Field Leader Course(Hiking and Winter)

Prerequisites: You must be 16 years of age or older to take this course and it is expected that you will be able to hike up to five km while carrying an eight-kilogram pack over the period of a few hours and that you are skilled in the winter activities you will leading. Participants should also have a love of the outdoors and a passion to share that enthusiasm with others. 

Certification: Those 18 years and older, who successfully complete the course, are designated as having an ‘OCC Field Leader Hiking’ and ‘OCC Field Leader Winter’ certification.Minors are designated as having an ‘OCC Apprentice Field Leader Hiking’ and ‘OCC Apprentice Field Leader Winter’ certification. (The word Apprentice is automatically dropped on the day the graduate reaches the age of majority.) This is one of the foundational prerequisite courses for the Overnight course.

Pre-Course Preparation: Participants are required to read the FL Hiking and Winter  Manual and answer the quizzes at the end of each chapter. Once you have registered you will be sent an email containing a link to the manual and quizzes.

Course Duration: 20 hours over three days

Course Format: The course is usually split between in-class learning (35%) and field exercises (65%). The learning format will be primarily guided experiential learning. 

Course Content: Topics covered include the following in the context of a winter environment: the role/responsibilities of a outdoor leader, creating a winter activity plan using the OCC’s Event Cycle, identifying hazards/cold injuries and mitigation strategies, adaptations to group management and emergency response in cold temperatures, and post trip debriefing and facilitation

Cancellation Policy: There will be no cancellation fee for COVID-19 related cancellation or postponement. Otherwise, there is a $15 administration fee to cancel up to 7 days prior to the start of the course. No refund available after 7 days prior.

For More Information:  program.coordinator@outdoorcouncil.ca