Life During Semester

There is no typical day during the COLT program. Each day offers new and different experiences. But many days do follow a similar pattern.

A day in the life…

7:00 am – wake up and head out for breakfast. At the Lodge this is served in the Whale Room at 7:00 or 7:30. On out trips you’ll be making it over a camp stove.
8:00 – with breakfast settling it’s time to get ready for the day. At the Lodge you may pack a day pack, grab lunch, and jump in a van for a day of paddling or rock climbing. In the field you’ll prepare for another day of adventure.
8:30 to 4:00 – climbing, paddling, hiking, learning.
4:30 – a few minutes to relax. Maybe you’re in your tent writing in your notebook about the day or in your room at the Lodge packing gear for your next adventure.
5:00 to 6:00 – Dinner. Served buffet style at the Whale Room or cooked to perfection over a stove.
6:30 – Debrief, socializing and learning. In the field the post dinner hour is for relaxing. You may also discuss the day’s activities, debriefing and learning from the excitement. At the lodge you’ll have free time or maybe you’ll learn a new skill, watch an interesting movie or listen to a guest speaker.

Life in the field

Trips are picked and day’s planned to ensure there’s plenty of time for learning and resting. Usually the pace is steady, but not rushed, so there’s time for discussions and lessons about what’s going on. Camp is usually set up early enough in the day to allow some relaxation before dinner. Days may begin very early to take advantage of the safest and best conditions, but the amount of time on the move is usually no more than 8 hours.

Life at the Lodge

When you’re not out hiking, climbing or paddling COLT students are based out of Strathcona Park Lodge. You’ll share a room with other COLT participants, with plenty of room for all your gear and clothing. The Lodge’s extensive grounds will become your home and the people that work here your friends.

Atmosphere

The Lodge is run on the principles of living a positive and sustainable lifestyle. Power is generated by a small hydro project. Food scraps are composted. Garbage is minimized. The people that work here love what they do. Expect a laid back but professional environment.

Sleeping

COLT students live near the staff in the Annex, a simple but comfortable building a short walk from the dining room and other lodge facilities. You will live two or three students to a room and share a large communal bathroom facility. There are laundry facilities in the Annex.

Eating

Food is served buffet style three times a day at the Whale Room. Local, free range and unprocessed foods are a focus. Meals are healthy and varied with plenty of options for sides and mains. The kitchen staff does their best to accommodate all diets. There are always options for vegan, vegetarian, lactose and gluten free.

The COLT students prepare food for out trips with help from the kitchen staff. The kitchen is well equipped with food options for every kind of trip. There are opportunities to dehydrate food for backpacking trips or find decadent treats for times when weight isn’t a concern.

Facilities

Strathcona Park Lodge is a full service resort and outdoor education centre fully equipped for all kinds of activities. The only thing missing is television, and most COLT students don’t miss it. There is limited access to a phone; the only public phone on site is a radio phone. Internet access is also limited due to our remote location

Socializing

With 70 staff all passionate about the outdoors and having fun you’re sure to find a few kindred spirits. Hundreds of lifelong friendships have been started here. Meal times are always social as everyone from the Boulding family to Lodge guests, eat at the same time. Throughout the semester COLT students are invited to all staff social events including the famous Lodge Barn Parties. And the COLT director hosts an end of semester party to celebrate the culmination of an unforgettable three months.

Community

To many COLT alumni and staff this is what keeps them coming back for years. The community of people that work here are inspirational with their zest for life, caring attitude and positive energy. From the office staff to the maintenance crew this is a community that supports and encourages each other. As a COLT student you will immediately belong.