Intermediate
Programs are half-day unless indicated otherwise. Select two programs that complement your classroom study for a rewarding full day of fun and learning. The grade(s) stated below each program name are strongly linked to the Ontario curriculum. Teachers who are interested in a particular program for a class outside of the grades stated are encouraged to e-mail the Environmental Education Program Coordinator about modifying the program to fit their needs, or call 705-424-1479 x.280.
Coureurs de Bois
Grade 6 to 8 (all seasons)
* full day program with half day option by special request only
Step back in time with a program that introduces participants to the lifestyle of the Coureurs de Bois - early French settlers who traded with First Nation peoples for furs. This program begins with a presentation of their history followed by a simulated season; purchasing textiles and food items for survival while orienteering and problem solving. Teachers or adult volunteers will be required to assist and monitor this program.
Instincts for Survival
Grades 4 to 8 (all seasons)
Students will discover many ecological principles by assuming the lives of wild animals in this active role-playing game. Participants will examine predator/prey relationships, the flow of energy through food chains/food webs and adaptations of various animals for survival. Students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the constant struggle wildlife endures and will evaluate strategies that they instinctively utilize to survive. Participants will also recognize the necessity of suitable habitat in meeting their survival needs as they experience first hand some of the ways in which human populations can influence natural communities and impact habitat loss.
Interactions in the Environment
Grade 7 (spring/fall)
This indoor discussion and investigation, followed by an exploratory hike, will introduce students to the study of ecology, biodiversity and the interdependence of living things. They will investigate the components and interactions of a forest and/or a wetland ecosystem. Students will examine how natural changes (e.g. succession) and human influences affect the sustainability of ecosystems.
Natural Resources
Grades 7 & 8 (all seasons)
Using maps, tree ID keys and forestry tools in this hands-on field study, students become resource managers and forest technicians to locate, identify and take measurements on a variety of tree species along a marked orienteering course. Students will also gain a better understanding of forestry practices; uses and importance of trees, as well as gain insight on human influences on the sustainability of our natural resources.
Team Dynamics & Low Ropes Challenge
Grades 6 to 8 (all seasons)
*half day or full day options
Students will be challenged to work together as a team through a progressive range of safe yet fun initiatives that aim to promote teamwork, leadership, trust, communication and problem solving. Once students have successfully completed a selection of team building activities they are then further challenged on our Low Ropes Challenge Course.
* Please note that closed-toe shoes are required to participate in this program.
ORIENTEERING
GPS Navigation
Grades 6 to 8 (all seasons)
This program allows students to review and excel at basic mapping skills through an introduction to the functions of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Following a presentation that highlights the history and universal applications of GPS units, students use hand-held GPS units to navigate their way through a challenging course. The important relationship between map, compass, and GPS will be demonstrated throughout the program.
Intermediate "O"
Grades 4 to 6 (all seasons)
In this program, students review the concept of orienteering and expand their knowledge through a set of progressive orienteering courses. Students will use complex maps, compasses, and trail systems to challenge their cognitive and physical abilities.
Wilderness Skills
Grades 4 to 8 (spring/fall)
Students will learn to be better prepared for outdoor adventure, how to prevent becoming lost and what measures they can take if they are. Basic survival skills; including proper dress, safety precautions and the uses of survival kits, distress signals and map-reading skills will be emphasized. In small groups, student will then test their skills on the "Amazing Race" challenge course and shelter building.
Winter Survival
Grades 4 to 8 (winter)
*half day or full day options
Students will gain confidence while participating in outdoor winter activities as they discover basic survival skills including proper dress, shelter building and the uses of survival kits and distress signals. The first aid and preventative measures of frost bite, hypothermia and dehydration will be highlighted. Upon special request, this program can be a full-day program to include fire building and a campfire lunch. Students are required to bring their own lunch and reusable mug; hot chocolate provided.
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