Wilderness Instruction & Leadership Development Program  

**NEW for 2024**

**Application deadline extended to May 6th! **

Overview

The Goldeye Centre’s Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development (WILD) program begins your journey into the world of outdoor leadership, adventure skills and wilderness self-reliance. The Goldeye Centre’s location offers an experience to the Canadian Rockies that’s authentic, rugged and off the beaten-path. Our comprehensive program combines structured foundational training and certifications with experiential learning under a mentorship framework. Immerse yourself in this transformative learning that elevates your expertise for a fulfilling career in outdoor education and adventure leadership.

Location

Goldeye Centre, Nordegg, Alberta

Program Dates

May 13th – August 23rd, 2024

Program Description

The Goldeye Centre is now offering a Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development (WILD) Program. The goal of our program is to provide successful applicants with the skills and experience needed to facilitate outdoor adventure programming. Foundational instruction such as canoeing, wilderness living, orienteering and wilderness first aid are combined with core skills imperative for successful program delivery such as planning, risk management, environmental stewardship, critical thinking, team building and leadership. Participants who complete the WILD program are inspired and empowered to act as leaders in their commitment to outdoor education, leadership, safety, community and excellence.

The WILD program is divided into a distinct two part delivery, combining formal on site training and practical work experience. The first section is dedicated to formal training, emphasizing certifications and the development of the foundational and core skills described above. The second is an experiential learning component that allows participants to put instructional theory into practice. Allowing participants to gain valuable skills in an immersive environment within a structured mentorship framework. This experience sets the program apart and allows participants to gain valuable skills that can be applied effectively across a wide spectrum of sectors.

Cost

Selected applicants will be sponsored, in full, from the Goldeye Foundation Society. The Goldeye Foundation Society is the non-profit charitable organization that owns and operates the Goldeye Centre and has been supporting positive youth development programs and education since 1958.  To receive the full sponsorship, participants are required to successfully complete all program requirements. Additionally, those who complete the program are eligible to receive a paid work experience with a salary of $500/week for approximately 8 weeks, with room and board from July – August 2024.  

Full sponsorship from the Goldeye Foundation Society includes the cost of the training, certifications, accommodations, food and work experience for the duration of the program.  

Those exiting the program early are required to payback certain costs incurred to that point and would not be eligible for full sponsorship.

Food & Lodging

Program participants will be provided with a private room within shared living quarters on site. Each unit has three bedrooms and is fully furnished, including a full kitchen and appliances. It is expected that the accommodations are kept clean and tidy for the duration of the stay. Cleaning supplies will be provided for each unit. 

Three meals a day, with snacks, will be provided during the program. Meals will be served in our dining hall from our kitchen team on site. Participants will be required to assist with set-up, clean-up and food preparation from time to time.  If you have any questions about special dietary requirements, please contact wild@goldeye.org to discuss further. 

Program Value

The total value of our program offered is nearly $18,000, which does not include the paid work experience opportunity! Below are examples of the costs associated with specific certification, in house training and one-on-one mentorship with industry experts.  

Certification	Total Value Certification: $2150
40 Hour Wilderness First Aid	$550
Intermediate First Aid	$150
Outdoor Council Hiking Field Leader	$300
Paddle Canada: Waterfront Instructor	$150
Paddle Canada: Lake Canoe Instructor	$525
Paddle Canada: Camping Basics Instructor	$325
NCCP1 Orienteering	$150
In-House Skills Training	Total Value In-House: $750
Bushcraft	$400
Archery Level 1	$200
Initiative Games and Team Building	$150
Mentorship & Industry Expertise	Total Value Mentorship: $8000

Essential Requirements

• Minimum age requirement: 18 or older
• Minimum educational requirements: Highschool Diploma or equivalent, preference given to those enrolled in an applicable post-secondary program
• English language proficiency
• Valid Class 5 Drivers License
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Obtain satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check

Qualifications and Requirements

• Possess excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills
• Conduct oneself at all times in a professional manner consistent with the Goldeye Code of Conduct
• Have an interest and enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits
• Act as a role model for youth, guests, volunteers and staff
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and encourage enthusiasm in others
• Demonstrates an understanding of, and keen interest in, working with youth
• Understanding of the complexities of working with varied age ranges
• Comfortable leading a team and large groups
• Comfortable working and living closely and effectively with others
• Able to handle long mental and physical days
• Adaptability and flexibility to last-min changes
• Be able to fulfill all responsibilities and expectations of the program
• Read, understand and adhere to all Goldeye Staff Manual, Staff Accommodation Policy, Policies and emergency procedures
• Ensure equipment and supplies are prepares, in good repair and properly stored

Program Suitability

In order for participants to have a positive and fulfilling experience in the WILD program it is important to be clear of the conditions participants will encounter.

Physical Fitness

A participant’s state of health, physical fitness and strength do not determine suitability for the program. The WILD program is physically demanding and participants will be subjected to a very active schedule. Working with youth can pose its own challenges and fatigue both physically and emotionally will be a regular occurrence. To ensure a positive participant experience it is important potential applicants understand the expectations in advance.

Close Living Situations

The close living and working situations at camp can lead to challenges and conflict. Harmonious coexistence requires an open mind, tolerance and communication on all sides. Accepting differences, treating others with respect, recognizing the value of every individual and protecting the dignity of others are expectations of the Goldeye community and culture.

Outdoor Conditions

Participants will be outdoors for a majority of the day. Physical hazards to outdoor work include adverse weather conditions, exposure to UV radiation, animals, insects and hazardous terrains. It is important that participants understand risks of outdoor activities and pack accordingly.

How to Apply

**Application deadline extended to May 6th! **

Step 1: Complete application form. 

Click here to apply.  A confirmation email will be sent.

Step 2: Interview.

Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview. The goal is to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements of the WILD program, and the program meets your expectations.

Step 3: Letter of Acceptance and Registration. Upon acceptance into the program a letter of acceptance will be sent with registration forms. Completion and submission of the forms will ensure a hold on the spot.

Step 4: Provision of Documentation. The applicant must provide the following information either prior to orientation or on the first day of the program:

Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
Photocopy of Driver’s License
Copy of Vehicle registration

Step 5: Goldeye Orientation. Before the on-site orientation an orientation package will be sent and it is the responsibility of the applicant to review and understand the information prior to.