Ten Days Adventuring & Outdoor Training Programs, from August 5 19, 2012

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Ten Days Adventuring & Outdoor Training Programs, from August 5 19, 2012 1. Company Mission Statement Treehouse Outdoor Education Inc.

1 Ten Days Adventuring & Outdoor Training Programs, from August 5 19, Company Mission Statement Treehouse Outdoor Education Inc. (TOE) aims to provide professional, educational, and therapeutic programming and publications to diverse populations. The natural environment is the canvas from which we build our programs and publications, therefore we integrate the practice of environmental stewardship throughout the company. Our clients, students, guests and readership are the colours that create the richness and beauty of our work, therefore we aspire to provide safe, respectful and meaningful experiences. We function under the theories of challenge by choice and experiential education with a high standard for managing risk and safe operations. 2. Background History on Treehouse Outdoor Education Inc Treehouse Outdoor Education Inc. is based in Kimberley, British Columbia. Since 1996 we have offered a range of outdoor and environmental education programs such as, winter camping, avalanche awareness, family and youth treks, parks interpretation and ecology awareness. TOE has excellent staff training programs and corporate team building programs in addition to the therapeutic programs for youth and families. We offer everything from half-day seminars with our portable low ropes course to fully catered multi-day backpacking and sea kayaking tours. In addition to the above, we provide field work and data entry for wildlife studies, as well TOE s communications department has published hundreds of articles and photographs.

2 3. Objectives of the HK Traveler Program The objectives of the HK Traveler Program are: To design and develop a 10 day adventure outdoor education program for ESL students travelling to Canada; To provide safe and professional training to students participating in adventure activities; To educate students on the natural and cultural history of the Kootenays To facilitate the understanding of the English language through real life experiences in a natural and educational settings; and, To immerse the students in a positive learning environment to practice the English language. 4. Program Descriptions Outdoor Education Sessions In order to travel safely in the backcountry it is important to have the fundamentals of backcountry travel before embarking on an adventure in the mountains or on the water. Students will have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the following backcountry skills: Trip planning and wilderness travel Equipment Cooking and nutrition Hygiene Safety and emergency communications Low impact camping Water-based travel Natural and Cultural History Sessions These sessions will be an introduction to the cultural, ecological, biological and geographical wonders of the Kootenays. Taught by an experienced biologist and certified teacher, these sessions will leave the students inspired by the cultural and biodiversity of this beautiful region that they are travelling in. There will be a focus on first nations history, mammals, birds, aquatic life and botany. If possible guest experts will be invited to attend sessions to expand on the information. Backpacking in the Canadian Rockies The students will backpack into the heart of the Canadian Rockies for two days. National Geographic named this region as the Crown of the North American Continent. Named as such for its many treasures it shares with the world, such as, fresh water, clean air, plentiful wildlife and wilderness. With some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the area, students will have a good chance of encountering some of the iconic animals that make Canada famous.

3 Creston Valley Wildlife and Agri-tours Softly nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, the Creston Valley is quickly becoming known to tourists as the Agritourism Capital of the Kootenays. The students will visit farm markets, tour a fromagerie and taste its excellent cheese, tour a few fruit orchards to learn more about how food is grown, and savor a glass of wine while gazing at the awesome panoramic mountain view at the Skimmerhorn Winery. An exploration of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management area will give students a fabulous opportunity to see some of the more rare species that travel through the valleys and mountains of the Kootenays. There are over 300 bird, close to 60 mammal, 17 fish, 6 reptile and 6 amphibian species that have been recorded in the area. Plus, there are thousands of invertebrate and plant species. Whitewater Rafting on the St. Marys River This half-day trip exposes students to a fun way to travel through a mountain landscape. As the river rolls down the valley students will be guided by professional raft guides through Class 1, 2 and 3 rapids. It is great beginner trip, however still has some excitement and thrill so students can capture the spirit of white water rafting. Often eagles soar overhead, while students witness the healthy fishery that thrives in this river as they watch the beautiful trout dashing through the clear mountain water. Kayaking on the Columbia River On this day trip students will explore the historic Columbia River & Wetlands by kayak. Here, between the Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges of British Columbia, lies one of the most significant ecological treasures in the world. The Columbia Wetlands, teeming with colour and life, are where hundreds of thousands of birds, water creatures, and large mammals eat, rest, hunt and breed. Internationally regarded as one the last intact wetlands in North America, this biologically diverse expanse is at the headwaters of the Columbia River, the largest river flowing to the Pacific Ocean in North America. In 2005 the Columbia Wetlands were chosen as a RAMSAR wetland of international significance. Guided by professional sea kayak guides this trip is about the scenery, the natural history and the relaxing waters of the Columbia. Canoeing on St. Marys Lake A trip to Canada is not complete without a chance to paddle a canoe. Our nation was and continues to be explored through its waterways by canoe. Students will learn how to paddle a canoe and have a chance to explore the clear waters of St. Marys Lake. It is possible to see great blue herons perched on old-growth cottonwood trees while a moose is munching on aquatic plants in the slow moving waters of the inlet of the lake. Professional canoe instructors will lead the students in a flat-water canoe seminar, whilst taking in their surroundings. St. Marys Retreat Centre The final night of the program will be spent at a unique centre in the St. Marys Valley. Students will have a chance to reminisce about their experiences around a campfire.

