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CANOE TRIP LEADERSHIP FOUNDATIONS
Paddle Canada X Outdoor Council of Canada
Learn to Lead
Manitoba is a wonderful place to paddle and share with others. This multi-day introductory canoe trip leadership course is designed to empower camp staff, educators, and recreational outdoor leaders to confidently facilitate quality trips up to 3 days in duration while camping in a remote setting.

​Our experienced instructors will model and facilitate the course with a focus on student discovery and practice. Participants will be expected to be highly engaged and actively participate in the ongoing management of the trip through being "leader of the day", under the supervision of the instructors. Participants will be provided personal evaluation of outdoor skills, leadership competency, risk management, and group management.
Successful completion and passing of included courses, fulfills the minimum requirements of the newly imposed MPASS leadership requirements.
Certification #2
Outdoor Council of Canada
This course will formally work through the OCC's outdoor leadership framework. Through group discussions, activities, and being "leader of the day", students will have ample opportunity to learn and practice sound risk management strategies while on the trail.

Students have opportunity to acquire both the OCC Field Leader Hiking & Paddling certifications throughout the course. Successful students will both demonstrate competent leadership skills and pass a written exam.
Certification #1
Paddle Canada Canoe Skills
Throughout the course, students will have opportunity to learn and practice both formally and informally the required paddling skills to meet minimum standard for Paddle Canada Intro Lakewater Tandem.
Workshop #1
Foundational Outdoor Skills
This course presents opportunity for students to learn foundational outdoor skills relevant for any camping experience. The following skills will be reviewed and practiced:

- Tarp / Shelter Set-up.
- Fire Building & Safety.
- Navigation.
- Water Purification.
- Nutrition and Food Planning.
- Basic Knots.
- Self Care.
- Emergency Planning.
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Workshop #2
"Leader of the Day"
One of the anchors of this course is the ongoing practice and critical feedback that builds as we travel in a remote setting. Students will be presented with opportunity to be part of a team to lead the group and manage everything from people, the itinerary, meals, campsite, and managing unexpected situations.
MEET OUR TEAM
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Matt Peters
Outdoor Council of Canada Instructor
Paddle Canada Instructor

Matt's joy is the opportunity to inspire young outdoor leaders through engaging trips and courses in wild places. From 20+ years as a frontline camp leader, wilderness guide, and outdoor program manager, his passion and zeal for outdoor adventure and leadership will inspire you!

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Pauline Nadlersmith
Paddle Canada Instructor
Owner/Operator Riversong Wilderness

Pauline can be found leading family and youth groups on life-changing canoe trips and teaching canoe courses each year. A mother of 5 and mentor to dozens, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to leading others and managing high quality outdoor adventures.

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Kyle Kushnier
Paddle Canada Instructor
Outdoor Council of Canada Instructor

Kyle is an experienced educator, guide, and former summer camp leader. He has a special gift of teaching with warmth, patience, and humility that is rooted in his genuine ability to help others grow. He'll empower you to lead others in the same way and always has a unique story to share!

COURSE DETAILS

Course Dates:

  • We strive to facilitate Spring & Summer courses.

  • Custom courses are subject upon Instructor availability.

Course Duration:

  • 3 Days / 2 Nights.

  • Pre-trip Zoom Meeting (2 hrs).

Start/End Location:

To be determined. Each course location is dependant upon ​group size, season, permit availabilty, etc.

Prerequisites:

  • Confident being on the water and in remote settings.

  • Some Canoeing experience. Willing to learn.

  • Some camping experience (doesn't have to be wilderness).

Certifications:

  • Paddle Canada Intro to Lakewater Canoe Skills.

  • Paddle Canada Camping Skills.

  • Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader (Paddle) + (Hiking)

What’s Not Included:

  • Gratuities for your instructor(s).

Ages:

Participants MUST be age 16+ years.

Course Size:

  • 2-5 students per instructor.

  • Total course size won't exceed 10 students and 2 Instructors.

Booking & Cancellation Policy:

  • Registrations are confirmed with submission of Course Registration Form AND a $100 non-refundable deposit.

  • Full payment is due 21 days in advance of the course start date.

  • Cancellations at least 30 in advance of course start date receive full refund minus the $100.

  • Cancellations 21 days or less in advance of the course start date forfeit the course fee and are eligible for 50% credit for a future course within a calendar year.

  • Cancellations 14 days or less in advance of the course start date forfeit the course fee and are eligible for 25% credit for a future course within a calendar year.

This course is subject to maximum 10 participants and is limited each year. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to register early. Have a group of 4+ and want you're own private course... contact us!
IMPORTANT
COMING SOON!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Camping Permits
We take care of the group Special Event Permit as required by Manitoba Parks.
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Certifications & Workshops.
Learn and practice outdoor skills and leadership while being coached by experienced and certified instructors.
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Peer Learning
Within a tight and intimate schedule, you will have ample time to meet and build relationships with other outdoor leaders. Peer sharing and feedback is key to personal discovery and growth.
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Program Equipment
We provide all the canoes, paddling gear (paddles, pfd's), firewood, shelters, most meals, and safety equipment.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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Personal Equipment
A packing list will be provided for all participants. This will include what clothes to bring, sleeping bag, rain gear, foot wear, and toiletries.
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Some Meals & Snacks
All students will be responsible for some meals like first day bag lunch and snacks/drinks.
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Transportation
Participants are responsible for your own transportation to the trail for the course. We will help coordinate ride shares.
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Group Management
For PRIVATE GROUPS, it is the group leader's responsibility for group management. Our instructors will be focused on the course facilitation.
REGISTRATION INFO
INDIVIDUAL
$545 | Person
For small groups & individuals.
Includes PC Canoeing Skills and OCC FL Paddling / Hiking certifications and all gear, permits, and 2 experienced instructors.
GROUP RATES
Contact Us
Save with groups of 4+ peop.
Subject to minimum enrolment, we do offer group discounts for 4+ students in the same organizations.
CERTIFICATION FEES
$500 | Day
Instructor Only Fee
We offer premium discounts for groups seeking an experienced instructor that plans their own gear, food, and permits.
COMING SOON!
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Let's Create a Private Customized Course!
Let's have a conversation and explore a Custom Course that will meet your needs, interests, and goals.
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