Optional Outdoor Journey

The Training Academy’s optional Outdoor Journeys will provide participants with direct, hands-on experience in wilderness travel and are intended for those interested in pursuing a career in Trip Leadership or Guiding.

You will spend one night preparing with your group and instructors at our base before heading out on a four day wilderness trip, including at least two nights at the same campsite. Our focus is on building comfort on the land and water, and group cohesion while learning the introductory knowledge and technical skills needed to travel safely in an flatwater environment.

Outdoor Journeys will start at the Kinark Outdoor Centre, but take place at the Haliburton Highland Water Trails (excluding the Winter Journey).

Introduction to Winter Camping

The focus of this program is building comfort in wintertime travel and group cohesion while learning introductory knowledge and technical skills.  You will spend the first 1-2 nights in cabins preparing with your group and instructors with a focus on learning about winter clothing systems and gear, winter-specific skills such as snowshoeing, firewood processing, and tracking, on day hikes. You will then head out on a 2-3 night overnight excursion on snowshoes, pulling all of your gear on pulks (sleds) to a basecamp location where you will be staying with your group in a winter canvas tent with a stove. You will also have the option to make and sleep in snow shelters.