The outdoor projects form an important and unique component of the curriculum. The objectives of these courses are to provide students with a sequence of inclusive learning experiences related to outdoor activity, which emphasizes skill-development, environmental health and sustainability, history of the land and collaborative leadership in an outdoor setting. Students must complete three courses in total; the first two courses are mandatory, and the third must be chosen from three options. The required courses taken in Year I and II provide a sequential learning experience designed to prepare students for the optional courses taken in the upper years. The basis of learning in these courses follows that of experiential education.
In this regard, students are directly involved in practical activities lead by experienced instructors. The expectation is that students will acquire fundamental skills related to the outdoors which will enable competency in all instructional activities which form the outdoor projects’ curricula. In addition, students will develop independence in many other skills which enhance participation in the natural environment, and life skills which relate to equitable leadership, inclusive team work, ethical problem solving and environmental sustainability.
The Five Outdoor Projects Offered to the Students in the BKin Program Include:
- Year I ODP100H1 Introduction to Outdoor Physical Activity and the Environment
- Year II ODP200H1 Advanced Outdoor Education
- Year III Requirement ONE of:
- ODP300H1 Advanced Canoe Tripping
- ODP301H1 Advanced Water Navigation-White Water Canoeing
- ODP302H1 Fundamentals of Winter Camping
A unique feature of the outdoor projects is the degree to which senior students are involved in the planning and instruction of the program. Those students who are qualified for instructing the activities offered in ODP100H1/ODP200H1 are selected through an application process, to become camp counsellors and gain leadership experience in this regard. In addition, four senior students are chosen to co-ordinate these courses. This system of student-based teaching provides the undergraduate class a significant opportunity for leadership and input in the Outdoor Projects. Because the senior students assume a leadership role in this aspect of the Outdoor Projects curriculum, they represent a key component in the success of the outdoor projects, and are exemplars to the younger students with respect to leadership, outdoor skills and responsibility. See Fees and Financial Requirements for student costs.