Wilderness Pursuits “Not all who wander are lost”
Wilderness Pursuits “Not all who wander are lost”
Wilderness Pursuits (WP) is a multidisciplinary program offered to grade 10 students at West Point Grey Academy. WP integrates a dynamic social studies curriculum (environmental stewardship, geography and Canadian history) with experiential outdoor adventures throughout British Columbia. Students must apply to enroll in WP, which is a full-‐year course. (For application guidelines, see back page.)
“Wilderness Pursuits has been the single most valuable course I've taken in my high school career. It is unique to any other classroom course and taught me skills I wouldn't have learned otherwise, including teamwork,
responsibility, perseverance and cooperation.”
- WP Student
Free your mind… Studying geology from alpine ridges in Wilderness Pursuits.
FIELD EXPERIENCES Students complete two multiday programs as well as several afternoon activities each term. Programs progress in complexity; activities and expeditions are purposely selected to optimize learning and geographical diversity. To be prepared for a range of environmental conditions, students are expected to have appropriate clothing and personal equipment in advance. An equipment list is provided at the start of the program. Field programs follow industry standards to ensure optimal supervision ratios and safety: male and female supervisors attend all overnight expeditions, program leaders are trained in Wilderness First Aid, and professional guides are employed as necessary to provide the highest levels of learning and safety. A sample field program schedule for the year: Activity Duration Location Key Focus Hike 5 days Vancouver
Island Group dynamics and safety
Hike 3 days Stein Valley
First Nations & Environment
Snowshoe 3 days Garibaldi Winter Skills XC Ski 3 days Princeton Settlement Cycle 2 days Victoria BC Politics Sea Kayak 4 days Saltspring Industries Sea Kayak 6 days Quadra Leadership
The Salish Sea Students visit the Southern Gulf Islands during spring to explore the cultural history and diverse marine ecosystem of the area.
The Wilderness
2. Outdoor Skills and Activities The outdoor skills component gives students opportunities to learn and practice a range of outdoor pursuits and skills, including hiking, low-‐impact camping, snowshoeing, snow shelter building, avalanche awareness, sea kayaking, and basic navigation and route finding, on land and on water.
1. Canadian History and Geography
The Social Studies 10 course focuses on the exploration and development of British Columbia. In WP, students are provided opportunities to enhance their understanding through regular field studies and outdoor expeditions throughout the year.
Pursuits focus: 3. Leadership, Team-‐building and Personal Development Leadership, team building and personal development are key themes that will be explored throughout the year. Students are expected to assume leadership roles and are encouraged to examine their strengths and weaknesses in different environments. Working as a team, WP students develop strong bonds
over the year, and come to recognize the importance of collaboration, shared purpose, personal responsibility and integrity.
4. Environmental Studies and Stewardship Wilderness experiences offer excellent opportunities to appreciate the diversity and richness of our surroundings, including our urban environments. Through field trips, observations, research projects and stewardship initiatives, students gain comprehensive and advanced knowledge of our natural environment and related issues.
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FITNESS EXPECTATIONS Students are required to have a basic level of fitness to participate fully and safely in the program. To assess one’s fitness level, students are encourage to hike the Grouse Grind: those who complete the challenging 3-‐kilometre hike in 75 minutes or less are considered to have an appropriate fitness level for the program.
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TIME COMMITTMENTS Students are expected to participate in all WP activities, including multiday excursions. As course participation affects academic grades and group development, students must commit fully to the course, which will inevitably conflict with other school events and activities. Although we make every effort to schedule activities during school hours, some multiday programs extend to weekends. WP programs typically include 14 school days and 9 weekend days during the year.
While on program, students develop the resilience to effectively manage challenging situations
"The most important thing participants can take away from an outdoor
experience is a new and improved version of themselves.” - WP Student
Explore. Dream. Discover. -‐ Mark Twain
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS The program cost is $650. This covers external instruction, transportation, certification for instructional courses, gear and equipment rentals, and classroom materials. Personal equipment such as hiking boots may also be required.
Each WP group share their own skills and passions to help bond the group together
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS Students’ academic records will be considered when applying to the program. Students are expected to maintain a good academic standing throughout the year. Some academic classes will be missed while on WP excursions; it is the responsibility of the student to make up missed work (some time will be dedicated to studying/make-‐up tests during the WP schedule).
West Point Grey Academy
4125 West 8th Avenue Vancouver, BC, V6T 1W2 wpga.ca
HOW TO APPLY Interested students must complete a written application along with two personal references. References are to be completed by a qualified adult who has worked with the student in a group-‐based setting, e.g. coaches, group leaders, teachers, and can attest to the student’s ability to work well with others. Application forms are available on the website under Wilderness Pursuits.
IMPORTANT DATES • Student Course Selection Assembly: February 17, 2015
• Parent Information Evening: February 18, 2015 6pm at WPGA
• Applications/references are due by March 12, 2015 to Jes Logher
COURSE CONTACTS Jes Logher, [email protected] Cameron Johnston, [email protected]