Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
AC-5: Immersive Experience

All first year students in the Forestry Technology program begin their studies by going to a 5 week long field school at the Kidney Lake site in the Swan Hills, Alberta area. Typically 30-40 students and anywhere from 4-6 instructors go to the site. There students learn camping skills, receive their safety training and certifications, and get an introduction into the basics of forestry. Throughout the field school, students get hands-on training and learn how to apply theory that they learn in class. Students are able to practice forestry management and silviculture skills while learning about the environmental impacts of the forestry industry. They are also introduced to the social and economic factors affecting the industry (topics covered more in depth within the diploma program) which can include claims by government agencies, NGOs, contractors, hunters, trappers, aboriginal land claims, and economic driving factors. In addition to completing their studies, students are expected to contribute to the operations of the camp, including cooking, cleaning, chopping wood for heating purposes, and various other chores. Since the field school is in a remote location, students must also learn to co-exist with one another and work together as a team. This often includes learning about and how to deal with each other's cultural differences. Students tend to develop strong bonds with their peers through this experience.