Advanced Training in a Technique – Georeferencing
All the GPS fun without the nitty-gritty work with topographical maps! Students are briefly introduced to coordinate systems before venturing outside with a GPS. After learning how to safely and correctly use their GPS unit, students complete a number of GPS challenges that reinforce the best navigational practices.
Advanced Training in a Technique – Knot Tying
This program provides a break from the age-old adage that “if you can’t tie knots, tie lots!” Knot tying is an incredibly useful skill for many outdoor pursuits, but it is easy for novices to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of different knots that can be tied.
Advanced Training in a Technique – Snowshoeing
Students learn the fundamental skills required to safely snowshoe in the backcountry. Once the fundamental movement skills have been acquired in our training grounds, the students will complete a guided tour of the Ganaraska Forest along our extensive trail system.
Advanced Training in a Technique – X-Country Skiing
Students learn the fundamental skills required to safely cross-country ski in the backcountry. Once the fundamental movement skills have been acquired on our training course, the students will hone their skills on a short guided tour of the Ganaraska Forest along our extensive trail system.
Advanced Training in a Technique – Safe Hiking
Safe Hiking is an integral course for anyone wanting to spend time hiking in the outdoors as well as working in the guiding industry. The overall goals of the program are to provide the novice hiker with the knowledge necessary to keep themselves safe while hiking and to provide hikers with the knowledge to make this a sustainable activity (environmentally and socially).
Advanced Training in a Technology – GPS Art
Spatial awareness and line drawing are taken to a new level by way of GPS technology. After a brief introduction to the functioning of the GPS unit, students will complete a series of activities that will deepen their awareness of the space available to them on the landscape and the opportunities afforded by changes in the landscape.
Advanced Training in Art Therapy – Forest Therapy
Forest therapy is an emerging practice in preventative health care that utilizes intentional experiences in a living forest to generate health benefits. The practice also supports clearer intuition, increased energy, and an increased capacity to communicate with the land and its species.
Alternative Energy = Green Energy
Join us in our commitment to find alternative forms of energy that help reduce our carbon footprint. Students harness renewable energy by building and testing wind turbines, a micro-hydro turbine, or a solar oven and learn how one form of energy can be transformed into another.
Animal Adaptations
Through the examination of natural artifacts, primary and junior students are introduced to behavioural and structural adaptations. Adaptation-themed games are incorporated into a hike through the beautiful forest. Through role-play and hands-on activities, students learn about the complexity of animals.
Beaver Pond Study
This hands-on program takes place at a natural pond located in the Ganaraska Forest. Students learn how to catch, observe and release invertebrates and amphibians found at the pond. Students explore pond life using provided equipment to discover various species. They learn to identify organisms, discover some of their unique adaptations and how they interact with one another.
Biodiversity
After learning the Biodiversity basics through an interactive PowerPoint presentation, students head outside for an exciting habitat game teaching about habitat loss. Then the students will have a brief introduction to invasive species before playing the “Garlic Mustard Invasion” game.
Bug-Eyed
Students learn parts of an insect by participating in role-playing activities. Students explore characteristics of different bugs as well as their place in the ecosystem, their life cycles and adaptations. Hands-on activities allow students to explore the forest and better understand life from a small creature’s unique perspective.