Educational Workshops

Ultra-lightweight hiking/canoeing/camping 101

Outing Type → 

Are you heading out for your first hiking or camping trip and confused about what you really need to bring? Are you worried about how you are going to carry all that gear? Or, are you a seasoned veteran who is serious about lightening the load? Then this course is for you! We will be exploring the basics of ultra-lightweight hiking/canoeing/camping techniques, where to start, how to be mindful with gear selection/purchasing and introduction to food dehydrating. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just beginning your camping journeys, this course has something for everyone.

The Basics
Event Location

MEC North York location-Community Room

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
1 hour-ish
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Registration Cut Off
April 10
Participant Info
Who's Invited
Anyone interested
Maximum Group Size
30 people
Minimum Group Size
5 people
Itinerary
Required Items to Bring

None

Recommended Items to Bring

Water bottle and note pads/smart phones

How to Get There
Event Directions

MEC North York

Address: 784 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON M2K 1C3
Phone: (416) 221-0030

Winter camping 101 (Hot Tenting)

Outing Type → 

Have you ever thought about winter camping? Not sure where to start? Do you have questions about gear and logistics? Then this is the course for you! We will discuss the basics of winter camping (hot tenting with a portable wood burning stove), gear requirements, tent set-up and such. This one-hour educational workshop hosted at MEC's North York location will answer all the questions you may have about beginning to winter camp.

The Basics
Event Location

MEC North York location-Community Room

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
1 hour
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Registration Cut Off
November 17 or until full
Participant Info
Who's Invited
Anyone interested
Maximum Group Size
30 people
Minimum Group Size
5 people
Itinerary
Recommended Items to Bring

Water bottle
Note book/smart phone

How to Get There
Event Directions

MEC North York
784 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON M2K 1C3
Phone: (416) 221-0030

Other
Notes

Sign up is via WCA website. Call me or email if you have any questions

Winter Pool Training Sessions

Outing Type → 

 

For all you new and experienced whitewater paddlers, we have rented Albert Campbell CI swimming pool in Scarborough again for winter pool training sessions. This is a great opportunity to practice your paddling technique and your roll, or just plain work-out so you're in shape when you hit the spring rivers. OC-1, C-1, or kayaks welcome. I have a few spare boats (open canoe, C-1, and kayak) for newbies or paddlers just wanting to try something different from their usual boat. They're available on a first come; first served basis. If you are having problems with your roll, we can help you. We have 10 rentals of 1.5 hours from Sunday January 6 to Sunday March 10.Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. For just $140 for your share of the rental cost, you can have a whole winter of learning and paddling fun. Please contact me to register as soon as possible as space is limited.

Cheques should be payable to me as I'm paying the rental fee; not the club.

Sorry, but you can't register on-line. You have to contact me personally if you want to join in so I can manage the organization effectively. Thanks.




The Basics
Event Location

Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute Pool

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
Ten sessions of 1.5 hours each.
Difficulty Rating
Novice
Itinerary
Itinerary description

Get there about 5:20 so you're ready to hop in it at 5:30 to maximize your pool time. We must be finished and be out of the pool by 7:00 as a swim club has a rental starting at that time, and we need to make sure we don't hold them up.

Required Items to Bring

A CLEAN boat. Please be sure to remove any mud, sand, leaves, pine needles, old lunches, etc. from your canoe of kayak. Likewise, take off muddy boots at the door. The janitor and the swim club thatt has the rental following us become very irate if the deck is not left clean or there is detritus in the pool. Thanks.

Recommended Items to Bring

If you want to practice your roll, we recommend you bring your PFD, nose plugs, and goggles or swim mask. A light synthetic top like a rash guard can be good as the water is occasionally a little chilly. You can change in the change rooms, but there is no guard watching your things, so bring them out to the pool deck where they are safe.

How to Get There
Event Directions

Pool is just northwest of Finch Avenue & McCowan Road in Scarborough. Get off HWY 401 at McCowan (At Scarborough Town Centre). Drive north on McCowan to Finch, and turn left (west) onto Finch. You'll see Woodside Square Mall with Macdonald's on the northwest corner. Go west one block,and turn right at the lights onto Sandhurst Circle. Go north about 100 meters, and you will see the school on your left. Keep going. The pool is at the north end of the building, where the parking lot is. Park here and carry your boat through the pool doors- super convenient access. Our rental starts at 5:30 pm, but normally the staff will let us in around ten minutes early, so you can get changed and ready to hop in your boat right at 5:30.

