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Advanced Training in a Technique - Georeferencing

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

All the GPS fun without the nitty-gritty work with topographical maps! Students are briefly introduced to coordinate systems before venturing outside with a GPS. After learning how to safely and correctly use their GPS unit, students complete a number of GPS challenges that reinforce the best navigational practices. This program emphasizes the applications of spatial data collected via GPS in the pertinent economic sector


Advanced Training in a Technique - Knot Tying

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This program provides a break from the age-old adage that “if you can’t tie knots, tie lots!” Knot tying is an incredibly useful skill for many outdoor pursuits, but it is easy for novices to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of different knots that can be tied. We have pared down the list of knots to those that are most useful in present-day applications, and after an introduction to basic knot tying terminology, students will learn to tie our knots by way of engaging games. We ensure that students have a solid foundation in the practice so that they may confidently and competently further their own learning upon completion of the program.


Advanced Training in a Technique - Snowshoeing

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day, Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
January-April

Program Outline

Students learn the fundamental skills required to safely snowshoe in the backcountry. Once the fundamental movement skills have been acquired in our training grounds, the students will complete a guided tour of the Ganaraska Forest along our extensive trail system. Stops along the trail provide the opportunity for increasing one’s awareness of their surroundings, and for completing mini-games that bring the essential learning to life! This program can be combined with another certification to create a full-day certification program at a destination deeper in the forest.


Advanced Training in a Technique - X-Country Skiing

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day, Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students learn the fundamental skills required to safely cross-country ski in the backcountry. Once the fundamental movement skills have been acquired on our training course, the students will hone their skills on a short guided tour of the Ganaraska Forest along our extensive trail system. In the full day option of this program, the students will ski a longer trail through the forest that is matched to their abilities and comfort levels.


Advanced Training in a Technique – Safe Hiking

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day, Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Safe Hiking is an integral course for anyone wanting to spend time hiking in the outdoors as well as working in the guiding industry. The overall goals of the program are to provide the novice hiker with the knowledge necessary to keep themselves safe while hiking and to provide hikers with the knowledge to make this a sustainable activity (environmentally and socially). Students will complete an indoor component on equipment, mapping skills and safe hiking procedures then spend time out in the forest learning the art of safe hiking and putting into practice their indoor lessons. An advanced course is also offered as a full day program.


Advanced Training in a Technology - GPS Art

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Spatial awareness and line drawing are taken to a new level by way of GPS technology. After a brief introduction to the functioning of the GPS unit, students will complete a series of activities that will deepen their awareness of the space available to them on the landscape and the opportunities afforded by changes in the landscape. Students will then plan and complete the drawing of a line figure using the digital recording of their travels that appears on the GPS screen. These digital records (tracks) will be uploaded to a satellite image in order to produce a novel artefact.


Advanced Training in Art Therapy - Forest Therapy

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Forest therapy is an emerging practice in preventative health care that utilizes intentional experiences in a living forest to generate health benefits. The practice also supports clearer intuition, increased energy, and an increased capacity to communicate with the land and its species. On a short guided hike through the Ganaraska Forest, students will complete a number of place-based reflective exercises that will allow them to connect to the landscape on a deeper level. The students will be challenged to use this understanding to create an artefact that encapsulates their experiences in the forest.


Alternative Energy = Green Energy

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
May-October

Program Outline

Join us in our commitment to find alternative forms of energy that help reduce our carbon footprint. Students harness renewable energy by building and testing wind turbines, a micro-hydro turbine, or a solar oven and learn how one form of energy can be transformed into another. The program ends with a tasty treat cooked by students in the solar oven.


Animal Adaptations

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Through the examination of natural artifacts, primary and junior students are introduced to behavioural and structural adaptations. Adaptation-themed games are incorporated into a hike through the beautiful forest. Through role-play and hands-on activities, students learn about the complexity of animals.


Beaver Pond Study

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
JK, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
May-October

Program Outline

This hands-on program takes place at a natural pond located in the Ganaraska Forest. Students learn how to catch, observe and release invertebrates and amphibians found at the pond. Students explore pond life using provided equipment to discover various species. They learn to identify organisms, discover some of their unique adaptations and how they interact with one another.


Biodiversity

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

After learning the Biodiversity basics through an interactive PowerPoint presentation, students head outside for an exciting habitat game teaching about habitat loss. Then the students will have a brief introduction to invasive species before playing the “Garlic Mustard Invasion” game.


