Chisholm Outdoor Leadership Specialisations

How is the course structured?

The COLS course consists of 4 modules:

•  Foundation
   
•  Skills
   
•  Leadership
   
•  Guide

The course is sequenced so you learn the basics first before moving on to skill acquisition, leadership principles and finally guiding and instruction techniques with real clients.

Students may enrol in the Foundation and Skills modules only if their goal is to learn a specifics skill set for their own enjoyment. For those students pursuing a career in Outdoor Education, completion of the Leadership and Guide module will give them a formal Guiding qualification in their chosen activity area.

Assessment for the Foundation and Skills modules is a combination of class work, written tests and field work. Assessment for the Leadership and Guide modules is a combination of class work and employee feed back when working with real clients.

The Foundation Module provides the basic skills and knowledge required to work in the outdoors. Minimal impact camping, navigation, understanding weather patterns and more. This module is delivered over 7 nights at Chisholm’s Frankston Campus and 2 days/1 night at Wilsons Promontory Nation al Park. This module is a pre requisite for Skill and Leadership Modules.

2011 Foundation dates as follows: Wednesday nights. 6-10PM

• July 20, 27
• August 3, 10,11, 17, 24
• Prom Bushwalk: August 13,14

Foundation Module Fees
*Funded - $320.
Non funded - $ Price on application.

The Skills Module consists primarily of field training with some theory sessions focusing on skill acquisition, safety, preparation and planning. The following is a summary of 2011 dates and activities. A canoeing skills module will be available in March 2012. For more detail click on the links below.

Sea Kayaking 11 days

• October 3,4 Pool session, Port Phillip Bay
• October 24, 25, 26. Wilsons Promontory
• November 6,7,8,9,10 Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
• Dec 5. Venue TBC

Bushwalking (Difficult/Trackless) 13 days

• Theory Classes. 2 days. Dates TBC
• June13, 14,15,16,17. Grampians
• July 25,26,27,28. Snow Walk
• October 17, 18. Assessment trip. Venue TBC

Rafting 16 days

• July 22 (SW) Theory: Chisholm
• August 11, 12, 13,14,15,16 (R) Tully River, Queensland
• October 19-22 Mitta Mitta River, Victoria
• October 31- Nov 4th. Mitchell River, Victoria

Bushwalking (Tracked/Easy Untracked) 9 days

• 2011 Dates to be confirmed

Mountain biking 7 days

• Bicycle maintenance. May 10, 24
• May 7, 14, and 28. Lysterfield, You Yang’s
• October 8 & 9
• October 29 & 30

Check out our Units of Competency list for specific information pertaining to each activity specialisation

The Leadership Module covers guiding techniques, leadership models, training and facilitation. This unit is specifically for students who want to obtain a formal qualification in guiding or instruction in their chosen activity. These qualifications are required to work in Industry or with Clubs / organisations (paid employment or volunteer work). This unit is delivered Wednesday nights at Chisholm’s Frankston Campus.

2011 Leadership Dates as follows: Wednesday nights. 6-10PM

• October 12, 19, 27
• November 2, 16, 23

Leadership Module Fees
*Funded - $297.
Non funded - $ Price on application.

The Guide / Instruct Module takes place in the workplace with real clients. Potential Guides & Instructors will be assessed in the workplace on a minimum of 4 occasions with 4 different client groups. You will be provided with a Practical Placement Log Book to document your guiding and instructional sessions. Your employer / practical placement host will be required to give you verbal and written feedback which is the basis of your assessment in these units.

Log Book Requirements

There is a personal log book requirement for each skill area , for those that want to gain a guiding qualification which will demonstrate previous experience in your chosen skill area. Details upon enrolment. In addition candidates will need to obtain a Level 2 First Aid qualification or equivalent

What if I already have skills/experience?

Participants with current skills and / or experience can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The RPL process involves applicants providing a variety of documentation to prove competence in specific units. The onus is on the applicant to provide sufficient evidence throughout the RPL process.

Students who have completed 2 years of Monash Universities BSOR course (Outdoor Education) can apply to RPL the following:

• Foundation Module
• Canoeing Skills Module
• Bushwalking (Tracked/Easy Untracked) Skills Module

Pathways for Monash students are under review so please contact us for up to date information.

More information?

CHISHOLM INSTITUTE

Pauline Cleaver on (03) 9238 8403 or email p.cleaver@chisholm.edu.au
Rob Smith on 0429 330 599 or email robert.smith@chisholm.edu.au

Information Session:

An information session will be held at Room A137, CHISHOLM INSTITUTE, Fletcher Rd, Frankston at 7PM, 23rd February 2011.
Please register your attendance by e-mail or phone (9238 8403).

*Fee Structure
Funded positions are available to enrolling students who have not previously completed a Diploma or Degree in any subject area. Non funded course prices are available upon request.