Outdoor Recreation 12

Outdoor recreation 12 is an activity oriented course, geared toward the outdoors. All of the activities will have a self-propelled focus (this means no motors ;P ). Students are encouraged to have a suitable level of fitness, but this should not discourage anyone from taking the course. Fitness is a component of the course and is developed within the course. The course content may vary each year, depending on class composition, equipment availability, site availability, weather, or other environmental limitations (seasons when course offered).

The activities/pursuits taught may include: map, compass and gps skills orienteering and geocaching introductory avalanche awareness snowshoeing cross country skiing general camp and backpacking skills backcountry equipment, clothing, & food selection flat water canoeing mountain / road biking & basic bike maintenance animal awareness and safety white water rafting emergency first aid

In each of these activities, skills are introduced in an indoor or outdoor classroom environment. The skills are then put into practice through experiential learning opportunities during multi-day pursuits. Possible multi-day trips (will utilize weekends) : 5 day Mt. Robson Berg Lake Trail hike 4 day West Side Bowron Lake Canoe trip 2 day Snowshoe trip (8 Mile) 2 day Winter Camping 2 day Fall camping / Canoe Instruction 5 day Bike trip – Jasper to Banff (instead of Robson)

In addition to enjoying and acquiring the skills associated with the pursuits listed above, individual and group safety skills are stressed and taught in each component of the course. Therefore, students must demonstrate a mature and common sense attitude at all times. A second topic that is exemplified throughout the course is the care and appreciation of our backcountry environment. The course attempts to maintain a “Leave No Trace” approach at all times.

Basic Equipment Needs Hiking boots/shoes Winter boots (i.e. Sorels, snowboard boots) Backpack (45-60L) 2-3 person tent Sleeping bag Sleeping mat Camp stove Warm winter jacket and snow pants **The Outdoor Recreation program has a small inventory of equipment to make available to some students to borrow (tents, backpacks, compasses). I am looking to increase the schools supply through donations from the outdoor/backcountry community. **Many students in the past have borrowed equipment from friends and family.

Students will be encouraged to complete a minimum of 1 large & 2 small trips alongside multiple day trips. Large – 4 day Bowron Lake / 5 day Mnt. Robson hike Small – Winter camping / Fall camping / Snowshoe to 8 mile cabin / Spring camping Day trips – cross country skiing, snowshoeing

There are no fees for this course but there will be some costs to cover specific activities: equipment rentals consumables (first-aid/batteries/fuels/etc.) transportation permits / user fees Students can complete the majority of the course’s learning outcomes if they are unable to attend the activities/trips; however, they will miss out on the experiential aspects that the course has to offer.

The upper limit of costs if ALL trips were undertaken would be approx. $450. The costs if the minimum suggested number of trips would be approx. $ It is hoped that we can use parent drivers for all of the main trips and will utilize a school bus for the local 1/2 day activities. Trip costs will be reduced through fundraising ventures as well as raising some funds for course equipment i.e. snowshoes, hand held GPS. If a student wants to participate on a trip we will ensure it happens as long as they are willing to put in the effort to raise the funds through opportunities presented to them.