International Award Certification Program

International Award Certification Program


 OLI is committed to developing outdoor leaders in every city so that young people will have an opportunity to experience a life-changing experience in the outdoors through adventure and relationships.  We are committed to training and developing proven and already-effective youthworkers and teachers to become skilled outdoor leaders.  OLI specializes in taken proven young leaders to the next level of their leadership.

  • Overview of our Training and Award Scheme

    Wilderness Craft I Award

    Minimum Skill and Experience Required

    Training and Assessment Process

    Future Awards to be offered... 

  • Wilderness Craft I Award

     

    1. LEADERSHIP
    Develop an understanding and practice of servant leadership with a group during the journey--creating a community environment that builds meaningful relationships.

    2. FIRST AID AND BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY
    Demonstrate competence and confidence in administering any medical treatment that may be needed in the wilderness setting.

    Definition:  “Wilderness” first aid is different than “front country” first aid in that the wilderness caregiver is usually an hour or more away from medical help and must take into account potential long term treatment of the patient as well as evacuation procedures.

    3. NAVIGATION AND ORIENTEERING
    Demonstrate an ability to effectively plan and lead a group through the wilderness by using map, compass, and terrain travel knowledge.

    4. ROCK CLIMBING & ABSEILING/RAPPELLING EQUIPMENT
    Demonstrate an ability to teach and model belaying and abseiling/rappelling techniques including verbal commands and basic rock climbing techniques.

    5. BASIC BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL, CAMPING, & NUTRITION
    Demonstrate an ability to model appropriate hiking techniques, route finding skills and nutrition with a group.

    6. CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
    Demonstrate an ability to identify the different types of clothing and equipment used in the wilderness setting and explain the purpose of each.  The OLI Wilderness Craft I leader will have the ability to make repairs to equipment when necessary.

    Helpful Resources on Int'l Outdoor Leader Standards: 

    1.    NZOIA Rock Instructor Level I Syllabus.
    2.    Abseiling for Instructors by Bev Smith
    3.    Mountaincraft, by Mountain Safety Council, New Zealand
    4.    Freedom of the Hills by The Mountaineers
    5.    International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations
    6.    American Mountain Guides Association
    7.    Rocky Mountain Region Backcountry Trail/River Reference Manual
    8.    Medicine for Mountaineering
    9.    Outdoor Safety; Risk Management for Outdoor Leaders; New Zealand Mountain Safety Council

  • Minimum Skill and Experience

    1.   Youthwork Experience:  Participants in the Wilderness Craft I Award program must be mature leaders, age 20 or older, who have a minimum of one school year of leading young people in       youthworker role.

    2.    Experience in the Outdoors:  Participants must display an interest and ability to lead groups of young people in the outdoors:  Minimum log required of 5 days experience                    backpacking/tramping in the wilderness.

    3.    Recommendation from a supervisor:  Participants will be invited to the award program with an official OLI recommendation form to be filled out by a program leader or mentor who will be supervising their outdoor leadership upon receiving the award.

    4.    Physical Fitness:  Participants must complete a two-mile/3.2K timed run.  Men must complete the run in 16 minutes, and women must complete the run in 18 minutes. 

  • Overview of Training & Assessment Process

    I.   Training programs are provided to participants to develop competency in each area of expertise required.

    II.  Log Book:  After completion of training, the candidate is required to log 21 days of outdoor leadership under the supervision of a current award holder.

    III. Assessment:  After logging the minimum hours of outdoor leadership, each participant must successfully complete a 2-3 day assessment by a qualified OLI Assessor in order to                   receive their award. 

  • Future Awards to be Offered...

    Wilderness Craft II Award

    Sea Kayak I

    Alpine I