Campfire Program

Category
Evening

Duration
Evening

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Spend an evening around the campfire singing songs, participating in a hilarious skit, tell a traditional aboriginal tale or a spooky ghost story, put on a fashion show, etc, etc. There is just so much fun stuff to do! The education staff will help to plan and develop the campfire program with your group. This is an easy program for a visiting teacher to organize and implement.


Conflict Resolution

Category
SHSM, Virtual

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

We can only resolve conflict by creating conflict! In this program, we explore the nature of conflict by completing a series of challenging games and discussion strategies. Students learn to identify different sources of conflict and to respond with effective resolution strategies. The students will demonstrate their learning by completing a goaldirected but resource-limited cooperative challenge. Upon completion of this program, students will be equipped with a resolution strategy toolkit so that they are active partners in the thoughtful resolution of conflicts.


Conservation Authorities and Our Collective Future

Category
Virtual

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 7, Grade 8

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students are introduced to the concept of a watershed and the increasingly important role of Conservation Authorities in watershed management. Students will practice their critical thinking skills by considering differing perspectives, examining cause and effect, and performing cost-benefit analyses. Learn together in this interactive game-based Nearpod lesson.


Cross-Country Skiing

Category
Outdoor Adventure

Duration
Full-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard


Season
January-March

Program Outline

This full-day program is physically active and is a great introduction to cross-country skiing. In the morning, students learn gliding, turning and stopping, as well as how to climb and descend hills. The afternoon is spent in the Ganaraska Forest on groomed trails using quality ski equipment provided by the Ganaraska Forest Centre.


Customer Service

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students learn the fundamental components in delivering effective customer service from the initial greeting to the concluding of interactions. The customer service principles will be enlivened through the completion of an interactive speed dating exercise. Students will then demonstrate their learning by assuming the role of a front line staff member at the Ganaraska Forest Centre, whereupon they will be confronted by actors bringing to life customer services scenarios that are authentic to their SHSM sector.


Eco-Action: Changing Attitudes for a Changing Climate

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This exciting program examines some of the environmental challenges facing our planet and highlights the importance of learning about and being part of solutions. Following a climate change primer, students head outside where they embark on the “Amazing Race to Save the Planet” game.


Game Design

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

The overall objective of the Game Design program is to teach students how to engage a specific audience based on their socio-economic attributes and interests through group games. Students will first be lead thru a brainstorming session on accurately determining what your client’s interests and attributes are. Then we explore the formal game design template to determine what factors we must look at to help determine what location, 6 timeframe, materials, etc. they have at their disposal to create this game. Then we play a large interactive group game. Following the game, we debrief how to assess the successfulness of the program and go through client evaluation design to gather formal assessment information.


Ganaraska Jeopardy and Stones

Category
Evening

Duration
Evening

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

During this 2-hour program students will rotate through an hour of each activity. We have adapted the original Jeopardy game into an interactive and active game teaching students about ecology, the history of the centre and some fun group challenges. Then play the game of Stones which is a rendition of the classic game of Capture the Flag with stones (bean bags) that each team is trying to steal from the other.


GPS - GFC

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day, Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This action-packed program ensures that students can confidently pull coordinates from a topographic map in order to find locations in the real world with their GPS unit. After mastering the UTM coordinate system indoors, students will head outside to explore the GPS unit and complete a number of geocache challenge courses. This program emphasizes the value of utilizing multiple navigational tools (map, compass, GPS, natural signs, etc) and the need to consider each tool’s limitations by actively engaging the most important tool: their minds!


GPS - Green Check Certification

Category
SHSM

Duration


Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

A more advanced and comprehensive 2-day program that provides students with industry-recognized certification with the Green Check National GPS Certification Program. The Green Check Certification clarifies the connections between the map, compass, and GPS unit, and ensures that the students can utilize their GPS unit with a standard 1:50,000 topographic map. Ask about our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities. Additional fee of $25/student for registration with the third-party provider and a take-home field guide to be provided for all students.


GPS: Geocache Adventures

Category
Social Studies and Geography

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Just the games! After a brief orientation to the Global Positioning System unit, students use the technology to navigate through a number of geocache courses. If time permits, intermediate and senior students may also compete in the GPS Hunger Games!


