Frequently Asked Questions About the CWF 2010 Summer Institute

1. How big are the sailboats?

We will be sailing monohull sailboats from 38’ to 40’ length with two small double rooms. As boats will accommodate 5 to 6 persons, be aware that you will have little privacy.

2. What do I wear on the sailboats?

Rubber-soled footwear must be worn on deck (no black rubber soled footwear will be allowed on board). Appropriate clothing, such as a hat and rain gear, are necessary.

3. Are there bathrooms on the sailboats?

There is a small bathroom on each boat. You will have full access to the marina’s bathrooms (including shower) except for the Friday night, when we will stay overnight in Éternité bay.

4. How long will I sail for?

Trips will average about four hours long each day on the boats. Please refer to the agenda for the day to day planning.

5. What are the sleeping quarters like?

As mentioned above, the sailboats that will be used in CWFLI’s 2010 Summer Institute will sleep six people: captain, crew, scientific resource and students (up to 3). You will be sharing a double bed with another participant. Every effort will be made to keep students of the same sex together in the cabins, however, until we know the full registration list, we will not be able to assign the sleeping quarters. The boats will be docked (or anchored) at night. The sailing will be during day light hours.
* Linens, pillows, towels and personal items such as soap and related items are not included with accommodations.  Each participant must bring his/her own sleeping bag and toiletries.

6. How much luggage should I bring?

You should bring one soft duffle bag (up to a maximum height of 25” & weight of 24 kg). Please do not bring a hard suitcase. Storage space is limited so pack light. However, you should have a jacket, runners, sleeping attire that is appropriate for shared accommodations, and you may want to bring shorts, a bathing suit, hiking boots or runners, flip flops, sunscreen. You should also bring your technology – laptops, cameras. Instruction in videography and editing will be included in the course. CWF will provide film equipment for student use and instruction on interviewing and editing.

Set Sail With Us - The type of sail boat we will be using during the summer Institute is shown in the photo above. Host Dr. Yves Jean, a past president of CWF and Founding Fellow of the Learning Institute, in Tadoussac in the photo on the bottom left.

7. What are the meal plans?

We will generally be eating breakfast and supper in marina restaurants or in town. We will bring bagged lunches for field trips. Meals are included in the course fees and will generally be scheduled as a group reservation at marinas or similar venues. The cost per person is based on daily rate of up to $60 per person for three meals, including taxes, which includes the collective purchase of on board supplies, as necessary, when sailing.  Meals will commence with supper on Sunday, August 8 through to supper on Saturday, August 14, 2010.  Continental breakfast at departure August 15 will also be included. All costs exceeding the per diem per person are on your own.  Alcoholic beverages are not included in the meal allowance.

8. What services are at the marinas?

Full bathrooms and showers are located at the marinas. You will be able to use these facilities in the morning and the evenings, if you would like to shower at the marina change rooms.

9. What is Tadoussac like?

For more information about the Tadoussac village, you may enjoy a visit to the website of a local hotel.

You may also enjoy reviewing the Portrait of Tadoussac.

10. How many students will be accepted in this course?

This course is limited to 12 participants. We will have four sailboats and sleep 3 students on each boat.

11. What if I don’t have any sailing experience?

Sailing instruction will be provided at the start of the course to familiarize participants with sailing terminology, safety, weather, chart reading, docking, knot tying, anchoring, emergency maneuvers, and sailing skills. The captain and crew will, however, be responsible for sailing the boats.

12. What might the weather be like?

For updated local conditions, visit Environment Canada’s online weather office:

Be aware that it is cooler on the water.

13. Is this the first time CWF has offered a Summer Institute?

This is the second annual Summer Institute. In 2009, a 10-day wildlife biodiversity course was offered in Nova Scotia, but the field experiences did not include sailing. 

14. Why do I have to sign a photo release?

Filming will take place during the Summer Institute for possible promotional or educational videos by Gallant Productions Inc. All students are required to sign the waiver so that filming can be ongoing during the course. There will be no filming by CWF of activities after course hours, such as in the evenings during free time, for example, or during the rest times and morning prep times. Filming will occur during regular course instruction and sailing experiences. Students will also be filming, as they will work in teams to prepare their own video stories with conservation themes as part of the course.

Photos, videos and text may be uploaded to the CWF website or social media applications during or after the Summer Institute.

Participants are encouraged to use their video compilations as teaching resources following the course.

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national non-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending policy changes and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.

The Learning Institute, a new component of CWF’s well established education program, is conducting strategic and scholarly research, creating, piloting and studying educational innovation and technology-based learning, improving and advancing professional practice and promoting innovative learning about wildlife issues. 

The Founding Fellows of the Learning Institute (L-R) Dr. Grant Gardner, Associate Vice-President (Academic), Memorial University, Dr. Luba Mycio-Mommers, Director of Education, CWF, Dr. Yves Jean, Director of the Science and Technology, University of Quebec in Montreal (TELUQ), and Dr. Richard Mrazek, Professor of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Lethbridge. Wade Luzny, Executive Vice President of CWF, is also a Founding Fellow of the Learning Institute.

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