THE STUART HORNE BURSARY

Transcription

1 THE STUART HORNE BURSARY 2017 APPLICATION PACKAGE In collaboration with: Outward Bound Canada and Southwark Schools Learning Partnership Providing students with the adventure of a lifetime. Outward Bound Canada s Mission: Cultivating resilience, leadership, connections and compassion through inspiring and challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world.

2 ABOUT THE STUART HORNE BURSARY The Stuart Horne Bursary has a mission to provide economic assistance and an array of educational, adventurous, and transformational experiences across Canada to students and teachers from the UK who may never have before had either the option or the chance to participate in such an amazing opportunity. The Stuart Horne Bursary seeks to support youth by providing and funding scholarships to schools and outdoor leadership programs. Since 2013, the Stuart Horne Bursary has supported over 100 students in participating in Outward Bound expeditions across Canada. After being in such a caring group setting my confidence has come a long way. My time spent reflecting in Canada has helped me accept myself without worrying about other people's judgment. Before this experience I was too scared to answer questions in class but now I am able to give presentations in front of a room full of people. Not only has it helped me in school but also in getting a job, which I never would have had the courage to do before. Along with my new confidence came a sense for taking risks. I m more willing to put myself outside of my comfort zone so as I can try new things. I feel like this new view on the world has opened me up to even more opportunities and I m more capable of overcoming any obstacles in my way. Stuart Horne Bursary Recipient, 2015 The aim is to provide transformational experiences by taking recipients out of their normal, routine environment, and supporting them in a space where they can engage with nature, face impactful challenges, and work in a team environment. The Stuart Horne Bursary also provides scholarships for teacher s who have helped these youth in their endeavours. The Bursary works with an expanding group of charitable organizations which includes: The David Ross Education Trust, Ark, IntoUniversity, Chelsea Academy, Success Academy Charter Schools, and various other schools and youth groups. ABOUT STUART HORNE Stuart Horne was born in 1931 and raised in Shipley, Yorkshire, England. Like many of his family, he was destined to remain content there for the rest of his life; however, a confluence of unintended events - combined with his adventurous and ambitious spirit - pushed him, without any support, to be educated and then prosper in his adopted Canada. Stuart immigrated to Canada at the age of 17 where he lived for the rest of his life. Canada provided a transformational and enabling experience where he was able to fulfill his potential, but he always maintained much of his Yorkshire roots. The Stuart Horne Bursary honours his life experiences. Heather is barely recognizable after her visit to Canada. She has a far more positive attitude to school and to life in general. She smiles, is able to overcome problems and is now working really hard with her teachers to improve her work. It has been wonderful to see the transformation that this experience has had for Heather. Her confidence and resilience have dramatically increased and there is no doubt that her life chances will be so much better as a result. I am very grateful that she was given this amazing opportunity. Heather s Head Teacher