GPS: Numbers, Numbers Everywhere

Category
Social Studies and Geography

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This is an in-depth look at the technology of the Global Positioning System, sources of error, and the meaning of the GPS coordinates. A variety of fun, interactive games are played to test the students’ skills and to ensure that they are competent users of the GPS unit.


Green Giants

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
April-October

Program Outline

Learn about the importance of plants and trees for any ecosystem, what plants need in order to survive, how plants and animals rely on each other and the parts of a tree. Students will be involved in several games, hands-on experiments and drama activities to relate to these topics.


Group Dynamics

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day, Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students develop their character and leadership through introduction to the GFC’s four concepts of teamwork: communication, support, inclusion and planning. These teamwork concepts are tested in a series of fun team challenges and group problem-solving tasks. Engaging debrief sessions allow each student to make connections within their own life and to gain a critical appreciation for the power of collaboration. This program can be extended into an advanced full-day certification in which students are more rigorously tested on our certified Low Ropes course.


Group Dynamics Part I

Category
Group Dynamics and Leadership

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This program supports Character Education and Leadership by introducing the four concepts of teamwork: communication, support, inclusion and planning through group initiatives. This program supports these concepts through various challenges and group problem-solving tasks.


Group Dynamics Part II: Low Ropes

Category
Group Dynamics and Leadership

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This program builds upon Group Dynamics Part I and takes place on a low ropes course located in the Ganaraska Forest. Several different elements including the Ice Wall, Nitro, Whale Watch and many more, help students to focus on trust and teamwork. Ideal for intermediate students who may be changing classes or school environments.


Hiding in Plain Sight

Category
Virtual

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 3, Grade 4

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students explore the interdependence of plants and animals through the lens of an important animal adaptation: camouflage. This program will also explore how plants and animals have responded to changes in the environment caused by human activities. Learn together in this Kahoot! game.


Ice-Breakers and Co-operative Games

Category
Group Dynamics and Leadership

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This interactive program is designed to build teamwork, develop cooperation skills and enhance communication through a variety of activities and games. This program helps to build comfortable and trusting relationships among classes and helps build group cohesion.


ICE: Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Need a sector partner for your innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship training? Put your students to work for us! Let the ICE-trained and Ontario-certified teachers of the GFC host this exciting training for your students. We can co-develop an authentic challenge statement for your sector. Then leave the rest to us! Through a series of engaging activities, we will facilitate the movement of students through the three gears of ICE: empathy and need finding, ideation and prototyping, and strategy and testing. We look forward to a fresh perspective on the challenges facing the GRCA!


Introduction to Stream Assessment Protocol

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
May-October

Program Outline

In this engaging program, the complexity of the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol is summarized to highlight those measurements that are most integral to the efficient management of a watershed by conservation authorities. Students spend the morning at our ponds in order to collect benthic macroinvertebrates and appreciate what their relative populations can reveal about the health of their aquatic habitat. In the afternoon, students travel to our headwater stream for an introduction to abiotic stream measurements and the use of rating curves for flood forecasting. Students demonstrate their learning by completing a gallery walk of stations along the stream in the Ganaraska Forest.


Introduction to Wilderness First Aid - GFC

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day, Half-Day

Grade
Grade 10, Grade 11

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
May-November

Program Outline

In this extension of the student’s Standard First Aid certification, students are introduced to the unique considerations of administering First Aid in a wilderness setting. Students are challenged to utilise a number of readily available natural materials to deliver aid in authentic wilderness scenarios. Please note that this program is most engaging if students have the foundational knowledge acquired through prior Standard First Aid certification. Although the fundamental considerations of wilderness first aid will be taught, this awareness course is not a substitute for advanced certification by recognized providers of Wilderness First Aid.


Leadership Skills

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day, Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Why teach about leadership when you can experience leadership! Students develop their character and leadership by completing a series of fun team challenges and group program-solving tasks. These experiences explore the nature of leadership and create opportunities for the students to seize the moment and test drive their new skills. This program can be extended into an advanced full-day certification in which students are more rigorously tested on our certified Low Ropes course.


Map and Compass

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This active program challenges each student’s compass and map-reading skills on two adventure courses. Students hone their orienteering skills on a field course with visible landmarks, and if successful, are then challenged to navigate our extensive forest trail system. Students gain an appreciation for the importance of maps and compasses in the workplace and in their daily lives.


