Yukon
Register Now!
_________________
Supporting Documents
"I learned so much about myself and how to travel in the outdoors. Thanks for teaching me all about the Yukon. It is an amazing place! I can't wait to come back soon."
-Justin K.
More Student Comments
|
|
|
|
|
Yukon Backpacking and Canoeing; Leadership and Guide Training Course
(24 days)
|
The Yukon Territory offers some of the wildest terrain in North America, a landscape where you may step over the speckled eggs of a groundnesting bird or watch a grizzly bear feasting on roots growing in the outwash of a glacial river. A destination for river runners and backpackers seeking beauty, wildlife and remoteness, this course explores Kluane National Park, designated by the United Nations as a world heritage site, and the historic Yukon River. If you are looking for a more exciting and demanding semester, sign up for our backpacking and white water skills course.
Imagine leading your group down the Yukon River and gliding silently past a mother moose and her calf feeding on the banks or routefinding up a rocky ridge with glaciers surrounding you. Or picture yourself camping in a field of purple and red wildflowers in the understory of a birch grove. The scale, wildness and beauty of this area make it a world-class destination.
This comprehensive backpacking and canoe course is the perfect setting to achieve your goals whether you are looking to become a professional guide, hone your technical abilities for personal adventures, or expand your leadership skills. It focuses on teaching students to be safe, efficient, knowledgeable and confident outdoor leaders on rivers and in the backcountry.
 |
Course Location Taught in the Yukon Territory, this course visits Kluane National Park, which is part of the largest protected wilderness area on earth. The scale and size of this northern land is overwhelming, inspiring a sense of awe and power in visitors. With its mountains, lakes and large system of interconnected glaciers, this are offers great backpacking and wilderness exploration.
The Yukon River has been one of the main channels for travel and exploration in the north country for millennia. From natives using the river as a trade route and for salmon fishing to gold rushers floating it to access the interior, the river is part of Western lore. With its slow moving channels and deep, swift gorges, the Yukon is a great river to explore and learn on.
The Instructors and Guides of IWLS are widely recognized as some of the very best in their field and have practical leadership experience from around the globe. They are well trained and have an uncommon enthusiasm for sharing their skill and knowledge, borne out of a passion for outdoor exploration.
The International Wilderness Leadership Schools' educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS curriculum world class.
The IWLS General Curriculum outlines the essential components for effective outdoor leadership. Here are a few points that your course will focus on.
Leadership: Opportunities to lead the group will be abundant and you'll have the time to learn and practice multiple styles of leadership.
Expedition Behavior and Group Dynamics: Because this course is a true wilderness expedition, interactions between group members need to be supportive and contribute to the efficacy of the group. The daily dynamics of the group, combined with instruction, will teach participants not only how to be a member of a team, but how to influence and lead an expedition.
Environmental Ethics: As adventurers in some of the most pristine environments on the planet, it is our duty to respect the natural world. All of our courses practice and teach Leave No Trace® principles.
Travel Techniques: Course instruction will help you discover ways to safely maximize your efficiency, whether hiking down a well-beaten path or traversing an exposed ridge.
____________________________________________________________________
IWLS Backpacking & Canoe Curriculum prepares students for exploration into remote, backcountry settings. Here are some points we'll cover on your course:
River Safety: From knowing how to pull a swimmer from the river using a throw bag to minimizing accidents at the water’s edge, you’ll learn the necessary skills to canoe a river safely.
Stoves and Campfires: The ability to repair a broken stove, make an emergency fire after being submerged in an icy river, and melt snow efficiently for water are key components for leading a group in the wilderness.
River and Stream Crossings: In river crossings, attention to detail and safety are #1. You'll learn and practice safe techniques for wading across a small stream or doing a Tyrolean traverse across a raging river.
Geology: From plate tectonics to granitic batholiths, you'll learn the history of the land you are exploring and how these forces create and influence the environment around you.
Experience Level: No previous experience is necessary for this course. However, with a desire to learn and an enthusiasm for adventure, you'll develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of wilderness exploration.
Certifications upon completion of the 24-day course participants may qualify for the following certifications:
 Certified Outdoor Leader
Wilderness Education Association
24 Day Guide Training Certificate of Completion
International Wilderness Leadership School
|
University credit is available for this and other IWLS courses.
Consider combining three 24-day courses for an IWLS semester!
|
