Certificate in Adventure Tourism and Recreation Desolation Sound - Powell River

Course Descriptions

TOUR 100  (3)  Introduction to Tourism

This course applies an interdisciplinary focus to the tourism industry, exploring its impacts and examining the interrelationships between industry sectors. Topics include trends and current issues, career opportunities, sectors of the tourism delivery system, and the roles of tourism organizations in the provision and delivery of tourism products and services. Credit will only be granted for one of RMGT 100,CONV 101 or TOUR 100. (3:0:0)
Classes: M, T, W from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm (1 hr allotted for breaks)

TRMT 104 (6) Adventure Tourism and Recreation Field Skills

Field Sessions: R from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (approx.1 hr allotted for breaks)

The TRMT 104 Field Studies are delivered in conjunction with other courses throughout the year.

They include: (click each field study course to go directly to description)

Paddle Canada Certification: Paddleboarding Essentials and Advanced

This course introduces participants to Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). Included are equipment, safety, paddle strokes, launching and landing and paddling.  Participants learn the essentials of SUP skills and paddling with confidence.

Advanced Stand Up Paddleboarding builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the Stand Up Paddleboarding Essentials course. Participants learn to paddle in more challenging conditions or race environments by developing more advanced paddleboarding skills. The focus is on paddling in waves and chop, where particpants learn draw strokes, pivot turns, bracing and edging for more effective manoeuvring.
Prerequisites:
Paddle Canada Basic Stand Up Paddleboard: Stand Up Paddleboard Essentials or equivalent skills
Certification:
Paddle Canada Advanced Stand Up Paddleboard Skills certification

VHF Restricted Radio Operator Certificate

A VHF (Very High Frequency) radio is a vital piece of safety equipment allowing you to receive safety messages put out by other boaters and the Coast Guard, get the latest marine weather report or make a telephone call. This tool not only provides access to the marine weather forecast in remote coastal areas, but also serves as a life line to the outside world should help be required. By the end of the course, participants will be able to communicate and summon help from the Coast Guard with the VHF radio using proper radio procedure. A VHF Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) is required by law if you use a VHF in Canadian waters (fines up to $5000 can be given for non compliance).

Participants will learn about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, (DSC/GMDSS).

*Includes Canadian Power Squadron Maritime Radio Course book & DVD and Certification Fee

Wilderness First Aid

An entry-level course designed for professionals working in remote settings for days or weeks.

Wilderness Advanced First Aid is comprehensive medical training designed for professionals or wilderness leaders who venture into remote and challenging environments. Wilderness medicine differs significantly from standard first aid courses and other training that are oriented toward urban environments. This course teaches how to manage medical emergencies when hospitals and rescue services may not be available for an extensive time period. Participants will learn to prepare and respond for emergency situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments, and improvised equipment.

Certifications:

This course is scheduled for 4-days (36 to 40 hours) of instructional and practice time. On successful completion of the course participants will receive certification in Wilderness Advanced First Aid and Adult CPR. (Certification is valid for three years.)

Evaluation:

Certification is based on 100% attendance, satisfactory performance on homework assignments and written quizzes, demonstrated proficiency with practical skills, and a successful grade on a final written exam.

Paddle Canada Certification: Sea Kayak Level 1

The course introduces participants to a kayaking experience and builds the skills needed to venture out on full-day paddling trips. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of Kayaks, gear, strokes and rescues.

Participants will learn about capsizing and getting back into the kayak, both with assistance and solo and will also learn stroke development to help improve paddling efficiency, navigation for day-tripping, chart (map) reading, route finding, tides, and weather.

Certification:

  • Solo Re-Entry Card
  • Paddle Canada Level I

Intro to Trail Works

This course introduces Trail Building that includes International Mountain Bike Association's philosophies. Participants learn how to build and maintain sustainable singletrack and multi-use trails. The course involves three hours in the classroom followed by four hours in the field doing hands-on trail work and field instruction spread over two half-day sessions.

General outline of Trail Works:

  • Introduction to IMBA standards
  • Trail building theory
  • Hand Tool orientation, safety, maintenance and effective use of
  • Essential elements of sustainable trails
  • Designing a trail
  • Constructing the trail
  • Advanced trail construction techniques
  • Trail maintenance
  • Reclaiming trails

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace Canada’s course is intended for outdoor recreational users who wish to minimize their impact on the natural environment whether they are hiking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing etc. Participants learn how to prepare for reducing a group’s environmental impact when planning a paddling trip, and learn and apply the seven Leave No Trace principles in the wilderness.

Field Leader (Hiking) Outdoor Council of Canada Certification

This course offers a systematic approach to planning and managing a hiking activity for one day. Participants are required to read a 60-page manual and complete quizzes before attending the course. Course length is 16 hours offered over 4 half-day sessions. Those who successfully complete the Field Leader (Hiking) course are qualified to lead one day trips into class 1 hiking terrain as defined in the Outdoor Council of Canada's Matrix. The scope of practice for a Field Leader (Hiking) graduate can be found on the Outdoor Council of Canada’s Web site.

