OCC Overnight Leadership Course

Ready to take your outdoor leadership skills beyond the day hike?

Join us September 26–27, 2026 for the OCC Overnight Leadership Certification Course - an immersive, hands-on training designed to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to safely plan and lead overnight camping and backcountry experiences.

Over two days, participants will take part in a combination of classroom learning, practical field instruction, leadership exercises, and an overnight camping experience. You’ll have the opportunity to put your skills into practice through real-world scenarios, peer leadership opportunities, and guided debriefs.

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the course, participants will develop skills in:

• Overnight trip planning and logistics

• Campsite selection and setup

• Risk management and emergency preparedness

• Group leadership and decision-making

• Backcountry campcraft and equipment management

• Outdoor cooking systems

• Outdoor ethics and environmental stewardship

• Leadership judgment and responding to changing conditions

The course is designed to be practical and experiential, giving you opportunities to learn, practice, receive feedback, and build confidence in an overnight outdoor setting.

Course Details:

• Dates: September 26-27, 2026

• Meeting Time at Trailhead: 9:00 AM

• Location: Eagle Lake, AB (near Bighorn Falls Day-Use Area)

• Cost: $60

  • The full value of this training is approximately $425, but thanks to funding from the David Elton Outdoor Fund, eligible participants can take advantage of this subsidized registration fee.

  • The David Elton Outdoor Fund’s mission is to promote outdoor safety awareness and support training in risk management and risk awareness for youth and outdoor leaders. Learn more about the David Elton Outdoor Fund

• Who Can Participate:

  • You must hold an OCC Field Leader Certification

  • Age 18+

  • Identify as BIPOC, racialized or a newcomer to Canada

  • Are able to participate fully in both the classroom and overnight field components

  • Can safely participate in an overnight camping and backcountry environment

• Registration Deadline: September 20, 2026

Participant Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for:

• Arranging their own transportation between Calgary and the trailhead

• Bringing their own food for the overnight portion of the course

• Bringing the required personal camping and outdoor equipment

• Purchasing an Alberta Public Lands Camping Pass ($20 per person)

• Completing required pre-course readings and assignments

• Reviewing the course gear list and preparing for variable mountain weather

Need gear? We may be able to help. Depending on availability, MTN and the course instructor can lend select camping and outdoor equipment through our gear library. If you need to borrow equipment, please let us know in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

A detailed gear and equipment list will be shared with registered participants closer to the course date.

Transportation & Carpooling

Participants are responsible for getting themselves to and from the course location. If you need transportation, MTN can help coordinate carpooling among participants where possible.

STEPS TO REGISTER:

1. Click Register on event.

2. Fill in Registration Form and confirm to place the event in your cart.

3. To complete registration, check-out your cart and proceed to Payment.