FAQs

Frequently asked questions for the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Co-op & Non Co-op Program

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have had to make significant changes to how we deliver our programs in order to maintain a high quality learning experience while ensuring the safety of our students and staff.

This program is planned to be delivered with a combination of remote and on-campus instruction for the Fall 2021 term. This means that some learning activities will require you to come on-campus. All courses will be adapted for this new delivery model, to ensure you have an engaging and personalized experience. On-campus classes and activities will be planned in accordance with Public Health guidelines, with appropriate physical distancing and other protocols in place.

We have also transitioned our services to virtual delivery and we have developed many new resources to support your success, such as our new Student Learning Kit. You may also wish to participate in one of our upcoming virtual events for prospective students to learn more about what’s in-store for you this Fall.

Your timetable is planned to be released on August 6, 2021.

Will we be doing our skills training outdoors?

Yes! We are committed to running all of our outdoor skills courses and course hours. We are making some minor modifications to include COVID-19 precautions (see below), but you will still do all of your practical skills training two days of every week (and sometimes more!). Students will meet at the campus and bus to our many training locations, from the Ottawa River to Algonquin Park.

What does remote delivery mean? Will there be online courses?

The classroom lectures will be delivered in real-time video conference. Rather than come to class you will attend lectures from your residence via the internet. The courses are not being modified to be ‘online’ or self-directed, and you will still have daily classes to attend and work under the guidance of an expert instructor. All of the learning material will be delivered as in years past.

What precautions are being taken to deal with COVID-19?

There is an extensive list of precautions in place as we do our outdoor skills training in person. These include modifications to maintain 2m distance, protocols for bussing and dealing with meal times, incorporating new practices such as using rescue mannequins to practice hands-on rescues, and some changes to our course locations to better suit the situation. Students need to arrive for college in September ready to be an active player in minimizing exposure to COVID-19. New this year all students must provide their own 1 or 2 person tent (solo tenting only), and bring a supply of hand sanitizer, gloves, and a reusable face mask.

What documents do students need to submit to the College?

Prior to starting the program, all Outdoor Adventure Naturalist applicants must submit the following items:

Personal Information and Health form
Proof of current basic/standard First Aid and CPR Certification Level C
18 or Older – Sign and submit the Assumption of Risk Form for Non-Minors
Under 18 – Sign and submit an Outdoor Adventure Program Assumption of Risk and Indemnifying Release Form for minors and a Parental Consent for Minors

For complete details on the application process, download our Gear List and Applicant Handbook found on the side menu.

What are the certifications a student could earn in the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Program?

Students prepare to deliver sustainability, interpretive and/or educational programs by applying a basic framework in interpretive program planning and delivery. Students prepare interpretive programs, experiment with delivery methods and study existing programs. Delivering interpretive programs in an international setting and/or to an international client group is also a focus. Students prepare for the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council Heritage Interpreter certification and cover the first two stages of that certification. This course is considered essential to the Program and as such, a passing grade is required in order to progress to the next level.

A sample of certifications that students may earn include:

Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) Wild Educator Facilitator
Cycle Tour Guide
Waterfront Canoe Instructor and Wilderness Camping
Introduction Lake Tandem or Solo Instructor
Paddle Canada Level I or II Sea Kayak Skills
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Heritage Interpreter Certification
Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator.

How do students complete the program in 43 weeks over 16 months?

Students who start the program in September will be done by December the following year, in only 16 months. Each semester is four months long:

First semester is September to December
Second semester is January to April
Optional Co-op term is May to August
Final semester is September to December

I will be funding my studies in part with OSAP. How does the payment schedule work with this compressed program format?

You will receive your OSAP funding in two installments during your first year and two installments during your final semester:

First-Year

1st installment: When you begin your studies (e.g., September)
2nd installment: During your second semester (e.g., January)
You will reapply for OSAP funding over the summer months after your first-year

Second-Year, Final Semester

1st installment: When you begin your final semester of studies (e.g., September)
2nd installment normally is deposited into your bank account in late October or early November

What is the difference between the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Program and Algonquin’s Outdoor Adventure Program?

The Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Program (ODAN) and Algonquin’s Outdoor Adventure Program (ODA) have much in common but important differences. Both are guide training programs setting graduates up to work as guides and managers in the outdoor sector, and share courses such as leadership, risk management, and wilderness first aid.

The Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Program trains nature guides. Outdoor courses build proficiency in different soft adventure activities such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, wildlife tracking, and primitive living skills, with an emphasis on educating others and interpreting the natural environment. Classroom courses focus on the natural world, such as geology, wildlife, and astronomy as well as assembling interpretive and educational programs.

The Outdoor Adventure Program focuses on high adventure skills development and instructor certification, combined with a business diploma. Skills courses focus on higher-risk activities such as ice climbing and whitewater paddling, while the classroom courses build business management skills such as marketing, industry analysis, tourism planning, and management courses. ODA is a traditional 2-year program and has higher tuition than ODAN. Learn more about the Outdoor Adventure program.

How do students obtain the CPR Certification required for admission into the program?

A current basic/standard First Aid and CPR certification is required prior to the start of classes. If a student needs this, they can contact a St. John Ambulance office in their area to see when they are hosting a First Aid/CPR C course.

What gear do I need for the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program?

There is a list of items you will need in this program. For the complete list, download our Gear List and Handbook.

What do I need to bring to the first day of class?

Students need to show up on the first day of class (the Tuesday after Labor Day) with a backpack/duffel bag containing all their personal clothing needs for spending the remainder of the week at Wilderness Tours. This is your first credit course and it is called Fall Camp.

We will spend a few hours in class at the Waterfront Campus and then load all first and second-year students onto buses to go to Wilderness Tours (WT) where we will spend the remainder of the week. WT supplies all the “hard gear” students are responsible for their personal gear including a sleep system. If you have a tent you may wish to bring it as WT has limited tents and they will need to be shared.

How does the optional paid co-op work?

Qualified students with a minimum GPA of 2.7 have the opportunity to apply for a Cooperative Education (Co-op) Work Term. The term is four months in duration and is completed during the summer term (May to August). To be eligible, students must have successfully completed the first two semesters of the program in good academic standing. Students are required to pay a co-op fee and complete at least 420 hours during their co-op work experience.

Where do students get co-op placements and where do they work after graduation?

Students who participate in co-op placements gain valuable on-the-job experience, and the opportunity to build their contacts, and make a favourable impression on the employer. In the past, we have had co-op students complete their term at summer camps, rafting companies, outdoor centres, provincial parks and private organizations. Many employers use co-op as a means to groom students for future employment with the company.

How do I apply for the co-op program?

Students will apply for co-op in their program of study in September using an online application form on HireAC. When the application portal on HireAC is open, students will be notified by email and provided with instructions on how to apply. The application portal will be open for roughly seven business days.

For answers to more typical Student Co-op questions, please visit: www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/coop

Is there a fee that students must pay to participate in the optional paid co-op?

Yes. Co-op fees are paid in three installments, by semester

Preparation Term (September to December): $186.33
Job Search Term (January to April): $186.33
Work Placement Term (May to August): $186.33
Total Co-op Fee: $559

*Please note that co-op is optional, and not mandatory for program completion and is therefore not included in Program Tuition Fees