Map Reading and Orienteering

Category
Social Studies and Geography

Duration


Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
April-November

Program Outline

This popular program gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn and apply compass and map-reading skills. Students learn to test their skills by completing an orienteering field and forest course.


Maple Moon

Category
Social Studies and Geography

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
JK, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
March-April

Program Outline

Students are introduced to the process of making maple syrup. Guides dressed in traditional clothing present aboriginal and pioneer methods of making maple syrup. Students take part in hands-on demonstrations and voyageur games and wrap up the day tasting a sweet treat around a cozy, outdoor campfire.


Night Hike

Category
Evening

Duration
Evening

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Together with our instructors, explore the Ganaraska Forest under the cover of darkness while engaging all the senses in a unique appreciation for the nocturnal world. This two hour hike has several fun and educational games, stories and animal interpretive discussions and calls that will be a lasting positive memory for all participants.


Oak Ridges Moraine Program

Category
Social Studies and Geography

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
April-October

Program Outline

Students learn about unique land features in Ontario, with a primary focus on the moraine. Students participate in an interpretive hike that includes dialogue on topics such as glacial erratic, watersheds, headwaters and water source protection.


Outdoor Survival Skills

Category
Outdoor Adventure

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students learn the skills necessary to survive in the great outdoors. Hands-on initiatives include fire-building and shelter-building. Different survival scenarios are explored and discussed in this favourite, action-packed program. Ganaraska staff can assist in providing details around planning what to bring for an optional cookout lunch.


Pond and Stream Study with Water Analysis Lab

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Full-Day

Grade
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
May-October

Program Outline

Students complete a written comparative analysis of a lentic (pond) vs. a lotic (stream) environment. A field study of each environment provides students with the opportunity to learn the techniques of specimen collection and tallying using a macro-invertebrate tally chart. Students also complete a hands-on water testing experiment to determine the levels of phosphate and nitrate found in the water as well as the ph levels.


Snowshoeing

Category
Outdoor Adventure

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
January-April

Program Outline

Students spend a half-day learning how to snowshoe using modern, provided equipment. This program demonstrates a unique method of winter travel, is physically active, and is best combined with another half-day program.


Soil…It’s Not Just Dirt

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Evening, Full-Day, Half-Day

Grade
Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
May-October

Program Outline

This program focuses on the creation of soil, different soil particles, and the creatures that live in the soil. Students should come prepared to get dirty as they explore the soil. Students will complete several fun and hands-on experiments: creating soil with hammers, digging a soil profile, creating a soil conductivity test and so much more.


Species Identification: Benthics

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
May-October

Program Outline

Students visit our beaver ponds to collect benthic macroinvertebrates (bottom-dwelling creatures) and utilize key anatomical features to assist in identifying the species of benthic. This program emphasizes the importance of each species to the pond ecosystem. Students will then complete a benthic station gallery walk to demonstrate their species ID skills.


Species Identification: Trees

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students gain an understanding of and appreciation for a wide variety of local tree species, and learn how to use a dichotomous key to assist in identifying coniferous and deciduous tree species. This program emphasizes the myriad of ecosystem services offered by forest biodiversity. Students will then complete a tree identification hike to demonstrate their species ID skills.


Sports Night

Category
Evening

Duration
Evening

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
April-November

Program Outline

An evening of 3 sports: floor hockey, soccer, and Ultimate Frisbee. Your group will be split into 6 teams and rotate through the 3 sporting events and the team with the highest score wins the coveted “Ultimate Sport Champion” award. The visiting teacher/adults will be responsible for running one of the 3 stations.


Stress Management Techniques – Forest Therapy

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Forest therapy is an emerging practice in preventative health care that utilizes intentional experiences in a living forest to generate health benefits. Along with physiological changes in blood pressure, immune functioning and improved sleep, the health benefits of forest therapy include reduced stress levels, improved mood, increased energy, as well as an increased ability to focus. On a short guided hike through the Ganaraska Forest, students will take part in a number of place-based reflective exercises. These first-hand experiences will enable the students to appreciate the benefits of forest therapy practice and provide them with stress reduction techniques that they can utilize in their own lives.


Survival Game

Category
Evening

Duration
Evening

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

An exciting adaptation of our day-time program of the same name, in this active role-playing game, each student takes on the character of a different wildlife species to gain a better understanding of the relationship between predator and prey in a forest ecosystem.


