Premier

Outdoor Recreation

Creating Environmental Stewards

 

Application deadline: March 14, 2020
Selection Activity Day: March 5, 1-5 PM

* Please note that there will also be a mandatory orientation/activity day on April 8, 2020. Location TBD

This program is open to all grade 9-12 students enrolled at Rockridge, Sentinel, or West Vancouver Secondary.

Student Application Form

Come take Physical Health and Education beyond the walls of the gym and explore the local environment through outdoor challenges and pursuits. You will receive 8 credits with the combination of Physical and Health Education or Active Living with Outdoor Education which weaves together personal development, community, environmental stewardship, preparedness and leave no trace principles with physical literacy.

The aim is for students to leave the course experienced, knowledgeable, confident and empowered to pursue an active outdoor lifestyle in a safe manner.

Courses and Schedule:

All students sign up for two courses (8 Credits):

Physical Health and Education 9, 10 and Outdoor Education 11/12 or
Active Living 11/12 and Outdoor Education 11/12

These will be scheduled during Day 2 Block 4 and with extended Thursday classes every other week until 5:00-5:30 pm as well as two multi-day trips a term.

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Physical and Health Education 9, 10 and Active Living 11/12:

The Big Ideas of Physical Health and Education will be covered in the school setting as well as  woven into an outdoor environment. Activities targeted will include: Team and individual sport such as, Ultimate Frisbee, Fitness, Football, Softball, Co-operative Games such as Capture the Flag and Survivor, Fitness and Health Education, Outdoor Pursuits and skill development.

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Outdoor Education 11/12:

Will develop outdoor skills in complex and dynamic wilderness setting focusing on preparedness and recreating safely with minimal impact.

Promote Environmental Stewardship by developing an understanding of the natural environment in which we recreate in and how we impact it and how in turn it impacts us.

We will focus on personal development, build teamwork, communication, and class culture. Students will be given opportunities to give back to the community through community service activities such as beach clean-up.

Sample activities may include:

Hiking, Kayaking, Skating, Biking, Orienteering, Snowshoeing, Sailing, Survival skills, First Aid , Avalanche Training

Transportation:

The program will be based out of Rockridge Secondary where we will be in the gym, classroom or the surrounding areas. Transportation to the school for WVSS and Sentinel students will be provided. Most out-trips will occur when 2-4 is on a Thursday, transportation to and from these activities will be provided.

Extended day trips will occur on Thursdays, out–trips may occur on other days but will conclude by 3:00pm. Transportation to and from most trips will be provided, although we may use public transportation for local locations. 

Quote from past participant:

“Outdoor Connections opened up so many amazing new opportunities for me. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my school year than learning in the beautiful outdoors.” – Kat Seow

Program Cost: $1600-$1750 ($160-$175 a month)

Cost includes:this covers all activities for the year (includes program kit, all major equipment, most transportation, guides, some food, TTOC costs) as well as transportation to Rockridge for the block 2-4 or 1-4

Requirements & Registration

The program can support a maximum of 24 participants and students will be selected based on a combination of their report card comments and grades, application details, and appropriateness of the program. All students will be interviewed and will participate in a sample group outdoor activity to make sure the program is the right fit for them. Eligible students must have demonstrated that they are responsible learners and will be able to maintain their academic standard while on multi-day trips. Eligible students not selected will be placed on a wait-list.  Providing equal access to this program for students from all three high schools is a priority.

Contact Information

Any questions please contact
Daphne Lambie

dlambie@wvschools.ca

Apply to the program here

View photos, videos and more info on the OC website here.

“The Outdoor Connections Program is one of the best things that has happened to me. It had a deep impact on my understanding of what I want to do in life, my desired career path in Outdoor Education, and my values and passions. I had a phenomenal time exploring British Columbia’s mountains and oceans with my outdoor family. From setting up camp on top of a snowy mountain ridge to pausing before lighting the beachside campfire in order to watch the sun as it sets behind the gulf islands, Outdoor Connections offered me a unique form of education through life-changing experiences.” – Hayden Roth