group management, and boat-based rescue offers the opportunity to gain Level 02 kayak instructor certification. Students who elect this course should be comfortable paddlers and be able to roll. Prerequisites: OAD7110 and OAD7217 and OAD7218 | 48.0 |
| OAD7346 | Mountain Bike Guiding This trip leader level course focuses on trip planning, group management, and skill based coaching in a multi-day and trail ride format. Modules on advanced bicycle mechanics and modern sustainable trail development (based off of the International Mountain Bicycling Association's (IMBA) trail school) round out the student's cycling based skill package. Prerequisites: OAD7115 and OAD7200 and OAD7218 | 48.0 |
| OAD7347 | Open Water - Scuba and Sea Kayak This is a two module course in sea kayaking and open water dive certification. The scuba module provides the knowledge and skills to safely visit the underwater world with basic entry level diving activities, including open water dives to fulfill certification standards for this activity. Students must pass an authorized medical examination prior to participation. The sea kayak module meets Level 01 certification standards. It covers in-depth chart and navigation reading, proper VHF radio communication and rough water paddling. Prerequisites: OAD7217 and OAD7218 and OAD7307 | 48.0 |
| Level: 04 | Hours | |
| MGT7422 | The Business of Outdoor Adventure This course builds upon concepts learned in previous accounting, marketing, human resources, and industry courses and provides students with basic skills required in planning, establishing and operating a business in the adventure industry. A major focus is on financial planning and budgetting, but includes project management and logistics. The course is meant to be a cumulative product of the skills and knowledge obtained through the business sections of the Outdoor Adventure program. | 60.0 |
| OAD7401 | Advanced Expedition Advanced Expedition is designed as the culmination of all expeditions within the Outdoor Adventure program. Students complete all logistical planning. Advanced outdoor skills and leadership are expected to be demonstrated. Prerequisites: OAD7200 and OAD7217 and OAD7218 | 72.0 |
| OAD7413 | Introduction to Mountain Travel Introduction to Mountain Travel provides students with a basic knowledge of travel in an alpine environment. Core elements of this course include hazard evaluation and rescue, weather in alpine environment, group travel, and a practical introduction to avalanche rescue equipment and the basics of travel in any terrain. | 16.0 |
| OAD7416 | Ice Climbing II This skill development course focuses on technical ice climbing. Various locations are utilized to broaden the scope of winter climbing practices with emphasis placed upon ice conditions with regards to hazard evaluation and safe climbing practices. Prerequisites: OAD7216 | 16.0 |
| OAD7422 | Nordic SkIIng II This skills course expands on Nordic Skiing I and introduces skate skiing. Equipment, free skiing, and poling techniques are covered. Prerequisites: OAD7213 | 16.0 |
| OAD7430 | Alpine SkIIng and Snowboarding II This is a follow-up course to Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding I with continued emphasis on teaching techniques for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Students continue to develop their skills while focussing on assessment and development skills. This course culminates with a level 1 CSIA or CASI Instructor exam, and builds beyond these required skills. Skills are marked according to the CSIA and CASI Level 01 instructor standard. Prerequisites: OAD7218 and OAD7220 | 96.0 |
| OAD7431 | Slope Rescue Slope Rescue is a scenario-based rigging course used to develop an understanding in technical rigging for vertical environments. Students are introduced to improvised anchors and technical rescue systems using minimal equipment. Prerequisites: OAD7343 | 10.0 |
| OAD7450 | Graduate Portfolio In this course, students analyze their professional development and learning based on program standards and specific course learning requirements. Students document this analysis in a professional portfolio. Included in this portfolio are evidence of the work term requirement, training logbook, and other "artifacts" proving that professional standards and core competencies have been met or exceeded. | 10.0 |
| Elective: choose 2 | Hours | |
| OAD7426 | Ice Climbing III This course allows students to further develop their skills and experience in a controlled setting. Prerequisites: OAD7416 | 16.0 |
| OAD7437 | Ice Rescue The intent of this course is to educate individuals on recreational hazards of frozen waterways. Methods and techniques readily used in swift water rescue are modified and explored for this form of water rescue. Ice conditions and hazards are a focus. Prerequisites: OAD7110 and OAD7217 | 16.0 |
| OAD7440 | Rope Rescue This advanced Rope Rescue course is designed to develop climbers' rig and rope rescue skills in both industrial and recreational environments. Improvised anchors, technical rescue systems, rappelling, and ascending used in both recreational climbing and tower settings are core topics to be covered in this course. Prerequisites: OAD7218 and OAD7343 and OAD7431 | 16.0 |
| OAD7442 | Bungee Operations This course is an introduction to a commercial bungee jumping operation. The code of conduct and TSSA standards are covered. The technical rope systems, bungee cord construction, risk management and jump procedures are core topics that are covered in this course. Prerequisites: OAD7218 and OAD7343 and OAD7431 | 16.0 |
| OAD7445 | Nordic Ski Instructor Prep This is a prep course for Level 01 nordic ski certification. Integrating skate and classic technique within an instructional environment is the focus, with key skill areas being demonstration quality double poling, classic, free and one skate and downhill turns. Prerequisites: OAD7213 and OAD7422 | 16.0 |
| OAD7446 | Terrain Park Operations This is a knowledge based course designed to prepare graduates for a leadership role at a ski area's terrain park. This course covers everything from how a feature is built, access, safety signage and risk management, to the primary ride through inspection. Two days are spent in a terrain park, inspecting and prepping features, fall zones, filters and lines. Students also receive personal feedback on their basic freestyle riding, which promotes a more knowledgeable, safe terrain park rider. | 16.0 |
| OAD7447 | Sports Injury Management This course examines sports injury, especially as it relates to outdoor sports. In this course, students understand the underlying mechanisms of orthopedic injury in relation to overuse and chronic support problems. Students learn how to apply support to common sports injuries and manage stable orthopedic injuries in the field. Therapeutic strategies for strengthening common stable injuries are also examined in this course. | 16.0 |
