Training & Development

TRAINING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT When Ghost River Rediscovery started in 1994 most of our work was with youth. While this remains our main focus, many communities over the years have approached us for support in developing their own programs. We do our best to support this where possible. We also deliver a wide range of customized training, facilitation and consultation services. For further details, contact training@ghostriverrediscovery.com

Rediscovery Wilderness Skills Training	Since 1996, we have offered an intensive guide development program each June for people interested in culturally-based wilderness leadership. Outdoor programs from around the country have used this program to develop their staff, and many past participants have gone on to develop their own programs. For detailed information on Rediscovery Wilderness Skills Training (click here)

Outdoor Leadership training	As one of the largest employers of culturally-based outdoor leaders in the country, we have broad experience training and mentoring leaders. We developed and ran Guiding Spirit, the 4 month therapeutic wilderness leadership semester program for the University of Victoria and provide regular customized training for communities throughout Canada. Our Outdoor Leadership training can include hiking and backpacking leadership, certified canoe skills development courses and canoe expedition leadership, swiftwater rescue and river crossing, summer and winter survival and ancestral technologies, adventure counselling and therapeutic wilderness leadership. As the number of people offering outdoor training grows, we are happy to share our experience of reputable and credible organizations. Buyer Beware!

Wilderness First Aid	Our instructors offer Red Cross Standard (12 hrs) and Wilderness & Remote (40 hrs) training and certification courses. They also have many years experience customizing and running training in isolated community settings. For more information or to book a course contact training@ghostriverrediscovery.com We also work with Slipstream Wilderness First Aid to provide Advanced Wilderness First Aid (80+ hrs) training and certification in Calgary.

Facilitation and Group Leadership	Ghost River instructors have a “toolkit” of hundreds of tried and tested activities adapted for working with groups. We can train staff in the theory and practice of working with varied groups such as youth and school groups, “at-risk” young people, special-needs clients, healing and treatment programs, indigenous communities and corporate and organizational clients.

Wilderness-based therapeutic and treatment programs	We have worked directly with communities, treatment programs and agencies to develop both supportive and stand alone programs. These have ranged from day long experiences to six-month intensives. Our programs support mainstream therapeutic approaches, and are guided by our work with traditional healers and cultural practices. We have direct experience with groups addressing issues that have included; solvent abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, life-threatening illness, street involvement, HIV/AIDS, sexual abuse, family violence, post-conflict trauma, criminal behaviour etc. While we do not currently offer specific therapeutic programs, our experience in this area enables us to provide credible advice and referrals.

Eco/cultural tourism and guiding services	Quality culturally-based eco-tourism is one of the fastest growing business sectors in Alberta. We work on an on-going basis with several regional businesses to provide customized tours, trips, workshops and presentations. We have a wide network of qualified associates and have assisted many groups to build new relationships within the Aboriginal community, and create unique experiences for their clients. We also maintain business and guiding permits in the wild areas of the greater Bow River Watershed including national and provincial parks and wilderness areas.

Aboriginal Awareness training and cross-cultural awareness training. Aboriginal Awareness training outline	Romaticized, prejudiced or inaccurate portrayals of Native people contribute to a continued climate of cross-cultural misunderstanding. Ghost River Aboriginal Awareness training offers an introduction to the history, traditions and current realities of Aboriginal people in Canada. Originally designed to support Alberta Children and Family Services, course lengths vary from 8 to 16 hours. Courses are adapted to be relevant for the sponsoring agency, and we provide training to many agencies serving Aboriginal clients including a variety of human service, business and law enforcement agencies. We also have experience providing cultural presentations and learning experiences for business and international groups.