Jocelyn completed the New Zealand Adventure Guide Program back in 2018 and this year she has decided to join us on our Patagonia Adventure Guide Program as a program ambassador. Check out what her top tips are for preparing for your Adventure Guide Program.
"If you’re anything like me, you probably decided to join this program on a whim without a clue as to what you were getting yourself into. Maybe you’re looking for an escape, a way to better yourself and your experience. Maybe you’re looking for an excuse to spend 12 weeks in one of the most beautiful spots in the world with a group of strangers just as crazy as you are. To be fair, I had done an extensive amount of research at the time to find a program like this and Pure Exploration was definitely the first to offer something that seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.
I should probably preface that this is coming from someone who has previously completed an Adventure Guide Program with Pure Exploration back in the trial and error days. I should also preface that back in 2018, the Adventure Guide Program was solely based in New Zealand and there were only two intakes of 12 at the time. Between then and now, I can confidently say I’ve gained so much more independence, confidence and experience in the outdoor world. To be quite honest, these things have developed in all aspects of my life but it reflects most when I’m immersed in the things I love and for me that’s climbing mountains, hiking long distances and scaling rock walls.
If I could go back to the very first time I took the leap and decided to join the outdoor world… what would I do differently?
I’m a firm believer in moving through life with minimal regrets. If there’s something that didn’t work out, you learn from it. If there’s something that gives you guilt, you grow from it. If there’s something that you wish you could change, you move on. Looking back on my experience in New Zealand six years ago, it’s easily the pinnacle moment of my life path thus far. Growing up in a small town on the east coast of Canada, I wasn’t surrounded by jaw-dropping peaks or many climbable rocks. The maritimes are beautiful but it’s not necessarily the place you think of when you think of stepping foot into the outdoor industry. As it was my first time moving away from home, the fact that New Zealand was essentially the opposite end of the world for me was just a (major) detail.
If I could somehow resurface all of the feelings and decisions made six years ago, what do I wish I could tell myself back then?
You don’t have to like the outdoors but you do have to be open-minded.
I think back to my days in high school where I didn’t spend much time outside. The only sports that were part of my regular routine were in a gym or a pool-far from hiking or climbing. It is true that you don’t have to have experience before going into the Adventure Guide Program, but I’d definitely say coming in with an open heart and mind will put you in the best position to not only succeed, but also to have an overall great experience. It was my first time outdoor climbing and essentially my first time hiking in the backcountry. Your entire life for 12 weeks will revolve around this so don’t worry about not getting the hang of it, it comes with time.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
You know how I just mentioned it was my first time (sport) climbing on the Adventure Guide Program? I suppose I should mention that I also despised our climbing days for the entire first month. I blame that on the fact that I simply just wasn’t great at it when we first started. Climbing didn’t come natural to me, so how was I supposed to feel confident teaching/supervising others? My climbing partner at the time felt very similar to me and I think this was a bonding experience that ultimately ended up in just enjoying being terrible at something. After the first month, I realized that the thing that made me push myself was getting into uncomfortable situations. I wasn’t scared of heights nor was I unfit, I simply just felt like this was such a foreign sport to me and why on earth wasn’t I getting any better? The fire of discomfort burned inside of me and something clicked. I fell in love with climbing and my progression through the second and third month was almost unbelievable. I started to enjoy it and that came from embracing the discomfort I felt in the beginning.
You’re going to be nervous about spending so much time with the same people but these people are now your family. Accept this and move on.
You know what they say, you don’t have to like your family but there’s an obligation to spend time with them regardless. This may not be the best way to look at it but I like to set my bars pretty low when it comes to uncertainty. On the bright side, you all decided to fork out the equivalent of a 10% down-payment on a 200k home, have enough time to spend 12 weeks in the middle of nowhere eating ramen, and most likely all only wash your hair every fortnight so at least there will be no arguments for the bathroom. You will become so close with these people in such a short amount of time that after 12 weeks I’m almost certain you’ll consider them friends for life.
Get familiar with your gear before arriving; trust me on this one.
I’m not suggesting you need to walk around outside every morning in your climbing shoes or set off on a 40km day hike but what I am saying is you will feel so much better if you know what you’re working with. Try on everything twice, take it out of the package and put it back in. Adjust your packs and harnesses and try your layering systems. I remember taking the packing list with a grain of salt the first time I left for New Zealand and this only caused me more time and money when I arrived. I didn’t have the correct pack, I didn’t have proper layers nor did I actually like any of the things I did pack. Remember that there is a packing list for a reason and this will help you in the long run.
These next 12 weeks are going to change your life.
To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to get into the industry after getting all of my qualifications post-program. I went into this program thinking it was a great way to build skills and make connections. Out of the 12 of us who completed and passed the NZOIA qualifications, we all ended up on different paths upon completion in which I’d say half of us went on to use these skills directly in the field. I personally continued working in New Zealand and eventually went on to my cycle of seasonal work on the west coast of Canada. Although I didn’t necessarily get into the guiding industry, all of the skills I picked up during the program I was easily applying to my work as a Personal Trainer, and eventually in the hospitality industry. The independence, confidence, ability to teach/demonstrate and the incredible sense of community that I gained from the Adventure Guide Program I take with me wherever I go and put into everything I do.
Flash forward to six years from then, and here I am about to jump back into the same chaos in Patagonia.