3 ABOUT OUTWARD BOUND CANADA The Stuart Horne Bursary is a part of Outward Bound Canada s Youth Scholarship Program An Outward Bound Canada expedition is more than just canoeing, kayaking and backpacking. It's an adventure in the classic sense of the word. It's about dealing with the unknown. It's about meeting challenges. And it's about learning; learning about yourself, about others, about the environment and, most of all, about your potential. Our courses compel students to dig deep. With encouragement and support, they transcend the illusion of limitations, and find new strength and confidence within themselves. Outward Bound Canada s youth courses are challenging, exhilarating journeys that take place in some of Canada's most beautiful remote areas the dramatic coastline of British Columbia s Vancouver Island, the rugged peaks of Alberta s Rocky Mountains, the vast and historic waterways of northern Ontario s boreal forests, and the Bay of Fundy's world-renowned Maritime tides and towering cliffs. The wilderness is our classroom. The lakes, rivers, forests, mountains, and oceans provide the challenges. Some of these challenges will be physical - launching a sea kayak into the rolling waves, climbing a rugged peak, or portaging a canoe through a sun-dappled forest. Other challenges are more subtle, such as developing leadership skills or learning to work effectively as a member of a team. All of Outward Bound Canada s programs use the challenges and inspiration of the natural environment rivers, lakes, mountains and oceans to bring out the best in everyone. The rewards come from meeting these challenges and accomplishing what was thought to be impossible. Students not only learn the technical skills demanded by travel in the wilderness, they also develop longlasting attributes that are the hallmark of Outward Bound - adaptability, courage, resilience, responsibility, persistence, integrity, compassion, service to community, and the ability to work well with others - qualities that will last a lifetime. "Outward Bound transcends class and individual differences and kindles within each of us a sense of community and strong dedication to service. The wilderness environment allows one s veneers to slip away, and each person can grow through daring to risk, to care, and to share with others. As an educational forum, Outward Bound offers true learning, involving heart, mind, and body, in a way that will last a lifetime." - Kurt Hahn, Outward Bound founder Outward Bound Canada is a registered charity and is proud to be a part of Outward Bound International. Outward Bound International is a membership organization of the worldwide Outward Bound network. This network consists of 44 Outward Bound schools operating in 31 countries around the world. Looking for more information on Outward Bound Canada? Check out our website at Or our YouTube Channel at: OUTWARD BOUND CANADA National Office, 170 Bloor Street West, Unit 702, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1T9 Phone: ext mary_campbell@outwardbound.ca

4 STUART HORNE BURSARY APPLICATION GUIDELINES The Stuart Horne Bursary application process is facilitated through your school or organization in collaboration with Outward Bound Canada. Ø Application Submission Checklist: 1. Student Contact Information Sheet 2. Student Questionnaire 3. Any additional requirements set out by your school or organization Ø Application Process 1. Submit completed application to your school or organization 2. Selected applicants will be asked to interview with your school or organization 3. Selected applicants will then attend (via video conference) an Interview and Q&A with Outward Bound Canada 4. Confirmation of acceptance to the Stuart Horne Bursary Program is dependent upon receipt of all paperwork including a medical form and various other waivers. Expectations of Stuart Horne Bursary Recipients Taking initiative to prepare your journey! Organizing your travel documents (passports, visas..) Ongoing communication with both your home school/organization and Outward Bound Canada Course end reporting Giving back to your school and/or community in a meaningful way Ambassador of the Stuart Horne Bursary and a positive representation of your school/organization

5 OUTWARD BOUND COURSES AVAILABLE in 2017 Rocky Mountain Discovery (1): July 28 August 17, 2017 (Travel July 27 / August 18) Rocky Mountain Discovery (2): August 4 24, 2017 (Travel August 3 / August 25) For Ages: (as of December 31, 2017) Fly into/out of Calgary, Alberta. 21-day Backpacking Expedition Leaving the creature comforts of home behind, and carrying only what is essential on your back, you will see the vast Alberta grasslands fade into the distance as you hike into the steep, forested mountain valleys and up above the tree line. Part way through the course, the team will stop in a remote area where, you will have the opportunity to undertake a wilderness solo. During solo you will have the chance to reflect on your life, on the things that are most important to you and perhaps the things that it is time to leave behind, as you step into the next stage of your life. While you are in the mountains you will learn many new skills such as how to pack your backpack, cook fast but delicious meals on trail, how to set up, maintain, and break down a minimalimpact campsite. You will learn how to travel safely and efficiently in a mountain environment: navigate using a topographical map and compass, work on route-finding skills, learn how to assess and avoid hazards, and travel across scree and snow-slopes. Northern Ontario Adventure: August 4 24, 2017 (Travel August 3 / August 25) For Ages: (as of December 31, 2017) Fly into/out of Toronto, Ontario then bus to Temagami, Ontario 21-day Flatwater Canoe Expedition You will meet your group in Temagami where you will be transported into the remote wilderness area to paddle it s beautiful waterways through landscapes of exposed Canadian Shield, panoramic views and some of Ontario s last remaining old-growth pine forests. This course will teach you wilderness travel techniques and navigation, backcountry cooking, flatwater canoeing, minimal impact camping, camp-craft and wilderness safety. This journey also includes a 48-hour solo experience where you will prove your skills while being supervised (from a distance!) by our experienced instructional team. Often described as the most transformative part of the experience, your solo will give you the chance to reflect on earlier conversations from the expedition, absorb important realizations about yourself, and leave behind anything that will no longer serve you going forward.

