Students reach new heights in outdoor education

After climbing up a long and winding gravel forest road – without cell service, taboot – the sound of chainsaws started to echo in the air.

Being October, we started to ask ourselves; isn’t this how horror movies start?

But to our delight, we had made it to our destination. And while it included students armed with chain and hand saws, it was for a much more fitting purpose: a unique program at Rutland Sr. Secondary (RSS).

The RSS Forestry Program gives hands on industry experience to students, taking them to new heights. From using chainsaws, to climbing trees, the forestry course gives students insight into various aspects of the industry, such as firefighting, tree planting, and utility arborist training.

“They learn some life skills that are transferrable to any trade,” Marshall Corbett, forestry teacher at RSS told Kelowna10. “Learn what life is going to look like after high school, learning how to work as part of a team, and overcoming challenges.”

Throughout the “one-of-a-kind class,” students learn firsthand how to climb trees, perform rescue scenarios, and use a variety of equipment safely. This prepares them with necessary career skills in forestry and beyond.

“We’re out here, no matter the weather conditions,” Corbett said. “Typically, when it’s that cold [in winter], we try and do something survival related… [such as] how you would survive in weather like this.”

Student Conner Griffin was among the pupils milling about the trees.

“I really struggle with in class learning, so to be out in the woods and have a hands-on experience was really beneficial,” he said. “I hope to go to the IHE school and get into heavy machinery, and the respect around safety here has definitely been a benefit to me.”

Through the forestry program, the students earn an ATV certification, green card (close proximity qualification), CUA pre-apprenticeship, as well as S-100 and S-185 forest fire certification.