Blue Lake Forest Education Society ~ Programs

Winter BLAST!

Winter BLAST! (Blue Lake Adventure Skills Training)- March 17 - 23, 2013

Develop Winter Technical and Leadership Skills!

During March break, Blue Lake is running a new winter technical skills and leadership program for youth aged 14 to 19. This course will take participants on a journey of adventure, leadership development, and personal growth. Throughout this 7 day program, participants will experience what it`s like to be part of a dynamic and energetic team. They will develop winter outdoor technical and safety skills, and receive training and workshops taught in an experiential manner onsite at the Blue Lake Centre, and gain practical back-country experience. Lessons will include: winter camping and survival, back-country safety, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow shelter building, risk management, and more! All participants will receive certification in Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 from the Canadian Avalanche Association. Winter BLAST will teach participants new ways to approach problems, and overcome challenges through participation in various initiatives and recreation activities. Through this program, participants will also be able to develop their leadership and teamwork skills including communication, problem solving, motivation, group management, critical thinking, self esteem building, teamwork, reflection, and conflict resolution.

During this 7-day winter technical skill and leadership development program you will gain:

· Certification in Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 from the Canadian Avalanche Association

· Trip preparation and winter camping skills

· Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experience

· Back-country safety skills

· Snow Shelter building skills

· Risk Management skills

· And more!

A challenging and rewarding experience,

Winter BLAST will help you develop skills in:

· Advanced Leadership

· Team-building

· Group management

· Communication

· Problem Solving

· Critical thinking

· Confidence

· Independence

This winter youth leadership program involves 5 days of intense training at the Blue Lake Centre, followed by a 2 day trip into the back country to stay in a 'Base Camp' of snow shelters built by the group. The back-country portion of this program will take place on a pre-determined route which is classified as Low-Risk, making it a safe and stable winter camping environment. Instructors of this program possess a high level of training and experience.

SCHEDULE:

Days 1 to 4: These days will be spent at the Blue Lake Centre where you will learn necessary technical and safety skills required for winter camping in the back country. You will become part of a tight-knit group through participation in various team-building exercises and lessons.

Days 2 and 3: Participants will receive certification in Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 from the Canadian Avalanche Association

Days 5 and 6: The group will leave the Blue Lake Centre and ski and snowshoe to a back-country destination. You and your group will set up camp, construct a snow shelter and settle into winter camping.

During the 2 days spent in the back-country, you will have the opportunity to apply the skills learned earlier in the week, and gain valuable leadership skills.

Day 7: Break camp and travelling back to the trailhead where you will participate in a final wrap-up before leaving the centre and heading back to Cranbrook.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply Now! Space is limited.

(For eligible participants, scholarships covering up to 85% of the program cost are available).

Participants will be selected based on their interest in developing their leadership and winter back-country safety skills, as well as their drive to have a positive impact on their communities. All interested participants must submit an application to Blue Lake by Tuesday February 26th, 2013. Applications may be submitted by Email, Fax, or Mail.

Email: campcoordinator@bluelakecentre.com

Fax: 250-426-3933

Phone: 250-426-3676

Toll Free: 1-888-328-9998

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 759
Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4J5