6 Bay of Fundy Discovery: August 10 26, 2017 (Travel August 9 / August 27) AGES (as of December 31, 2017) Fly into/out of Toronto & small plane to Saint John, New Brunswick 17-day Multi-Element Expedition (backpacking & sea kayaking) Come join us on this once in a lifetime hiking and paddling experience! Glide along in sea kayaks, only inches above the water, on some of the highest tides in the world. Hike along the Fundy Footpath through old growth forests that have been around since Samuel de Champlain explored 400 years ago. Amazing marine life seals, seabirds, eagles, porpoises and whales are found in these world-renowned waters. These are the highest tides in the world sometimes reaching as high as 15 metres. Explore long sandy beaches, towering rockcliffs, and sandstone outcroppings sculpted by the powerful tides. Camp out in some of Canada s most untouched ocean locations. West Coast Discovery : August 2 22, 2017 (Travel August 1 / August 23) AGES (as of December 31, 2017) Fly into/out of Vancouver & small plane to Tofino, British Columbia 21-day Multi-Element Expedition (sea kayaking & surfing) You will spend 19 out of the 21 days living and traveling through the spectacular coastal terrain of Vancouver Island s West Coast. Your mode of transport is the perfect vessel for exploring and discovering the coves, natural harbours, and islands in and around Clayoquot Sound, the sea kayak. You ll travel in double or single sea kayaks learning and mastering many ocean travel skills: paddling techniques, ocean navigation using nautical charts and tide tables, and safety and rescue skills. Clayoquot Sound, declared by UNESCO a biosphere reserve, is a maze of small old-growth cedar covered islands and protected inlets, rocky reefs, sandy beaches, deep fjords and natural hot springs. Clayoquot Sound is one of the most beautiful places in the world; share this exquisite marine environment with resident pods of grey whales, seals, sea otters and sea lions, and abundant inter-tidal marine life.

7 Northern Ontario Discovery: August 1 21, 2017 (Travel July 31 / August 22) AGES (as of December 31, 2017) Fly into/out of Toronto, Ontario then bus to Huntsville, Ontario 21-day Whitewater Canoe Expedition. Your journey begins when you meet your group in Huntsville, Ontario. From there, we will take you north to the James Bay watershed, characterized by miles of spectacular waterfalls and dozens of Class II rapids. You will then paddle and portage your way around and through rapid after rapid in the historic James Bay region. Designed for students without prior camping, canoeing or whitewater experience. This course will teach you increasingly sophisticated whitewater paddling techniques, how to swim through rapids, the art of reading rivers, river navigation, as well as camp-craft and minimal impact camping. Course work will be done through these activities, group discussions and analysis, and daily journal reflections. This journey also includes a 48hour solo experience where you will prove your skills while being supervised (from a distance!) by our experienced instructional team. Often described as the most transformative part of the experience, your solo will give you the chance to reflect on earlier conversations from the expedition, absorb important realizations about yourself, and leave behind anything that will no longer serve you going forward. Please Note: These courses qualify as a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bronze or Silver Adventurous Journey (including preliminary training, practice and qualifying journey) as well as the Gold Adventurous Journey, or Gold Residential Project. For more info visit the Duke of Edinburgh Award Website at:

