SERVICES

HIKE LEADER CERTIFICATION

Hike Ontario has developed standards and training programs for Hike Leaders that are used by community colleges, universities, hiking clubs and outdoor training organizations for course delivery. Currently, Hike Ontario offers Standard Hike Leader, Youth Hike Leader and Wilderness Day Hike Leader certification courses. In addition we are planning to offer the Wilderness Trip Hike Leader course in the future. At present there are over 300 certified hike leaders from across Canada who have taken the Hike Ontario Certification program.

These Hike Leader course are recommended by Hike Ontario for any individuals and/or groups interested in leading organized hikes and walks in Ontario . They are excellent forums for learning some of the necessary and important tools in leading hikes or walks.

1) Standard Hike Leader Certification – 7 hours

Goals:

1) Introduce participants to the standards of a trained hike leader, instruction, and risk management for Day Hikes where the hike is no more than 2 km from road access.

2) Provide direction towards the Wilderness Day Hike Leader, and Wilderness Trip Hike Leader programs and other Hike Ontario programs.

Format:

Much of the emphasis is instructional but, as a certification program, a significant portion of the agenda is assessment and skills evaluation. The certification issued to the successful candidates is a sanctioned standard and will assist the candidates in leading club hikes, and finding work in Provincial Parks, Youth Camps, Scouts and Guides.

Expectations:

• Demonstrate good physical fitness and the ability to move confidently and efficiently when traveling on trail.

• Present a positive and commanding attitude on safety when leading a group.

• Demonstrate a high standard of leadership and route finding.

• Show ability to establish effective communication with regard to the hiker’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

• Demonstrate a respect and care for the environment.

• Have a proper standard of equipment as required for day hiking trips.

Prerequisites:

To be eligible to take this course and, thereby become a Standard Hike Leader, students must have completed a minimum of five day hikes and present a letter of reference and/or recommendation from a recognized authority. (i.e. a certified Hike Leader, a teacher, a hiking club, etc.)

Course Topics: Risk Management, Leadership, Trail Guides, Maps, Outdoor Techniques, Environmental Appreciation, Hike Planning.

Examination: Methods of assessment include requiring the participants to model and demonstrate the appropriate actions of a hike leader.

Location: Courses are held by Hike Ontario, Hiking Clubs, University and College Outdoor Education Departments.

Length: 7 hours.

Cost: $40.00

2) Youth Hike Leader Certification – 7 hours

Goals:

1) Introduce young people up to 25 years of age, to the standards of a trained youth hike leader, including risk management for Day Hikes where the hike is no more than 2 km from road access.

2) Provide direction towards the Standard Day Hike Leader, Wilderness Day Hike Leader and other Hike Ontario programs.

Format:

Much of the emphasis is instructional but, as a certification program, a significant portion of the agenda is assessment and skills evaluation. The certification issued to the successful candidates is a sanctioned standard and will assist the candidates in leading club hikes, and finding work in Provincial Parks, Youth Camps, Scouts and Guides.

Expectations:

• Demonstrate good physical fitness and the ability to move confidently and efficiently when traveling on trail.

• Present a positive and commanding attitude on safety when leading a group.

• Demonstrate a high standard of leadership and route finding.

• Show ability to establish effective communication with regard to the hiker’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

• Demonstrate a respect and care for the environment.

• Have a proper standard of equipment as required for day hiking trips.

Prerequisites:

To be eligible to take this course and, thereby become a Youth Hike Leader, students must have a good knowledge of natural resources in Ontario and present a letter of reference and/or recommendation from a recognized authority. (i.e. a certified Hike Leader, a teacher, youth group leader, a hiking club, provincial park or conservation authority etc.)

Course Topics: Risk Management, Leadership, Trail Guides, Maps, Outdoor Techniques, Environmental Appreciation, Hike Planning.

Examination: Methods of assessment include requiring the participants to model and demonstrate the appropriate actions of a hike leader.

Location: Courses are held by Hike Ontario, Hiking Clubs, University and College Outdoor Education Departments.

Length: 7 hours.

Cost: $30.00

Note: This Certification can be upgraded to a Standard Hike Leader on leading 10 short hikes in a Provincial Park or Conservation area, plus 5 trail hikes of 10 km or more, or leading 10 trail hikes of 10 km or more.

3) Wilderness Day Hike Leader Certification– 6 hours

Goals:

1) Introduce participants to the standards of a trained wilderness hike leader, risk management for Wilderness Day Hikes where the hike is more than 30 minutes from road access.

2) Provide direction towards the Wilderness Trip Hike Leader and National Hike Leader programs and other Hike Ontario programs.

Format:

Much of the emphasis is instructional but, as a certification program, a significant portion of the agenda is assessment and skills evaluation. The certification issued to the successful candidate is a sanctioned standard and will assist the candidates in leading Wilderness hikes for clubs and youth groups, and finding work in the hiking and adventure travel industry.

Expectations:

• Demonstrate superior physical fitness and the ability to move confidently and efficiently when traveling on wilderness trails.

• Present an positive and commanding attitude on safety when leading a group.

• Demonstrate a high of standard leadership and route finding.

• Show ability to establish effective communication with regard to the hiker’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

• Have a proper standard of equipment as required for wilderness hiking trips.

Prerequisites:

To be eligible to take this course and, thereby become a Wilderness Day Hike Leader, students must have completed the Standard Hike Leader course, have lead a minimum of five day hikes and present a letter of reference and/or recommendation from a recognized authority, (i.e. a certified Hike Leader, a teacher, a hiking club, etc.), and have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificates. (Wilderness First Aid Recommended)

Course Topics: Outdoor skills, Search and Rescue, Map reading and compass work, building shelters, survival techniques, water filtering, review of Standard Course.

Examination: Methods of assessment include asking the participants to model and demonstrate the appropriate actions of a wilderness hike leader.

Location: Courses are held by Hike Ontario, Hiking Clubs, University and College Outdoor Education Departments.

Length: 6 hours.

Cost: $40.00