Hike Leader Certification Training

Youth Hike Leader Certification - 7 hours

Goals:

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.
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.).

It is highly preferred that participants have completed the Safe Hiking Program before enrolling in the Hike Leader Certification Program.

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.