8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is this trip run by my school or youth organization? No, your school/organization plays an important role in selecting award recipients and assisting with supporting your preparation as needed, however the trip is an independent journey. What is an Outward Bound course like? On every Outward Bound Canada course students learn by doing. Students are challenged as an individual and become an effective member of a team. They are compelled to dig deep within themselves, whether canoeing, mountaineering, rock climbing, sea kayaking, dog-sledding, white water paddling, or backpacking. Our highly qualified instructors inform and inspire, then step back. As the course progresses, responsibility shifts from instructors to students, and the groups technical and decision-making abilities are able to grow. Will I know anyone going on the course? Who else will be with me? OBC is all about being able to present as your authentic self, starting the course with a clean slate, and building connections with a completely new group of individuals. Stuart Horne Bursary recipients will be intentionally placed on courses with other students whom they do not already have a meaningful connection with. Students will benefit most from the course through developing deep connections with new people. Groups usually consist of ten to twelve participants and two instructors. Our students come from across Canada and around the world. They bring with them a wide variety of skills and life experiences. Since 1969, over 100,000 people have enjoyed a wilderness expedition with Outward Bound Canada. What is the value of the award? The value of the award is approximately $5,500 - $7,000 (Canadian) depending on the course and flight costs. This includes: your Outward Bound course fee, all technical equipment for the course, flight to and from Canada, and travel within Canada to your course start location. How do I get there? Does anyone travel with me? The journey starts at the airport! Like the course itself, students will travel independently to Canada. There may be an opportunity to connect with other Stuart Horne Bursary recipients prior to the course to facilitate a meet up at the airport; however, students and their families and/or the affiliated schools or organizations would initiate this. Will I be safe? Safety is the number one priority at Outward Bound. Our highly trained instructors make sure all activities adhere to strict safety guidelines that we have developed over more than fifty years. Instructional briefings precede each new activity to help you participate safely in any of our course activities. Our methods and practices are monitored and reviewed regularly by a Safety Review Team made up of senior Outward Bound staff from schools across North America as well as independent experts. Outward Bound Instructors are skilled, dedicated, and caring outdoor educators. These well-rounded individuals have extensive wilderness experience. They come from a variety of backgrounds: education, business, social work, camp and outdoor educational networks, or from one of over 40 Outward Bound schools around the world. Aside from formal qualifications in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, our instructors continually update their skills through independent training, personal expeditions, and staff development opportunities provided by Outward Bound. While there is an element of risk involved inherently in the program, you'll be in very good hands. How fit do I have to be? Participants with a wide range of physical abilities have successfully met the challenges of Outward Bound. The better shape you're in, however, the more comfortable you will be. Outward Bound is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Physical challenge is one of the many tools we use to help you explore your personal potential. You do not have to be an athlete in order to benefit from our courses, as they are designed for the reasonably fit, active individual. Our courses are very physically demanding and a certain amount of physical preparation will ensure that you get the most out of the course. A medical screening process is in place for all students to ensure safety for yourself and others on the course. Please answer any questions honestly, and provide us with as much information as you can, so that we may match you with the most appropriate course.

