This course is an intermediate/advanced camping program for those leading groups of adults or children as a formal leader want to develop their camping leadership and group management skills.
At the end of this program, the successful student will be able to take a formal leadership role in the planning and execution of a recreational camping trip, provided the participant has also achieved the Paddle Canada certification appropriate to the vessels used and expected conditions of said trip.
Throughout the course, participants will be expected to take on leadership roles in various activities such as trip preparation, extended scenarios, group decision making, advanced navigation, meals, etc.
If this course is offered as a stand-alone program, then the course length will be a minimum of 32 hours of instruction (4 days) including a 3-night camping trip. Due to the nature of this program and to provide ample opportunity for each student to practice leadership skills, this course might need to be extended for larger classes.
If this course is offered in conjunction with another Paddle Canada paddling course (e.g. Stand Up Paddleboard Advanced Flatwater skills) then the course length will be the total length of the two courses combined. For example, if the other paddling skills course is normally 2 days long then the total teaching days would be 6 days.
Wilderness Camping certification, or equivalent experience and knowledge at the discretion of the course director.
Paddling Skills Certification
A Paddle Canada skills course appropriate to the vessel used and conditions on which the camping course takes place, as outlined by the course director, or equivalent skills and knowledge at the discretion of the course director.
Other Certifications
Current certification in wilderness first aid (minimum 16 hours).
Leave No Trace training strongly recommended.
Camping Experience
Minimum of 4 logged camping trips with a combined 12 nights or more of camping in a wilderness environment. Two of the logged trips need to be a minimum of 4 days each. It is not necessary that any of the logged trips involve paddling.
The Small Print
The content on this page is provided for information only and could be incorrect or outdated. The course program manual is the official syllabus.
If you have any specific syllabus questions, please get in touch with the
Camping Program Committee who is responsible for the development and maintaince of this course.
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