Counsellor Process

1. Attend a Virtual Intro to ODS Counselling Session

Cheakamus Centre will host a Virtual Introductory Counsellor Presentation for Gr.10-12 students in September 2023 to share an overview of the program and answer any questions. This will happen at each of the NVSD high schools, and you will find out more information from your school in early September on how to join!

2. Fill out an online Application Form

We will begin accepting online applications from Gr.10-12 students in early September 2023. Parent/guardian contact information will be collected at the time of applying and they will receive a digital confirmation, once submitted. If space is available, applications may be accepted throughout the school year.

After liaising with School Counsellors, we will invite successful applicants to register for a Counsellor Training Workshop. Trainees will complete 1x full weekend workshop. The available dates for the 2023-2024 school year are:

• Workshop 1: September 29-October 1, 2023 (Fri-Sun)
• Workshop 2: November 24-26, 2023 (Fri-Sun)
• Workshop 3: February 2-4, 2024 (Fri-Sun)

3. Attend a Virtual Counsellor Training Orientation Session

Once registration is confirmed, we will contact you to confirm the dates of your Training Workshop and invite you to a Virtual Counsellor Training Orientation Session. 

4. Pay the training fee ($125) through School Cash Online

This fee helps to offset the cost it takes to train each counsellor (about $200 per student). If you require financial assistance, please contact your School Counsellor.

5. Submit the required forms to Cheakamus Centre admin by their required deadline

• Counsellor Training Informed Consent Form
• Medical Form

These forms will be sent to you upon registration, please scan and return to odsleaders@sd44.ca

6. Attend a Counsellor Training Workshop at Cheakamus Centre

During this training, you will learn invaluable skills on a wide range of subjects including group management, social-emotional wellness, campfire songs, activities, meal service, and overnight supervision. This training weekend is an excellent opportunity to make new friends with your fellow counsellors! Transportation to and from Cheakamus Centre will be provided, along with all meals on Saturday and Sunday, and a snack on Friday evening. 

1. Sign-up to counsel for the Outdoor School Program

Upon completion of the Training Workshop, we will notify you of available dates for upcoming counselling weeks. Counselling weeks are 3-5 days long, running from October to mid-May. Trained counsellors are required to counsel at least once before the end of the school year. Extenuating circumstances aside, generally counsellors are able to attend one ODS week per semester.

2. Submit the required forms to odsleaders@sd44.ca 10 days prior to your counselling week

These forms will be sent to you upon registration for your counselling week.

3. Attend the Outdoor School Program as a Counsellor

4. Receive Feedback

Counsellors receive real-time feedback throughout their counselling week and formal feedback from teachers and staff at the end of the week. We are happy to fill out volunteer/work experience forms and/or provide a one-page Counsellor Evaluation upon request - please email odsleaders@sd44.ca and provide at least 2 weeks notice for these.