Other
Notes

If you want to borrow one of my boats, you come over to my place, which is only a couple minutes drive away from the pool, put the boat on your vehicle, drive it over to the pool, and return it after the pool session. There is no cost.

Wilderness First Aid Course- FULL

Outing Type → 

update - March 15, 2018

The course on March 24-25 is full
If you are still interested in taking a Wilderness First Aid Course, but couldn't make this date
There is a chance to sign up on at the www.cwmt.ca website
I arranged for WCA members a 10% discount as a WCA member.
Please contact Emmy

Update - March 7, 2018
it is a definite go, the course,
get your 50 dollar discount - contact Emmy
So if you waited, please join us
Sign up is extended till March 20th
Wilderness First Aid Course OVERVIEW
This 2-day skills based program represents the minimum standard of training for the outdoor leader, instructor, guide or recreational adventurer. It provides a practical perspective on dealing with common wilderness injuries through to life threatening situations.

The program is divided between classroom and practical skills, utilizing scenarios and simulations to enhance learning and develop effective interventions and competent patient care.

The Basics
Event Location

Aurora

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
2 days
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Registration Cut Off
March 20, 2018
Participant Info
Who's Invited
All outdoor enthousiasts
Maximum Group Size
30
Minimum Group Size
10
Itinerary
Itinerary description

Jim, the instructor is also an enthusiastic paddler and outdoor person.
A wilderness first aid course, what to do when EMT is not close by, what are the priorities when you are in the wilderness.

You need to sign up HERE and at the CWMT website
Cost is $225
https://cwmt.ca/schedule-and-course-descriptions/public-course-schedule…

and if you contact me, I can give you a promo code for a reduced price for this course as a valid WCA member

If you can't make it on March 24th and 25th, there is an option to participate on May 12th and 13th In Alliston.

The CWMT has other courses also available, but not for the reduced price for our club, these are public courses

Required Items to Bring

more info to follow

Recommended Items to Bring

more info to follow

email is send out with information

How to Get There
Event Directions

Aurora,
Bloomington/Bathurst Area
email is send out with directions

Carpool Info

if you need to carpool, contact Emmy
and she;ll try to get people info to carpool

Other
Notes

There is limited space available for people who need to stay overnight

Cancellation Policy
once signed up you are responsible for cost of the course if participants are less then 10

Winter Pool Sessions

Outing Type → 

 

For all you new and experienced whitewater paddlers, we have rented Albert Campbell CI swimming pool in Scarborough again for winter pool training sessions. This is a great opportunity to practice your paddling technique and your roll, or just plain work-out so you're in shape when you hit the spring rivers. OC-1, C-1, or kayaks welcome. I have a few spare boats (open canoe, C-1, and kayak) for newbies or paddlers just wanting to try something different from their usual boat. They're available on a first come; first served basis. If you are having problems with your roll, we can help you. We have 10 rentals of 1.5 hours from Sunday January 7 to Sunday March 11.Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. For just $140 for your share of the rental cost, you can have a whole winter of learning and paddling fun. Please contact me to register as soon as possible as space is limited.

Cheques should be payable to me as I'm paying the rental fee; not the club.

Sorry, but you can't register on-line. You have to contact me personally if you want to join in so I can manage the organization effectively. Thanks.

The Basics
Event Location

Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
10 evenings
Difficulty Rating
Novice
Itinerary
Recommended Items to Bring

If you want to practice your roll, we recommend you bring your PFD, nose plugs, and goggles or swim mask. A light synthetic top like a rash guard can be good as the water is occasionally a little chilly. You can change in the change rooms, but there is no guard watching your things, so bring them out to the pool deck where they are safe.

How to Get There
Event Directions

Pool is just northwest of Finch Avenue & McCowan Road in Scarborough. Get off HWY 401 at McCowan (At Scarborough Town Centre). Drive north on McCowan to Finch, and turn left (west) onto Finch. You'll see Woodside Square Mall with Macdonald's on the northwest corner. Go west one block, and turn right at the lights onto Sandhurst Circle. Go north about 100 meters, and you will see the school on your left. Keep going. The pool is at the north end of the building, where the parking lot is. Park here and carry your boat through the pool doors- super convenient access. Our rental starts at 5:30 pm, but normally the staff will let us in around ten minutes early, so you can get changed and ready to hop in your boat right at 5:30.

Other
Notes

If you want to borrow one of my boats, you come over to my place, which is only a couple minutes drive away from the pool, put the boat on your vehicle, drive it over to the pool, and return it after the pool session. There is no cost.

