The Olney Family Internship at Rocky Mountain Adaptive, Canmore, Alberta

Rocky Mountain Adaptive, based in Canmore, Alberta, promotes opportunities for individuals of all ages with physical or neurodivergent (intellectual, cognitive, or developmental) disABILITIES to participate in the unique sporting and adventure activities of the Rockies.

RMA facilitates programming ranging from multi-week programs to single day lessons and experiences and provides opportunities for both locals and tourists from around the world to access its programs.

This video provides a glimpse into RMA and the organization in general:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvFqmZ1qJdQ&feature=youtu.be

Internship

RMA is inviting applications to join their team in Canmore, Alberta, for three months in the summer of 2021, and then through six credits of Experiential learning courses at Bishop’s in Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 semesters.

Funding

Value: $12,000. Funding awarded can be applied against tuition, fees, books and a stipend for the internship / independent study project, as well as the summer work experience at RMA in Alberta.

Eligibility:

The successful intern has to be returning to Bishop’s to continue his/her studies in the 2021-2022 academic year, during which time they will complete 6 credits of an experiential Learning courses (Fall/Winter).

1. Applicants must have completed at least 30 credits at Bishop’s and must be returning to Bishop’s University full time in the 2021-2022 academic year.
2. Applicants must be in good academic standing throughout the internship.
3. Applicants should have an interest in sports and recreation but need not be “athletes”.  Experience and/or interest in teaching sports will be considered an asset.
4. Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to understand or have a pre-existing interest in accessibility issues as they relate to individuals of all ABILITIES partaking in all aspects of society including sports and recreational activities.
5. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

Schedule

• June – August: At RMA in Canmore to work with the RMA team, collect data.
• September – April: 6 credits of Experiential Learning at Bishop’s University. The course code will reflect the student’s degree area (3 credits) and ELP (Experiential Learning Internship / Placement) 300 (3 credits). The appropriate Dean and Chair will determine the supervisor for ELP 300.

Possible student projects

Applicants should submit a proposal that suggests ways to enhance RMA’s impact on the community in general, and on the disABLED in particular. Project proposals will be evaluated by the Selection Committee on the basis on their alignment with RMA’s mission.  The successful intern will have flexibility to modify and adjust the proposed project based on field work at RMA over the summer and in collaboration with RMA staff.

Projects could entail:

1. A proposal of a marketing / fundraising campaign for RMA.
2. A review of existing disABLED sports and recreation programs available in Canada vis-à-vis successes and failures.
3. A proposal for a path forward to make RMA a Canadian (International) Centre of Excellence.
4. The development of comprehensive internal and external Communications Plans for RMA and the subsequent execution of said plan.
5. Development of metrics and key performance indicators (KPI) to evaluate RMA program effectiveness.
6. Development of a diversity plan to make sports and recreational activities accessible to individuals of all abilities (to include, but not limited to senior/elderly individuals, Indigenous peoples, new Canadians) while maintaining RMA’s primary goal of providing these opportunities to individuals of various disABILITIES.

Application Process

We are currently receiving applications for the 2021-2022 internship until February 28th 2021.

Your application package should include three documents:

1. A letter of introduction (maximum 2 pages) in which you outline how you feel that your life experiences, goals for the future and personal development, align with this mission and philosophy?
2. In a separate proposal (maximum 2 pages), outline the project you wish to pursue in support of RMA’s objectives in general terms, with the understanding that the on-site / field component of your time at RMA headquarters will further define the nature and goals of your project.
3. Please include a CV and two letters of reference from Bishop’s professors.

Applications should be submitted as three PDF files to Dr. Claire Grogan, Associate Vice-Principal Academic, c/o Jimmy Couturier at jcouturi@ubishops.ca.