Adventure Guide Diploma
Thompson Rivers University, Canada
First Year Course Fee
USD 14,457
Course Accredited By
NA
Setting the standard around the world for a broad spectrum of wilderness guide training, this intensive program will prepare you for exciting leadership positions in outdoor skills instruction and guiding. The field portion of your classes access BC’s exceptional recreational resources for whitewater and ocean pursuits, climbing and skiing
- This 61-credit diploma is made up of 37 required credits and 24 elective credits. The diploma transfers into Adventure Studies concentrations in the Bachelor of Tourism Management degree (BTM) or the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree for students who wish to complete a degree. Likewise, the Adventure Guide Diploma is a well recognized credential for those who wish to go directly into employment in the adventure tourism industry.
- The private sector is a major supporter of this program through training, certifying, and helping students build a network for future employment.
- Graduates work as outdoor skills instructors, mountain or river guides, and in other wilderness-related leadership occupations.
- Fees based on (15 credits/5 courses)
Enrollment Cycles
- September 2023
Limited admission
- 19 years of age at the start of the program
- Completion of the Adventure Guide Certificate
Application to the second year of the Adventure Guide Diploma in writing outlining the following:
- Enclose a personal resume and cover letter explaining why you wish to move into the program and how the program will help you attain your goals.
- Briefly outline the skills and experiences you gained in the Adventure Guide Certificate and how these have had a positive effect on your learning, leadership, professionalism, your peers, instructors and the program as a whole.
- Include your summer work practicum plans and how they fit into your educational and career goals.
- Fill out and submit an Outdoor Experience Log. This log should contain all outdoor experiences outside of course time during the past year.
- The department will review and consider student transcripts and GPA for the last year.
- Applicants are required to attend a Departmental Orientation session (in person or by phone), complete the Adventure Guide Diploma Application form, and attend an admissions interview.
Recommendations: Applicants in the Adventure Guide Diploma do so based upon their technical skill and experience level in at least one adventure sport. Entry is competitive and applications are screened to ensure an adequate level of outdoor recreation experience has been attained prior to entry to TRU.
If you don’t meet the requirements
- You can take upgrading courses at TRU to help you meet the requirements of this program
Year 1 (Adventure Guide Certificate)
Theory Courses — required (18 credits)
- The Adventure Tourism Industry
- Wilderness Travel
- Guiding Leadership I
- The Wilderness Environment
- Expedition Planning and Leadership
- Advanced Wilderness First Aid
Field Courses — required (4 credits)
- Kayak I
- Rock Climbing 1 (or 2)
- Field Courses — required minimum of one of the following two courses
- Sea Kayak I and / or Flatwater Canoe Instructor
- Field courses — required minimum of one of the following two courses
- Ski Touring I and / or Mountaineering I
Electives (two or more electives activity courses — may include above courses) (4 credits)
- Ski Skills
- CASI Snowboard Instructor Level I
- Alpine Ski Instructor I, or Telemark Ski Instructor I
- Swiftwater Rescue Technician III
- Sea Kayak 2
- Rafting I
- Rafting 2
- Avalanche I
- Ocean Surfing I
- Ocean Surfing 2
- Expedition Skill Development
Year 2
Theory Courses — required (18 credits)
- Instructional Skills
- Legal Liability and Risk Management
- Search and Rescue Management
- The Business of Adventure
- Financial Accounting
- Marketing and Customer Service
- Students specialize in activity areas, refining proficiency and developing a deeper understanding of that industry sector.
Field Courses for Adventure Guide Diploma
- Climbing Gym Instructor Level I
- Ocean Surfing 3
- Kayak 3
- Senior River Kayak Instructor
- Sea Kayak 3
- SRT IV
- Rock Climbing 2
- Mountaineering 2
- Rock Climbing 3
- Mountaineeering 3
- White Water Play Boating
- Moving Water Canoe
- Ski Tour 2
- Rope Rescue Team Member
- Sea Kayak 3
- Ice Climbing
- Adventure Photography
- Ski Tour 3
- Coastal Sailing
- Tuition $419.82
- Fees $191.91
- Books and supplies Typically about $150 per course $150.00
- Total (CDN) $761.73