9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONTINUED Can you tell me more about the solo? The solo is designed to give you some time to yourself, away from the group, to relax, reflect, and recharge. The solo provides a change of pace. It varies in length depending on the duration of your course. Students will have a campsite of their own and are never more than a whistle-blow away from instructors who will check on you regularly. Often described as the most transformative part of the experience, the solo gives students the chance to reflect on earlier conversations from the expedition, absorb important realizations about yourself and leave behind anything that would no longer serve them going forward. That said, the solo is not a survival exercise; students are provided with gear, food and other necessities. It's simply a time for selfexploration, rest, reflection, and some journal writing. What do I need to bring? Unlike most other wilderness schools, Outward Bound Canada supplies all the necessary gear needed on the trip. This equipment includes canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets/pfds, tents, backpacks, first-aid equipment, sleeping pads, cooking and eating utensils, stoves, helmets, ropes, harnesses and tarps. OBC provides the tripping packs appropriate for each course. Students are responsible only for bringing luggage that is suitable for traveling. Upon acceptance to the program, Outward Bound Canada will provide you with a list of clothing and personal items to bring with you. We expect students to do their best with collecting items on the clothing list. It is always more comfortable to bring your own things. We can help you find tricky items or come up with an alternative, and we have an inventory of supplies for students to can borrow if they do not have the ability to acquire these things before the course starts. The instructors will always ensure all students are well equipped for the trip before heading out. What are the sleeping arrangements? Students will be sleeping in tents for the duration of the course bringing you that much closer to nature! Students will share a tent with other participants on the course of the same gender. Outward Bound provides the tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Can I bring my cell phone on the course? No - You won't need it! Students on course enjoy a vacation from technology for 3 whole weeks! Cell phones, as with other belongings that you don't need while on the course itself (passport, wallet, i-pod ) will be stored safely at the Outward Bound base camp while you are off in the wilderness! Does that mean I can't contact anyone while I'm in Canada? When you arrive in Canada, if you have means to contact your family, you can contact them to let them know you've arrived safely. Once you connect with OBC staff, we will be sure to connect with your family via to let them know you've arrived safely. Once the course starts, you will not be able to contact anyone outside of your course mates as you will be immersed in the Outward Bound experience - building connections with yourself, others, and the natural world! What is your smoking, alcohol, and substance use policy? The possession and / or use of non-prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco products or illegal substances while on course is prohibited. You will be asked to sign a Code of Conduct demonstrating your understanding of this policy. What happens if I change my mind? Our goal is to ensure that accepted scholars and families are well informed prior to acceptance and commitment to the program. There may be financial consequences for your school or organization if students decide not to attend after being accepted into the program and having their flights booked. While we understand there will always be an element of unknown, it is our goal for parents, guardians and students to feel as prepared as possible for this adventure. Please do not hesitate to get in touch: Outward Bound Canada Contact: Mary Campbell, Scholarship and Bursary Manager Phone: +1(403) ext mary_campbell@outwardbound.ca OBC National Office, 170 Bloor Street West, Unit 702, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1T9

10 Part 1: Contact Information Sheet PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Student Name: Gender: Birth date (day - month - year) D M Y Mailing Address: County/City/Town: Country: Postal Code : Home Phone: Mobile Phone: School: (SSLP) Best way and times to contact you: Parent/Guardian Information: Name(s) Relationship(s): Address: County/City/Town: Country: Postal Code : Home Phone: Mobile Phone: Best way and times to contact you:

11 Part 2: Course Selection Read the descriptions of the courses starting on page 5. Please indicate all courses in order of preference (1 being top choice). Please note that while we strive to do our best to accommodate preferences for bursary recipients, there are a limited number of spaces on each course for bursary students and preferences may not be able to be accommodated. Course Date Age Choice West Coast Discovery 2 nd 22 nd August Rocky Mountain Discovery (1) 28 th July 17 th August Rocky Mountain Discovery (2) 4 th 24 th August Bay of Fundy Discovery 10 th 26 th August Northern Ontario Discovery 1 st 21 st August Northern Ontario Adventure 4 th 24 th August Part 3: Student Questionnaire Tell us a bit about yourself and the reason you would like to attend an Outward Bound Canada Youth Leadership Expedition. (Please use a separate sheet of paper to complete your answers.) 1. Tell us a bit about yourself (your hobbies and interests, your family, how you like to spend your time, your favourite subjects, etc) 2. Why do you want to participate in an OBC wilderness course and what do you hope to gain from your OBC experience? 3. Why do you think you are a good candidate for this bursary? 4. Describe any experience you may have in the outdoors or wilderness? (Summer camp, hiking, camping etc.) Describe any experience you may have traveling? (NOT a requirement for selection) 5. What excites you most about participating in an OBC wilderness course? 6. What are your initial fears about participating in an OBC wilderness course? How do you anticipate working to overcome these fears? 7. How do you foresee yourself giving back to your school or community after the course? 8. What else would you like Outward Bound instructors to know about you?