Survival Game

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

In this active role-playing game, each student takes on the character of a different wildlife species. It is a high-energy program that is exciting for students in both junior and intermediate grade levels. The transfer of energy, consumer levels, and human impacts on wildlife are explored in this program. Students gain a better understanding of the relationship between predator and prey in a forest ecosystem after participating in this exciting program.


The Many Faces of Climate Change

Category
Virtual

Duration


Grade
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students are challenged to identify the consequences of climate change for the local biosphere. They will then explore a number of climate change adaptation strategies that will be fundamental to the future success of Ontario’s plant, animal, and human residents. Learn together in this Kahoot! game.


Trappers and Traders

Category
Social Studies and Geography

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This engaging program puts student teams against one another in an orienteering challenge that requires teams to creatively barter their European goods for animal pelts. Through the game and the fur trade relics, students will learn about the history and challenges of the fur trade, as well as the differing perspectives of value in the eyes of Ontario’s First Nations and earliest Europeans.


Treetop Trekking Ganaraska

Category
Outdoor Adventure

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
March-October

Program Outline

Students venture through a series of aerial games and activities high up in the Ganaraska Forest canopy. Following a safety orientation, students head out the course to traverse bridges, monkey cables, Tarzan ropes and zip lines. This closely monitored program gives students the opportunity to learn new communications skills, effectively understand their inner strengths and to participate in a high adventure physical activity. (Special Adventure Rate Applies) Supervising teachers climb for free!


Watershed Management

Category
SHSM

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students learn about the anatomy of a watershed as well as the fundamental considerations and processes for the management of a watershed. In small groups, each student embodies the role of a particular stakeholder in watershed management, and they are challenged to come to a consensus solution for a watershed management challenge. The students will then design their own watershed model on our manipulative water table and investigate different engineering systems to regulate flooding and maintain water quality.


Wilderness Survival Skills

Category
SHSM

Duration
Full-Day, Half-Day

Grade
Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Following a brief introduction to fundamental survival attitudes and skills, students will complete a number of self-guided stations in order to build up their survival skill toolkit. The students are then immersed in a wilderness survival situation from which they must escape . . . Amazing Race style! To survive the scenario, the students must demonstrate their ability to plan and pack for a trip, to safeguard their essential survival needs, to design and construct a wilderness shelter, and to safely ignite a wilderness fire to cook a wilderness delicacy. Across all components, students develop the attitudes and mindset of a survivor!


Wolf Prowl Game

Category
Science and Nature

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
Yes

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

This simulation game focuses on such topics as energy flow, consumer levels, and human impacts on forest ecosystems. Its aim is to teach students the relationship an organism has with other species and its environment. It is an active role-playing game, suitable for junior and intermediate students.


Your Needs and My Needs

Category
Virtual

Duration
Half-Day

Grade
Grade 5, Grade 6

On-a-Roll In Your Schoolyard
No

Season
Year-Round

Program Outline

Students explore the concepts of survival needs and lifestyle luxuries in order to appreciate the consequences of their daily choices. They will then create a personal connection to the Earth so that they will be more inclined to advocate and act for its protection. Learn together in this Kahoot! game.


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Program Descriptions
Day Programs for Kindergarten to Grade 3
Day and Overnight Programs for Grade 4 to 12 and Post-Secondary
SHSM Certification Programs
On-a-Roll in Your Schoolyard Programs
Virtual Programs

 

Program Offerings
GFC Program Offerings Chart – Primary-Junior - 2022
GFC Program Offerings Chart – Intermediate-Senior - 2022
GFC SHSM Certifications by Sector Chart – 2022

Having some challenges getting your trip approved?

Please contact us on how we may help in presenting the appropriate safety, supervision and risk management information to your administrators.

education@grca.on.ca
(905) 885-8173

GANARASKA REGION
CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

2216 COUNTY ROAD 28
PORT HOPE, ONTARIO
L1A 3V8

INFO@GRCA.ON.CA
(905) 885-8173

GANARASKA FOREST
CENTRE

10585 COLD SPRINGS CAMP ROAD
CAMPBELLCROFT, ONTARIO
L0A 1B0

GFC@GRCA.ON.CA
(905) 885-8173

 
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