Outdoor Leadership Skills

Cultural, Eco, Aboriginal and Adventure tourism are the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. The field of adventure tourism involves a lifelong commitment to learning and a broad range of hard and soft skills.  This introductory course will explore the fundamental skill base required to lead others safely in wilderness settings. At the core of these different skills are the tools that you yourself have to safely and effectively facilitate the experience for your clients.
The OLS course is comprised of the following six modules:

  • Trip Planning and Preparation
  • Leadership Studies
  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Map and Compass Use Fundamentals
  • Outdoor Group Living Skills
  • Environmental Studies

Sessions combine in-class workshops and presentations with a strong emphasis on learning-by-doing. There are six full day trips in the Powell River area where skills will be put into practice throughout the course. Assigned readings will need to be completed prior to each module.
On successful completion of this course, participants will:

  • Understand the fundamentals of leadership, including group behavior and management, interpersonal dynamics, communication and decision making skills.
  • Demonstrate a practical application of effective leadership by teaching skills, making presentations and assuming outdoor leadership roles.
  • Understand guidelines and methodology to plan a wilderness outing and be able to demonstrate good trip planning and preparation skills.
  • Demonstrate proper use of navigational aids, map/ chart reading and understand their applications and limitations.
  • Understand and demonstrate fundamental safety and risk management principles as they apply to wilderness activities.
  • Understand and demonstrate environmentally sound, safe and efficient means of group travel and management in the outdoors.
  • Understand the impact of human travel in wilderness areas including a demonstration of Leave No Trace practices.
  • Understand the basics of weather interpretation, sources of information and impacts of environmental factors on group travel.

Course Completion

Participants who complete all the assignments and fulfill all the other basic requirements of the OLS course will receive a “Certificate of Completion” from Terracentric Coastal Adventures Ltd. This certificate will detail the skills achieved and an authorized trip log.

Introductory Canoe

This one-day course meets BC government requirements for canoe training for outdoor recreationists. Topics include canoe safety, tandem forward, reverse and turning strokes as well as deep-water rescues. Course offered at the OLC campus.

Kayak Level 2

Level 2 builds on the skills covered in the Level 1 Program by refining existing skills and adding new ones like rolling and paddling in currents.  Touring skills are also introduced on an overnight trip. Anyone looking to tour in coastal waters should have these skills.

Paddle Canada Level Two Sea Kayaking Skills Series is a gateway to an exciting progression of sea kayak touring and overnight trips in the many amazing yet challenging Canadian kayaking destinations.

Participation in this course is offered over 5 half-day sessions and 2 full day sessions that includes an overnight excursion, all of which will enable participants to develop and assess their skill level and comprehension necessary for proficient overnight kayak touring in moderate sea conditions. Includes instruction and assessment of touring skills, risk assessment, bracing, manoeuvring strokes, combined strokes, sustained paddling, introduction to rolling.

The first part of this course focuses on skills, strokes, and knowledge to prepare for 2 overnight camping trips.  Navigation, advanced strokes, quick and efficient re-entries including rolling will all be reviewed and assessed. Strategies for paddling over longer distances and in more challenging conditions, as well as camp craft skills, as they apply to kayak camping, are also included in the Level 2 course.

One evening session before the overnight will be spent reviewing and preparing logistics and equipment for overnight camping trip, as well as reviewing trip & meal planning.

There will be readings and an assignment between weekends, as well an exam during the program.

Prerequisites:

  • Solid Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills
  • VHF Restricted Operators Certificate recommended
  • At least 3 personal daylong kayak trips
  • Camping experience
  • 19 years of age
  • Wilderness First Aid (16 hours) with CPR strongly recommended.

Certification:

Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills certification

TOUR 159  (3)  Environmental Stewardship In Tourism

An examination of the relationship between natural resources and the development of tourism opportunities. (3:0:0)

TOUR 161 (3)  Organizing and Leading Tourism Activities

This course examines leadership behaviour from individual, small group, inter-group and organizational perspectives. Using participatory models and experiential exercises students discover effective communication strategies for leading organizations to achieve their goals. Topics include motivational techniques, group dynamics and behaviour, stress management, organizational structure and change, and teambuilding. Credit will only be granted for one of RMGT 161 or TOUR 161. (3:0:0)

TOUR 207 (3) Heritage Interpretation in Tourism

A study of the planning and delivery of heritage interpretation messages for a variety of tourism venues such as parks, historic sites, and urban attractions. (3:0:0)

TOUR 252 (3) Adventure Tourism

An examination of adventure tourism programming, issues, risks and challenges. Topics include day-camping, resident camping, wilderness trips, a variety of outdoor skills, program development and implementation, the responsibilities of the organizer, and legal liability. Includes a field trip. (3:0:3)

*Internship – (INTP 300 & ITRN 306) TBA