| OAD7449 | Challenge Course Supervision Students are introduced to 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. The focus is on leadership, problem solving, team dynamics, knots, course inspection and safety. Prerequisites: OAD7200 | 16.0 |
| OAD7451 | Introduction to Ski Racing This course introduces students to the basic elements of alpine ski racing. Students take part in race course design and course setup. Emphasis is placed on the development of ski racing techniques for personal skiing improvement, along with an introduction to ski race coaching at the beginner level. | 16.0 |
| OAD7452 | Advanced Bicycle Mechanic This course extends the basic bicycle maintenance skills learned in cycle 1 and cycle 2. Students learn to overhaul bicycles and how to maintain a fleet of bicycles for shop and rental purposes. Emphasis is placed on maintenance of drive trains, wheels and hubs, hydraulic braking systems, headset and fork installation. | 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 |
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Fees & Expenses
Approximate 1st Year CostsTuition/Fees: $ 7,933
Books/Supplies: $ 1,150
Incidental Fees: $ 475
Total: $ 9,558
Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Tuition Fees: $3,616.74 per term in Levels 01 and Level 02 and $3,582.29 per term in Levels 03 and 04.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Incidental Fees: $395 in Level 01 and $80 in Level 02.
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.
1. Clothing and equipment: Students need appropriate clothing and equipment to participate in outdoor activities throughout the four seasons of the year. Many students already own many of these items. A complete list is available on the program website: www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/programs/outdoor.
2. Program Readiness Camp: $150; Books and manuals: approximately $500 per term.
3. Expeditions: travel, food and equipment are supplied for expeditions. Students are required to obtain a passport and travel insurance (on a per trip basis).
4. Advanced Expedition (Level 04) - If the class chooses a final expedition destination that exceeds the alloted budget, additional costs for
transportation, accommodation, documentation, etc., may be incurred by each student.
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Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their
eligibility for admission; OR - Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
- PART I
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
PART II - Submission of Letter of Intent, Résumé and Letter(s) of Reference.
PART III - Participation in Program Readiness Camp (students invited by Selection Committee).
- Submission of Applicant Personal Information, Consent and Health form, supplied by Algonquin College, prior to Program Readiness Camp.
PART IV
Prior to registration in the program, accepted applicants must: - Provide proof of current Standard First Aid certification.
- Obtain a passport valid for duration of program, prior to commencement of Fall Term.
- Sign and submit an Outdoor Adventure Program Assumption of Risk and
Indemnifying Release form. (form available online on the Outdoor Adventure website). - Those under the age of 18 must submit parental consent documentation. (form available online, on the Outdoor Adventure website).
Applicants who have met Part I of the Eligibility and Selection process and have submitted the required Letters of Intent and Reference (Part II) will be assessed and ranked by a selection committee.
Based on the evaluation of Part I and Part II, selected applicants will be invited to a Program Readiness Camp (Part III). The camp will be held in May and participation is mandatory for those who wish to be considered.
Two weeks prior to your attendance at the camp, the Personal Information, Consent and Health form must be completed and submitted to the Outdoor Adventure Program Coordinator.
After the Program Readiness Camp assessment, participants will be ranked for selection into the program. Ranking will be on the basis of the Letter of Intent, Letter(s) of Reference, and physical and interpersonal skills and abilities.
Upon final acceptance into the program, students must complete Part IV (provide proof of current Standard First Aid and a signed release form) prior to registration into the program.
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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 through: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. A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
315 Pembroke Street East
Pembroke, ON K8A 3K2
Telephone: 613-735-4700 ext. 2708
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
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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, alpine ski hills and its program partner, Wilderness Tours. The Wilderness Tours resort is located just 30 minutes from the Pembroke Campus.At least three 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.
The electives offered in this program are subject to minimum numbers, weather and logistical requirements. Not all electives are offered each term.
In order to apply what students have been learning and gain "real life" experience, students participate in an eight week, self-directed work term in the outdoor adventure industry (between years one and two - summer). Students research and apply for the summer job of their choosing, providing it meets program criteria. Possible options include raft guiding, canoe tripping at a kids' camp, working support for outfitters or working at a provincial park. Algonquin College does not set-up these jobs and, as such pay and work contracts vary, depending on what the student chooses to pursue. Completion of this work term is a requirement for graduation.
Tuition fees include a number of significant industry certifications. Students may be able to earn industry certifications through the program at a significantly lower cost than if attained independently. Incorporating many certifications directly into the curriculum ensures graduates are qualified for employment.
NOTE: Certifications are subject to change as many are regulated by different national bodies.
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 forms' legal implications before signing. A parent/guardian release is required for minors (under 18 years of age).
For more information, contact Chris Melmoth, Program Coordinator, at
613-735-4700, ext. 2880 or melmotc@algonquincollege.com
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