Thompson Rivers University Summer Program
Canadian Outdoor Experience Program
Session 1: May 8 – June 19
Session 2: June 26 – August 8
Program Description: Earn a full semester of credits while learning to sea kayak and rock
climb amid the stunning landscapes of Canada’s famous wilderness. This
six-week program, led by world-class guides and lecturers, combines
academic study and exciting, practical field-based experience.
Participants will delve into the fields of wilderness resource
management, mountain and river ecology, natural history, Aboriginal
culture, environmental issues, outdoor recreation management, and
adventure sports while traveling through the Canadian Rockies, Banff
National Park, Jasper National Park, the interior ranges of British
Columbia, and the Okanagan Region. The program includes approximately 10
days of lectures, 26 days of field trips, and 4 days of logistics and
exams. It is most suitable to students of geography, science, arts,
culture, biology, sociology, tourism, recreation management students,
but students in other study areas (business, marketing, kinesiology,
etc.) are welcome. Participants must be moderately fit and athletically
inclined.
Course Information: These programs are approved by TRU and students receive their grades
on a TRU transcript. Credit transfer (worth 12 TRU credits) is subject
to home institution regulations. TRU will provide all documentation to
overseas institutions to assist in credit transfer. See complete Course Descriptions.
ADVG 1100 Natural History (3 credits): This
subject is a study and description of prairie, mountain, and boreal
forest organisms and natural objects, especially their origins,
evolution, and interrelationships. Topics include the natural history of
British Columbia and Alberta: flora and fauna; species identification;
ecosystem relationships; nature interpretation; the inter-relationship
between natural history, outdoor recreation and adventure sports.
ADVG 2010 The Wilderness Environment (3
credits): This subject is the study of the natural resource base on
which the Western Canada adventure tourism and outdoor recreation
industry depends. Topics include: geographic features, mountain
geomorphology, geology, fluviology, meteorology, ecology, and
contemporary environmental issues and future demands.
ADVG 2020 The Cultural Environment (3
credits): This subject is an introduction to the cultural environments
upon which outdoor recreation and adventure tourism in Canada depend.
Canadian culture is the artistic, musical, literary, culinary,
political and social elements that are representative of Canada, not
only to its own population, but people all over the world. Topics
include: the influences of European culture and tradition;
incorporation of Canada's Aboriginal peoples and immigrant populations
into mainstream Canadian culture; United States influence on Canadian
linguistics, economics, and culture; defining Canadian culture;
enhancing intercultural communication; international influences on
Canadian outdoor recreation and adventure tourism.
ADVG 3110 Adventure Activities (3 credits):
This subject is designed to provide students with practical exposure
to the planning and participation of a variety of adventure sports.
Students will be introduced to adventure sports by participating in
activities such as whitewater kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing,
rafting, mountain hiking, zip-lines, and glacier walks. Activities will
vary depending upon the season and weather conditions. Emphasis is
upon fun and exposure to the activity and moderate physical fitness and
athletic ability is required.
In combination, the class work and field trip components of these
subjects aim to:
• Provide an opportunity for concentrated study of the physical
geography, natural history, and culture of Western Canada in the
context of outdoor recreation and adventure sport activities
• Develop an understanding of a broad range of interdisciplinary
knowledge related to the global management of natural and cultural
resources, the inter-relationship between well-managed wilderness
resources and the future of outdoor recreation and adventure sports, and
the value-added nature of cultural programming to experiencing the
Canadian landscape
• Provide an exposure to a wide variety of adventure sports as a
way to experience the local landscape and develop a Canadian “sense of
place”
• Provide a perspective on how outdoor recreation and adventure impact the residents of Western Canada
• Develop an international view of adventure sports, the wilderness environment, their management and future development
Upon the conclusion of the course students will be able to:
• Write and speak with confidence about a range of topics on
Western Canadian thought, geography, natural history, and culture
• Apply their expanded knowledge of Western Canadian natural,
cultural, and recreation resource management to the planning and
management of resources in other international locations
• Describe the development of outdoor recreation and adventure
sports in Western Canada and describe theories, issues, and solutions
that will assist their development in other international locations
• Engage in a wide variety of personal outdoor recreation and adventure sport activities
Special Academic Conditions: Participants must be physically fit and athletically inclined. This program contains strenuous physical exertion.
Application Instructions: Click "Apply Now" to create a Study Abroad application. You must apply by March 1 in order to be considered. In addition to the regular Study Abroad application, you will need to apply to ISEP by March 28 for Session 1 and May 15 for Session 2.
Program Fees: $12,489 + $290 Study Abroad application fee + $60 ISEP application fee
Cost includes 12 credits of academic coursework, world-class
adventure sports instruction, program transportation, equipment,
lodging, and meals. All group and technical equipment is supplied.
Students are expected to provide their personal clothing, footwear,
sleeping bag and pack. A complete clothing and equipment list will be
provided prior to the course.
Accommodations: Students will be housed in a variety of accommodation styles,
including university dorms, mountain lodges, hostels, and tent camps.
Meals are included with the exception of some rest days and days off.
