Outdoor Leadership
Take your skills to the next level and share them with others
Develop your outdoor skills and leadership potential with certification courses and ongoing learning. These programs can help to solidify your existing abilities and add new understanding to prepare for leading others in the outdoors in a casual or professional capacity.
Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader program
The OCC Field Leader program teaches the foundation for learning judgement and decision-making to lead safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences. These courses focus on leadership skills and risk assessment and management for events held in low-risk terrain, working with an established organizational structure. Get started into outdoor leadership with the Field Leader (Hiking) program, and continue to develop additional skills through extension modules and skill couress.
OCC Field Leader (Hiking)
This 2-day certification course provides the training required to lead others on single-day outdoor activities in low-risk terrain. This is a great introduction for teachers, scout/guide leaders, those running club events, or anyone getting started in the outdoor industry. The systematic approach to planning and managing a hiking activity will also provide professional development for more experienced leaders.
OCC Field Leader (Overnight)
For those looking to extend their Field Leader certification into multi-day programs, this 2-day certification course taught over a single-night backpacking trip will cover the skills necessary for longer event planning. This is a great next-step program for experienced leaders looking to start leading multi-day programs in low-risk terrain.
OCC Field Leader (Winter)
For those looking to extend their Field Leader certification into winter programming, this 1-day certification course addresses the additional hazards and skills required for running events in winter conditions. This is a valuable extension for Field Leaders looking to lead winter hiking, snowshoeing, or other low-risk winter activities.
OCC Field Leader (Hiking + Winter)
This 2.5-day certification course combines the Field Leader (Hiking) program with the Winter extension so you'll be prepared to lead in all seasons. Taught in winter conditions, this course covers the systematic approach to planning and managing a hiking activity for both new and experienced leaders, and includes the additional considertions necessary for operating throughout the year.
View offerings and register for Field Leader (Hiking + Winter)
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