Outdoor Council of Canada - Field Leader Winter Certification Course

Boost your field leader skills in winter with the Outdoor Council of Canada - Field Leader Winter Certification!
About this Event

Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader Certification

Build the confidence to lead. Develop the skills to keep people safe. Create unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Whether you're an aspiring outdoor leader, an experienced adventurer looking to formalize your skills, or someone who wants to confidently organize trips for friends, family, schools, or community groups, the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) Field Leader program provides the knowledge, judgment, and practical experience to lead safely and responsibly.

This isn't simply a hiking or camping course. It's leadership training for the outdoors.

Throughout the course, you'll develop the skills to assess risk, make sound decisions, manage groups, respond to changing conditions, and create positive experiences in the backcountry. Through hands-on scenarios and real-world practice, you'll gain the confidence to lead others—not just yourself.

PLEASE NOTE: A WAIVER IS REQUIRED TO BE SIGNED BEFORE PARTICIPATION.

Schedule

Day 1: Indoor / Classroom

Day 2: Outdoor

What You'll Learn

You'll develop winter-specific skills including:

• Trip planning and preparation
• Route selection and navigation
• Leadership and group management
• Hazard identification and risk management
• Emergency planning and incident response
• Communication and decision-making under pressure
• Weather awareness and environmental hazards
• Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship
• Outdoor ethics and responsible recreation
• Campcraft and backcountry living skills
• Practical leadership through real outdoor scenarios

This course emphasizes learning by doing. You'll spend your time outdoors making decisions, solving problems, and developing the judgment that great leaders rely on.

Who Is This Course For?

This certification is ideal for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts wanting to lead friends and family safely
• Hiking and winter outdoor club leaders
• Teachers and educators
• Guides and aspiring guides
• Scout and youth group leaders
• Camp staff
• Adventure tourism professionals
• Recreation coordinators
• Anyone who wants greater confidence and competence in the outdoors

Please note the following prerequsite course:

~Field Leader Hiking

Before registering for this course students must have completed the FL Hiking certification. If this is required, please contact the organizer as this can sometimes be arranged in advance of this course. The FL Hiking certification is a prerequsite for all other Field Leader courses.

PLEASE NOTE: A WAIVER IS REQUIRED TO BE SIGNED BEFORE PARTICIPATION.