DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 2 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (MARCH 26)

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

OCC Course: Level Up Your Leadership with Backcountry Women

At Backcountry Women, we believe that "knowledge is power." We are thrilled to host the Outdoor Council of Canada’s Field Leader (Hiking) certification—a 16-hour, two-day intensive course designed to turn experienced hikers into confident outdoor leaders.

Why Take This Course?

This isn’t just about trail navigation; it’s about the "human" side of leadership. You will learn the systematic "Event Cycle" used by professionals across Canada to plan, manage, and execute safe, meaningful outdoor experiences. Whether you are looking to lead for a club, a school, or simply want to ensure your own friends and family are in good hands, this certification provides the peace of mind that you are using industry-accepted practices.

What You’ll Learn:

• Visioning & Planning: How to design a hike that matches your participants' needs and abilities.
• Risk Management: Identification and mitigation of hazards before they become problems.
• Mindful Leadership: Strategies for group management, effective communication, and creating an inclusive environment.
• The Event Cycle: A step-by-step framework for pre-trip planning, last-minute checks, and post-trip debriefing.

Course Schedule:

• Day 1 (Classroom): Diving into the OCC manual, theory, and the systematic approach to leadership.
• Day 2 (Field): Putting theory into practice on the trails! You’ll practice leading, decision-making, and managing real-world scenarios in a supportive, judgement-free environment.

Who is this for?

This course is perfect for any woman or marginalized gender (age 18 +) who has some hiking experience and a passion for sharing the outdoors with others. You should be comfortable hiking on trails with roots/rocks while carrying a day pack.

Prerequisites: 18+ years old, some hiking experience, and completion of pre-course reading (manual provided).

What’s Included:

• National OCC Field Leader (Hiking) Certification (upon successful completion).
• A one-year membership to the Outdoor Council of Canada.
• The OCC Field Leader Student Manual (digital copy, you must print your own).
• Instruction from two certified OCC Instructors, Ashley and Joanne, in a supportive community setting.

Join us on March 28-29 and gain the confidence to lead the way!

• Dates: March 28–29, 2026

• Duration: 2 Days (approx. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

• Location: Exact location details will be provided via email closer to the course date. Further instructions, important information, and a course packing list will be emailed out to participants. Check your confirmation and reminder emails.
• What to Bring: Standard day-hiking gear, lunch/snacks, and your "growth mindset"!
• Please come prepared to participate fully, and hike a short distance during the course.

Contact us with any questions or to learn more. We look forward to supporting your outdoor leadership!

Further details will be provided to registered participants. Participants are responsible for having a valid e-mail address, communicating with the event organizer regarding any changes in attendance, and for checking e-mail prior to an event.

This event allows cancellation no less than 8 days before start of event. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.