4 The night skies will light their way to their final night of camping in the mountains. The following morning they will be lead by a yoga instructor in a Hatha Yoga session that will help them stretch out tired muscles and still their minds so they can reflect on the impact of their experiences in the Kootenays. The program will have a closing celebration that embraces the spirit of adventure, learning, and appreciation for the wilderness. 5. Instructor Profiles and Teaching Approaches Dave Quinn- Certified BC teacher, wildlife biologist, wilderness guide, photographer, writer, nature intepreter. Dave has be leading people in experiential education programs for 20 years. He has worked all over North America, including the Arctic; South America; and studied and travelled in Africa and Asia. Dave is a captivating storyteller, he is passionate about wilderness and loves to share his knowledge and tales of the Kootenays with his students. Dave is a Full Hiking Guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and a Full Sea Kayak Guide with the Association of Canadian Sea Kayak Guides. Craig Campbell- Senior guide trip leader with the BC River Outfitters Association, risk management operations manager, and college instructor. He has been teaching ESL students in several capacities for over 6 years. He is the owner operator of Kimberley Raft Co. for over 14 years. Craig is a leader in the Kootenays as a successful adventure tourism entrepreneur. He and his staff will be leading the white water raft component of the program. Allyson Phillips- Master Instructor with the Recreational Canoeing Association of BC and ESL instructor. She has taught hundreds of students not only how to canoe at a high level, but also trained them to become canoe instructors with various college and university wilderness leadership programs in BC. She has been teaching English as a Second Language for 16 years, and currently trains others to become ESL teachers. She is a very accomplished whitewater canoeist and loves nature, but also is highly regarded for her deep understanding of how to teach. Roger Warnatsch- Master Instructor with the Recreational Canoeing Association of BC and college instructor. He has taught for several wilderness leadership programs including Capilano University's and College of the Rockies. Through his many years of experience he has developed an understanding of students' learning styles and needs. He creates positive learning experience by being patient, focusing on fun, and challenging his students.

5 6. Ten Days Adventuring & Outdoor Training Schedule Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Students arrive Transport from homestays 6 In town- Afternoon in class- Introduction to outdoor education, prep for backcountry mountain travel 7 In town- Morning in class -Map and compass. Afternoon hike in nearby community nature park 8 In town- Morning in class backcountry cooking lesson, maintaining equipment lesson. PM bike ride 9 Backpacking- Over night trip Rocky or Purcell Mountains, site to be determined 10 Backpacking Rocky or Purcell Mountains, site to be determined Return to town 11 In town Day off 12 In town Day off 13 Creston- Agritourism tours and Creston Valley Wildlife Centre 14 In town- Morning in class- Intro to Waterbased activities. White water rafting in afternoon 15 Kayaking- on the Columbia River, wildlife watching 16 Canoeingon St. Marys Lake for the day, Camping up the St. Marys valley 17 Closing day at a St. Marys retreat centre 18 Students transport to airport for departure flights

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