Leadership programs
Wilderness leadership expedition (wle)
AGES 19+
The Wilderness Leadership Expedition (WLE) is our cornerstone wilderness course. WLE is designed for people who are serious about their faith and want to explore leadership, community and service through the challenges and risks of the wilderness classroom. During WLE you will travel through some incredibly beautiful yet challenging northern wilderness. Spiritual disciplines, wilderness solitude and opportunities to lead are all core to this program. You will spend time strengthening your relationship with God, developing Christ-like character and discerning your personal direction, all in the context of intentional community living. WLE will let you explore how you can use your gifts, education, passions, career and choices to make a Kingdom impact. Come join us on this life-changing wilderness adventure!
This course is an immersion into wilderness leadership. During this expedition, you will learn valuable interpersonal skills and become a valued member of a purposeful and intentional community. You will also work through Coldwater’s philosophy of leadership. You can expect to gain experience with the following technical elements of wilderness tripping: flatwater canoeing, map and compass navigation, shelter building, campcraft, Leave No Trace wilderness ethics, risk management, and backcountry meal preparation. These technical program elements are paired with intentional reflective components, leading to new learning, valuable insights, and significant life growth.
Date: Friday, May 14 @ 4:30 PM (in Cambridge, ON)
Saturday, June 5 @ 10:00 AM (in Verner, ON)
**Start and end dates may be subject to change due to COVID restrictions**
Location: Temagami Area, ON
Trip Fee: $1470
*Hired Summer Staff and accepted Wilderness Leader Interns will have the trip fee waived
Wilderness Leader Internship (WLI)
Ages 19+
Our Wilderness Leader Internship (WLI) is an intensive experience in wilderness leadership that will enable you to disciple, equip and empower Christ-like leaders in the wilderness classroom. This internship is designed for mature leaders 19+ who have a desire to make disciples and are willing to place themselves in a context where they will learn, grow and lead.
In May, you will head out on the Wilderness Leadership Expedition (WLE), our cornerstone wilderness course. Following WLE, you will receive three weeks of Wilderness Instructor Training, followed by two months of "field experience" as an instructor leading our wilderness & adventure programs for youth. Interns will serve as key members of our Summer Team, investing in younger staff and students. You will end the summer as a recognized "Coldwater Wilderness Instructor", potentially leading to future leadership opportunities with Coldwater.
This internship will allow you to grow and be formed as you prepare to intentionally invest yourself in others. If you are:
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Interested in leadership development, youth ministry, mentoring, and adventure programming
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Seeking growth in your character, relationships, spiritual intimacy, and the way you serve
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Desiring to be sharpened as a leader, refined as an educator, and empowered as a disciple-maker
Then this internship is for you! You will be challenged and encouraged to grow in your relationship with Christ and will learn to intentionally disciple others to do the same.
All accepted interns must be certified as a Wilderness First Responder prior to heading out on WLE in May. Bronze Cross or NL certifications are also preferred.
Wilderness Leader Internship Continued...
Date: May 13 - September 3, 2021
Location: Camp Norland in Verner, ON
As a Wilderness Leader Intern, you will:
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Participate in our Wilderness Leadership Expedition
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Have significant opportunities to lead
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Receive wilderness skill instruction
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Develop a Christ-centred philosophy of leadership
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Be trained in and practice experiential learning, adventure education, small group development, facilitation, debriefing, program design, 1:1 counselling, and spiritual formation
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Participate in an intentional Christian community
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Gain significant experience teaching
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Receive room and board at Camp Norland from June through August
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Receive financial compensation for program leadership in July and August
If you are interested or have questions, please email info@coldwatercanada.org.
Looking to obtain Wilderness Advanced First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification? Check out these courses:
WMA Course Dates:
https://www.wildmed.com/wilderness-medical-courses/
Canadian Wilderness Medical Training Course Dates: