The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP), offered at East Elgin Secondary School, is a four credit course integrating senior level Forestry Management, Horticulture Management and Sciences, and Co-Operative Education. Students will also receive a Red Seal for the Environmental Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) upon successful completion of ELP (unless the student is currently enrolled in another SHSM).
This program is about developing students through the 10 pillars of the program - Respect, Responsibility, Dependability, Accountability, Work Ethic, Trust, Listening, Determination, Perseverance, and Commitment.
Forestry Management is a Grade 12 course that integrates several topics. Emphasis is placed on Forestry and Soil management, conservation, and ecology. Within this course we also explore the Chainsaw Operator/Cutter Program (chainsaw use and maintenance) as well as plant and tree identification, all through practical hands-on work. Through our trip to the Haliburton Forest Reserve, where we learn about sustainable forestry management and the economic principles of the forestry industry, students will continue to develop understanding of these important resources.
Horticulture Management and Sciences is also a Grade 12 course that integrates many topics. Within this course students complete our canoe certification and explore topics like Backcountry Camping, Resource Management and Conservation, Aquatics & Fisheries, and Wildlife. This course is supported through field trips to Algonquin Park, Normandale Fish Culture Station, the Lake Erie Management Unit, the Raptor Conservancy of Canada, and Bird Studies Canada.
Our 2 Co-Op credits include the students becoming the teachers through our award winning program called MarshQuest and the Carolinian Forest Festival. At MarshQuest, the ELP students become the teachers and teach 500 Grade 4’s about the importance of wetlands through interactive stations at the Herb Kebbel Wetland. The Carolinian Forest Festival is a 2 week long festival where the students once again become the teachers of 2000 students from around the TVDSB, teaching about the forest, the resources, and importance of the forest around us. These programs are run as a joint effort between Jaffa Outdoor Education Centre, Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, The Elgin Stewardship Council, and the Environmental Leadership Program. Students in ELP will also spend 4 weeks with Catfish Creek Conservation Authority and obtain a chainsaw certification and practice forestry management techniques under their supervision.
Integrated into these courses the students learn about orienteering, fire lighting skills, wilderness survival, safe hiking, Leave No Trace principles, trip planning, and countless other hands-on skills. Integrating these skills and introducing students to these potentially new activities and experiences not only leads to a healthier lifestyle, but to a healthier environment. All of our learning opportunities are closely interconnected and students will learn how the environment and all of its components are reliant on each other for survival.
Students also participate in the following off-campus trips each year:
A 6 day canoe trip in Algonquin Park where students learn how to camp safely, canoe, portage, and participate in Lake Trout fishing
A 4 day trip to the Haliburton Forest where students participate in rock climbing, high ropes, orienteering, and mountain biking
A 4 day winter wilderness experience in Algonquin Park where students snowshoe, learn about winter survival skills, and continue to build their interpersonal skills
We are also involved with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). This program is supported and organized by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. NASP promotes international-style target archery as part of the in-school curriculum, to improve performance, and participation in shooting sports among students in Grades 4-12.
Throughout the semester the students are actively involved in various Co-operative work projects.
Stream rehabilitation and bank stabilization projects along Catfish Creek
Forest management projects on CCCA properties and private woodlots
Trail maintenance in Sinclair Wetland, Kebbel Wetland, and Springwater Forest
Community tree nursery/tree planting program
Students can receive the following certifications:
Paddle Canada Flat Water Tandem (canoe certification)
John’s Standard First Aid
John’s CPR Level “C”
Chainsaw Cutter Certification
Canadian Coast Guard Safe Boating Course
Ontario Hunter Education
Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)
GPS/GIS Certification
This program offers interested and committed students the opportunity to gain valuable field training, classroom instruction, and certification in a variety of areas in the environmental and outdoor educational field. Due to the immersion nature of this program, it will appeal to students who have a strong interest in the outdoors, environmental issues, resource management, and/or education in the environmental or outdoor educational field. Homework assignments are assigned on Sundays and are due on Thursday mornings. *Students who are not self-directed and committed to their studies will not find success in the program.*
Indirectly, the opportunities and experiences provided by the Environmental Leadership Program enhance the student’s attitude toward the environment and the great outdoors. For many of the students, this attitude becomes a passion and they go on to further their education in the Environmental or Outdoor Recreational field at College or University. The more activities and experiences that we can provide, the better chance we have at stimulating their interest. These students are our future conservationists and the key to a healthier future.
Our trip expenses, busing costs, certifications, and equipment purchases put our operating budget around $ 70 000.00. Currently, student fees, fundraising events, and the Environmental SHSM cover all of our expenses. We are self-funded program, so it is my hope that we continue to receive local sponsorship and financial support needed to offer this program. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or receive more information about the program, please contact Adam Bengen at 519-773-3174 or email me at a.bengen@tvdsb.ca.
NOTE: There is a charge of $500.00 for students, with an additional $50 for the PAL and Hunter Education courses. If there are any financial issues that would prevent you from participating, please contact Mr. Bengen as soon as possible.