Application Process

Application Deadline is February 21, 2025

There are three parts to the application:

1. Parent/Caregiver Support Form

2. TWO references:

• • A CURRENT teacher (2024/2025 school year)

  • A caring adult/community member who knows you well and is not a parent/guardian (e.g. coach, manager, neighbor, principal, guidance counsellor, etc.)

3. Student Expression of Interest Form (which includes a 1-minute video)

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

This course has been designed to offer students an opportunity to gain a sense of place from the history, geography, and ecology of the wilderness of Ontario through direct experience. Students will participate in challenge-by-choice and take on leadership and team member roles throughout the course. 

This course a blend of independent online learning (through Google Classroom), collaborative planning, and in-person learning. 

The course will culminate in a 7-10 day trip to a wilderness region in Ontario.

We are looking for students currently in Grade 10, 11 or 12 who represent the wonderful diversity of Thames Valley. 

Students with a variety of previous experiences will be considered.

Please see the important dates associated with this course. 

Selected students MUST successfully complete a swim test where they must complete a disoriented water entry, swim 100 metres, and tread water continuously for 3 minutes.*

*Location to be confirmed

1. You must have ONE parent or guardian complete the following portion of the application.

2. You must submit TWO reference letters:

• One reference from a "current" teacher (from the 2024-2025 School Year)

• One reference from another caring adult/community member that knows you well and is NOT your parent/caregiver (Examples: coach, neighbour, manager/boss, family friend, guidance counsellor, principal/vice-principal)

 You may want to use this letter to explain what you need. Once you have a reference letter, you will upload it in the Student Expression of Interest Form (below), or your reference can email the letter directly to the address included in the letter.  

You can also direct the person writing your reference letter to www.tvdsb.ca/wild so that they can understand what is involved in this opportunity.

3. Finally, you must complete this Student Expression of Interest Form using your GOTVDSB account. 

You must also upload a 1-minute video introduction.

               These are the questions you will be asked on the application. Please take the time to craft your answers before completing the application:

-What do you hope to gain from this opportunity?

-What do you hope to learn about yourself from this opportunity?

-What two characteristics or qualities do you think others would use to describe you?

-What characteristics or qualities do you think are important, or would enhance, this experience for all participants?

-Do you have any previous skills, experience or certification that would be an asset on this trip (e.g. Lifesaving, First Aid, incredible cooking skills, etc.)?