Credentials

Gino F. Ferri
Director, Survival in the Bush, Inc.

Education
  1. Southwest University: Ph.D. in Education (1988)
  2. OECTA/OSSTA: Specialist, Religious Education (1988)
  3. York University: Principal's Certification (1987)
  4. York University: Religious Education Certification, Part 2 (1987)
  5. University of Western Ontario: Computers in Education, Part 1 (1986)
  6. Lakehead University: M.Ed. (1983). First Class Standing
  7. Lakehead University: B.A., B.Ed. (1983). First Class Standing
  8. St. Michael's College, U. of T.: Theology Diploma (1970)
  9. St. Michael's College, U. of T.: Theology Certificate (1969)
  10. M.S.S.B., Toronto: Catechetics Certificate (1967)
  11. Toronto Teacher's College: Teaching Certificate (1966).
Teaching and Leadership Experiences
2000-present St. Mary's High School
Bruce-Grey D.C.S.B.
Owen Sound
1995-present Wilderness Experience Certificate Programme Co-ordinator, Georgian College, Continuing Education and Loyalist College, Continuing Education, Bancroft Campus
1990-2000 Junior/Intermediate Teacher
Mother Teresa School
Bruce-Grey D.C.S.B.
1988-1990 Principal
St. Peter & St. Paul School
Bruce-Grey D.C.S.B.
1987-1988 Head Teacher
Holy Family School
Bruce-Grey D.C.S.B.
1985-1988 Grade 7 Teacher
Holy Family School
Bruce-Grey D.C.S.B.
1981-1984 Guest Lecturer, Faculty of Outdoor Recreation
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario
1977-1981 Department Head and Teacher, Environmental Sciences, grades 7-10,
Ascension of Our Lord School, Dufferin-Peel S.S.B.
1977-1995 Outdoor Skills Co-ordinator and Instructor, Humber College, North Campus,
Continuing Education
1975-1977 Consultant: Special Services Division, Dufferin-Peel S.S.B.;
Director, E.S.L. Summer School Programme
1970-1975 Elementary School Teacher, Metropolitan Separate School Board,
grades 7-8
1969-1970 Consultant: Social Sciences, Metropolitan Separate School Board
1966-1969 Elementary School Teacher, York County D.C.S.B.,
grades 3-8;
Director, Summer School Programmes, Elmvale, Ontario,
grades 6-OAC.

    While employed by these various institutions, Gino's duties included:

  1. developing and implementing educational programmes;
  2. working with individuals from the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Teachers Federation, and the Ministry of Natural Resources;
  3. shaping and directing workshops for teachers and parents;
  4. initiating and co-ordinating public relations programmes via the newspaper medium; and
  5. writing curricula at Board and Ministry levels.

Additional Information

  1. Gino is the director of Survival in the Bush, Inc., a company which acts as a consulting firm for groups of educators, military personnel, students, hunters, executives, and others interested in mastering any number of wilderness living/survival skills.
  2. Guest speaker at numerous SARSCENE Conferences. These annual events are hosted by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, Ottawa.
  3. Certification by ORCA, Hike Ontario, and St. John Ambulance.
  4. Initiated numerous exchanges involving French, English, and Native students.
  5. Supervised the formation of Project S.T.O.P., a programme designed to aid children who become lost in Ontario's forests. It was developed by members of the Faculty of Outdoor Recreation, Lakehead University, Confederation College, Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
  6. Designed, co-ordinated, and taught a series of programmes for the Faculty of Outdoor Recreation, Lakehead University.
  7. Fluent in Italian, proficient in Cree syllabics; presently learning Ojibwa; some knowledge of French.
  8. Chairperson, Social and Environmental Sciences Curriculum writing team (Bruce-Grey D.C.S.B.); member, History Curriculum writing team; chairperson, Geography Curriculum writing team; organized numerous workshops for teachers regarding proper writing techniques and implementation strategies.
  9. Recipient of a series of grants from the Ontario Educational Research Council. Funds received from this institution supported my research re: alternatives in education.
  10. Nominated for the Outstanding Young Canadian Award by the Junior Chamber of Commerce; nominated for the Order of Canada by Mr. E. Duncan, Mayor, Hanover, Ontario.
  11. Recipient of the Hanover Conservation Award and the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Award.
  12. Convenor for the Board-wide Volleyball Tournament, B-G D.C.S.B., 1993-1996.
  13. Treasurer, Bruce Regional Science & Technology Fair, 1991-1996.
  14. Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, Owen Sound & Grey Children's Aid Society, 1989-1992.
  15. Vice-Chair, Hanover Trails Committee, 1996-2001.
  16. Treasurer, S.T.A.O. Conferences, 2000 - 2004. S.T.A.O Board of Directors, 2003 - 2006. Co-chair of the S.T.A.O.2006 Conference.
  17. Kickboxing enthusiast with over 20 years experience.
  18. On 10 separate occasions, Gino was featured on the Great Outdoorsman TV show. He was also highlighted on TV Ontario's "Studio 2".
  19. At Memorial University Outreach Programme near Goose Bay, Labrador, Gino taught wilderness survival to Inuit and Naskapi students.
  20. Host: The Outdoor Adventure Show for Bluewater Community Radio, 2002.
  21. Columnist for the Owen Sound Sun Times daily newspaper, 2003 - Present.





When booking the services of Survival in the Bush Inc., a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. The remaining funds are due 45 days prior to course commencement. Medical reasons notwithstanding, should the client withdraw from any course, a 50% cancellation fee is automatically deducted from the full registration cost. If withdrawing with less than 45 days notice prior to course commencement, there is no refund. Survival in the Bush Inc., reserves the right to refuse a student's participation in any course should safety become a factor. All courses are subject to applicable GST and Ancillary Fees.