Winter Pool Sessions

Outing Type → 

For all you new and experienced whitewater paddlers, we have rented Albert Campbell CI swimming pool in Scarborough again for winter pool training sessions. This is a great opportunity to practice your paddling technique and your roll, or just plain work-out so you're in shape when you hit the spring rivers. OC-1, C-1, or kayaks welcome. I have a few spare boats (open canoe, C-1, and kayak) for newbies or paddlers just wanting to try something different from their usual boat. They're available on a first come; first served basis. If you are having problems with your roll, we can help you. We have 10 rentals of 1.5 hours from Sunday January 8 to Sunday March 12.Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. For just $130 for your share of the rental cost, you can have a whole winter of learning and paddling fun. Please contact me to register as soon as possible as space is limited.

Cheques should be payable to me as I'm paying the rental fee; not the club.

Sorry, but you can't register on-line. You have to contact me personally if you want to join in so I can manage the organization effectively. Thanks.

The Basics
Event Location

Albert Campbell Collegiate swimming pool

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
10 Sunday sessions of 1.5 hours ending March 12.
Difficulty Rating
Novice
Registration Cut Off
Book as soon as possible as registration is limited.
Itinerary
Recommended Items to Bring

If you want to practice your roll, we recommend you bring your PFD, nose plugs, and goggles or swim mask. A light synthetic top like a rash guard can be good as the water is occasionally a little chilly. You can change in the change rooms, but there is no guard watching your things, so bring them out to the pool deck where they are safe.

How to Get There
Event Directions

Pool is just northwest of Finch Avenue & McCowan Road in Scarborough. Get off HWY 401 at McCowan (At Scarborough Town Centre). Drive north on McCowan to Finch, and turn left (west) onto Finch. You'll see Woodside Square Mall with Macdonald's on the northwest corner. Go west one block, and turn right at the lights onto Sandhurst Circle. Go north about 100 meters, and you will see the school on your left. Keep going. The pool is at the north end of the building, where the parking lot is. Park here and carry your boat through the pool doors- super convenient access. Our rental starts at 5:30 pm, but normally the staff will let us in around ten minutes early, so you can get changed and ready to hop in your boat right at 5:30.

Paddle the Don River – Training/information session

Outing Type → 

Paddle the Don River – Training/information session – April 21, 20106

TRCA will be holding a volunteer training day on April 21st at the North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M2N 5V7 (Yonge Street north of Sheppard Avenue), from 6:30-8:00pm in Committee Room 1. At this training we are going to be going over:
• what happens at the event,
• safety procedures,
• general volunteer roles,
• and AODA training (we will do this at the end, so if you have already done it, you won't have to do it again).
This will be a great time to meet the other volunteers and get a good sense for the event. If you can't make it to this meeting that is OK too, we are going to give everyone a briefing the day of the event.

.
Thank you Gary James and Mary Perkins

The Basics
Event Location

see above

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
see above
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited
WCA members who will be weir watchers
Itinerary
Required Items to Bring

pen and paper

Recommended Items to Bring

snacks

How to Get There
Event Directions

see above

Paddle the Don River Hip Wader Training Update 2/19

Outing Type → 

Paddle the Don River – Hip-wader training

The TRCA would like to have “hip-waders in water” training session. This will be split between the Scouts and WCA members. It is a four hour session with two hours in a classroom and two hours in a pool. The Hip-waders will be supplied for the training and for the Paddle the Don event. However, taking this training does not mean you will be using hip waders at Paddle the Don.
IMPORTANT: I would like to open this up first to WCA members who WILL commit to be a weir watcher at Paddle the Don and willing be in the water assisting the public. If there is space to fill then other members can sign-up. NOTE: This consists of two 2-hour sessions in two different but nearby locations.

The Basics
Event Location

Part 1: 3 - 5 pm, Dry-land session, Malvern Rec Centre, 30 Sewells Rd., Scarborough. Part 2: 5-7 pm, Water Sesssion Lester B Pearson Pool,150 Tapscott Rd., Scarborough

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
four hours
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Registration Cut Off
Feb. 25 or when full
Participant Info
Who's Invited
WCA members who will be weir watchers and in the water
Maximum Group Size
20
Minimum Group Size
20
Itinerary
Required Items to Bring

PFD, bathing suit. pen and paper

Recommended Items to Bring

bathing suit, camera, snacks

How to Get There
Event Directions

Malvern Rec Centre is north of Shepherd, East of Neilson. To get to the pool, go west towards Neilson, across Neilson on to Tapscott and left on Washburn; pool is on right.

