Outdoor Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Brochure 2023 - Lakehead University

One-of-a-kind in Canada — Your Learning Adventure Starts here.

PARKS, & TOURISM

lakeheadu.ca/orpt

With mountains, lakes, parks and trails at our doorstep, our program integrates both theoretical and applied perspectives.

WELCOME

TO THE

OUTDOOR RECREATION, PARKS, AND TOURISM

Whether you already have extensive experience in outdoor recreation or you are just starting out on your path to adventure, our program will show you that outdoor recreation plays an increasingly important role in society, contributing to mental and physical health, family cohesion, culture, environmental appreciation, and economic development. Our experiential program provides you with the opportunity to think critically about the world around you and what it means to live in a more environmentally and socially just world.

Many of our courses involve interaction with experts in the field and engage students in experiential, service learning projects that make a difference in our communities. It is our goal to prepare you for success in this challenging and rapidly changing industry, from planning and leading guided tours to assessing and creating visitor experiences for communities and parks organizations.

EXCEPTIONAL ALUMNI, UNCONVENTIONAL CAREERS

Darren Lentz HBOR, BSc BEd ’96, MEd ’07 - Principal, Lakehead Public Schools

“Attending Lakehead University opened doors that have shaped my life. The people, the environment, the experiences I had are everlasting.”

SMALL CLASS SIZES & PERSONAL CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT

Our small class sizes ensure you are comfortable in your learning environment and receive individualized attention from professors who know your name. These small classes and engaged learning opportunities help you meet and get to know your peers who become lifelong friends and colleagues.

Our Thunder Bay campus is walking-friendly with year-round opportunities for recreation. With mountains, lakes, and trails at our doorstep, our program takes advantage of this unique terrain as well as our campus’ proximity to world-class kayaking, climbing, hiking, and other recreational pursuits that are ideal for the practical experience required to excel within the discipline. Our field trips and learning expeditions take place locally and expose you to a variety of landscapes, weather patterns, and populations preparing you to work in any environment.

EXPLORE YOUR PATH

IN OUTDOOR RECREATION, PARKS, AND TOURISM AT LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY

PRACTICAL, HANDS-ON LEARNING

We make research in your undergraduate years a reality.

We have fostered great relationships with various organizations, local businesses, and parks due to our ideal location and reputation as a leading institution in the Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism industry. We are regularly contacted to participate in research and

other projects that are integrated into course content as they arise. This facilitates great hands-on learning opportunities for you and value-added outcomes for the region.

YOUR DEGREE TIMELINE

A QUICK GUIDE TO HELP PLAN YOUR FUTURE

CHOOSE YOUR DEGREE

• Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation

• Optional Concentration in Nature-Based Therapeutic Recreation

• Optional Concurrent Education

DOUBLE YOUR DEGREE

Simultaneously earn a double degree in:

• History

• Gender & Women’s Studies

• Geography

• Natural Science

FIRST YEAR

Get acquainted with the boreal forest, the Canadian Shield and our campus in the Outdoor Skills and Theory I class, which includes a weekend-long canoe or hiking trip! Through land-based explorations, teachings from community experts including Anishnabek Elders, and the development of core routines designed to deepen connections with nature, the Land Relations course offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to tap into wild intelligence.

During the winter term you will take Group Dynamics, where you will learn how to work effectively in group settings, manage conflict, and develop highly effective teams. This course’s interactive labs allow you to apply this knowledge in practice. In the Foundations in Outdoor Recreation class, you will learn the theoretical foundation for the entire program. This foundation sets the stage for upper-year topics including: risk management and legal liability, parks management, nature-based tourism, outdoor leadership, programming, and expedition management

YEAR 1 YEAR 2

GET YOUR GEAR

Equipment needed for First Year:

• Rain gear

• Hiking Boots

• Back pack

• Compass

Any additional outdoor equipment can be borrowed free-of-charge for course use from our equipment depot (which is like a library, but has outdoor gear instead of books).

JOIN A CLUB

Our Outdoor Recreation Student Society (ORSS) is a club for students dedicated to building a community and expanding student knowledge within the discipline. They regularly host advanced skill development courses and social events. Students can apply for funding through the ORSS Development Fund for professional development opportunities. Get to know your classmates and everything the Thunder Bay area has to offer.

SECOND YEAR

During this year you will take a Parks & Tourism course that includes a weekend field trip to a provincial park, and a Leadership course which creates a very strong professional development skill in dealing with and managing people in a variety of settings – it is one of the things that makes you stand out as a graduate. You will learn how to create effective programs for different groups and undertake an applied research project. In winter, the Outdoor Skills & Theory course builds your winter survival skills and exposes you to a range of outdoor recreation activities, including a winter camping weekend.

YEAR 3 YEAR 4

SEE THE WORLD

Want to gain international experience? In year three you may choose to participate in the Global ME (Mobility Engagement) Program while studying Outdoor Recreation, Parks, & Tourism at Lakehead University. Having the chance to study overseas will give you a global perspective on Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism while living and learning in another part of the world.

EXCHANGE FAST FACTS

Best exchanges for ORPT students: Norway, Australia, and Sweden

Best year to go: 3rd Year - start planning in 2nd Year

Required Academic Average: minimum 70%

Funding Available: minimum $1,000 bursary

Number of spots available: UNLIMITED

For more information: globalme@lakeheadu.ca

1-807-343-8010 Ext. 7846

In fourth year, you can pursue your areas of interest in greater depth by taking one of several advanced courses in topics you were introduced to earlier in the program. You can even explore unique subjects of interest by working closely with a faculty member on a Directed Studies project and have an option to pursue a Career Explorations course to gain working experience in the field of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism.

THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE IN CANADA TO LEARN ABOUT OUTDOOR RECREATION, PARKS, AND TOURISM.

Don’t let them be typical. Your university years will define the rest of your life.

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

My favourite aspect of ORPT is the people. Both my peers and professors are phenomenal. I also love how social justice-oriented our classes are. We are constantly learning about applicable and relevant topics to the world around us.

Maya Oversby Student - 4th year with Concentration in Nature-Based Therapeutic Recreation.

CHOOSE YOUR CAREER

• Outdoor / Environmental Educator

• Wilderness Guide

• Summer Camp Director

• Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator

• Park Manager

• Recreation Program Planner

• Adventure / Educational Business Owner

• Heritage Interpreter

• Primary / Secondary School Teacher

• Tourism Business Operator

• Various Parks Canada / Provincial Park Positions

As a graduate of the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism, a wide range of career opportunities are available in both the private and public sectors, and in a variety of geographic and professional areas.

Some graduates opt for positions as teachers and outdoor educators in the formal school system or with environmental organizations. Others offer nature-based therapeutic recreation experiences to a wide range of participants such as youth, older adults, and persons with disabilities. Many graduates work in conservation or education positions with the national or provincial park systems. There are also many opportunities to develop businesses in the field of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism including adventure guiding and consulting.