Carpool Info

no cars in the pool

Other
Cancellation Policy
Please don't

Winter Pool Sessions

Outing Type → 

For all you new and experienced whitewater paddlers, we have rented Albert Campbell CI swimming pool in Scarborough again for winter pool training sessions. This is a great opportunity to practice your paddling technique and your roll, or just plain work-out so you're in shape when you hit the spring rivers. OC-1, C-1, or kayaks welcome. I have a few spare boats (open canoe, C-1, and kayak) for newbies or paddlers just wanting to try something different from their usual boat. They're available on a first come; first served basis. If you are having problems with your roll, we can help you. We have 10 rentals of 1.5 hours from Sunday January 10 to Sunday March 13.Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. For just $130 for your share of the rental cost, you can have a whole winter of learning and paddling fun. Please contact me to register as soon as possible as space is limited.

Cheques should be payable to me as I'm paying the rental fee; not the club.

Sorry, but you can't register on-line. You have to contact me personally if you want to join in so I can manage the organization effectively. Thanks.

The Basics
Event Location

Albert Campbell Collegiate swimming pool

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
10 Sunday sessions of 1.5 hours ending March 13.
Difficulty Rating
Novice
Registration Cut Off
Book as soon as possible as registration is limited.
Itinerary
Recommended Items to Bring

If you want to practice your roll, we recommend you bring your PFD, nose plugs, and goggles or swim mask. A light synthetic top like a rash guard can be good as the water is occasionally a little chilly. You can change in the change rooms, but there is no guard watching your things, so bring them out to the pool deck where they are safe.

How to Get There
Event Directions

Pool is just northwest of Finch Avenue & McCowan Road in Scarborough. Get off HWY 401 at McCowan (At Scarborough Town Centre). Drive north on McCowan to Finch, and turn left (west) onto Finch. You'll see Woodside Square Mall with Macdonald's on the northwest corner. Go west one block, and turn right at the lights onto Sandhurst Circle. Go north about 100 meters, and you will see the school on your left. Keep going. The pool is at the north end of the building, where the parking lot is. Park here and carry your boat through the pool doors- super convenient access. Our rental starts at 5:30 pm, but normally the staff will let us in around ten minutes early, so you can get changed and ready to hop in your boat right at 5:30.

Winter Pool Training Sessions

Outing Type → 

For all you new and experienced whitewater paddlers, we have rented Albert Campbell CI swimming pool in Scarborough again for winter pool training sessions. This is a great opportunity to practice your paddling technique and your roll, or just plain work-out so you're in shape when you hit the spring rivers. OC-1, C-1, or kayaks welcome. I have a few spare boats (open canoe, C-1, and kayak) for newbies or paddlers just wanting to try something different from their usual boat. They're available on a first come; first served basis. If you are having problems with your roll, we can help you. We have 10 rentals of 1.5 hours from Sunday January 4 to Sunday March 8.Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. For just $110 for your share of the rental cost, you can have a whole winter of learning and paddling fun. Please contact me to register as soon as possible as space is limited.

Cheques should be payable to me as I'm paying the rental fee; not the club.

Sorry, but you can't register on-line. You have to contact me personally if you want to join in so I can manage the organization effectively. Thanks.

The Basics
Event Location

Albert Campbell Collegiate swimming pool

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
Ten sessions of 1.5 hours each.
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Registration Cut Off
Book as soon as possible as spaces are limited.
Itinerary
Recommended Items to Bring

If you want to practice your roll, we recommend you bring your PFD, nose plugs, and goggles or swim mask. A light synthetic top like a rash guard can be good as the water is occasionally a little chilly. You can change in the change rooms, but there is not guard watching your things, so bring them out to the pool deck where they are safe.

How to Get There
Event Directions

Pool is just northwest of Finch & McCowan in Scarborough. Get off HWY 401 at McCowan (At Scarborough Town Centre). Drive north up McCowan to Finch, and turn left onto Finch. You'll see Woodside Square Mall with Macdonald's on the northwest corner. Go west one block, and turn right at the lights onto Sandhurst Circle. Go north about 100 metres, and you will see the school on your left. Keep going. The pool is at the north end of the building, where the parking lot is. Park here and carry your boat through the pool doors- super convenient access. Our rental starts at 5:30 pm, but normally the staff will let us in around ten minutes early, so you can get changed and ready to hop in your boat right at 5:30.