The cooperative education course operates throughout the program both online and in-person. Utilizing the work experience in the field and instructional topics that compliment this introduction to the workplace, this co-op credit prepares students for their future endeavours.

Students will:

• Earn a micro credential in Health and Safety in the Workplace
• Earn a micro credential in WHMIS
• Explore careers in industries related to Archaeology
• Learn communication and teamwork skills
• Learn how to read and create topographic (contour) maps
• Create profile or cross-section maps (to scale)
• Practice proper academic research and citation methodologies
• Examine the rights of a worker in Ontario
• Reflect upon their work experiences in the field
• Review and upgrade resumes and cover letters
• Learn value-added skills such as responsibility, perseverance, patience, determination, cultural humility, understanding, etc.

While some content is delivered through lectures and seminars, the non-field portion of our course includes many hands-on, outdoor sessions devoted to activities such as flintknapping and exploring ancient technologies.

In addition to our own teaching staff, leading guest experts offer instruction as well.

Topics explored include:

• What is archaeology: an introduction to archaeological theory
• Analysis and identification of artifacts
• Flintknapping (stone tool-making workshop)
• Origins: First Peoples of the Americas
• Southern Ontario Prehistory (time periods)
• Awareness of human interactions with the natural environment
• Iroquoian Society: the Huron-Wendat at the time of contact
• Introduction to modern Indigenous philosophies, worldview, and contemporary social issues
• Exploring career opportunities in archaeology, heritage, and beyond
• Career skills such as teamwork, communication, and health and safety

Students will excavate at the Sebastien site in Pickering, Ontario, a short 10-minute drive by school bus from the Claremont Nature Centre.

In the 14th century, this site was the location of an ancestral Wendat settlement. The area is high on a drumlin and was rich in resources including lumber and woodland creatures, and near a creek providing water and fish.

Students are responsible for the complete scientific excavation of a two one-metre square units, the recovery of any artifacts within, and the mapping of features that contribute our mapping of the village’s settlement patterns.

Students will contribute real archaeological data to our knowledge of this time period in southern Ontario history.

All excavation is supervised by TRCA’s licensed professional archaeologists and their staff of field assistants.

Staff also conduct laboratory sessions on artifact identification and other fieldwork-related topics to help guide students through the program assignments and tests.

PURPOSE:

To cover the full course fee of the Boyd Archaeological Field School (currently $3,500.00) for a Canadian student of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage.

APPLY for the scholarship NOW

BACKGROUND:

The Sebastien Scholarship offers an opportunity to students of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage and a serious interest in archaeology who might be unable to attend without financial assistance. It honours Heather Sebastien, a Huron-Wendat Nation elder from Wendake, Quebec, who visited the site on occasion as part of municipal and provincial engagement with Indigenous communities.

ELIGIBILITY AND EVALUATION:

Available to any two Canadian high school students of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage, status or self-identified.

Students should have completed Grade 10 and be no older than 21 years at the time of the course.

Applications should include two letters of reference from a community leader (e.g. elder, council member, teacher, principal, or guidance counsellor) who can attest to your Indigenous heritage or background.

Each letter is to include the student’s mailing address, telephone number, and email address (of the student and a parent).

Students are asked to provide a 500-word essay (written or recorded orally) outlining:

• How they feel archaeology can help them explore their heritage and enrich the traditional histories of their people
• How they might share the knowledge they gain with their community and the broader population of Canada
• What their own aspirations are for future studies and career

For the reference letters, please ask your endorsers to highlight your experience with:

• Traditional culture and activities
• Volunteer and extracurricular activities
• Knowledge-sharing and history
• Your ability to get along with others

While grades are a consideration, the awards will not necessarily go to the student with the highest marks. Rather, we are looking for well-rounded learners who are active in their communities and demonstrate an interest in history and culture.

SUBMISSON OF APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION:

All applications will be reviewed by a committee comprising TRCA Archaeology and Education staff, and potentially members of Durham District School Board’s Continuing Education program, which supports BoydFS.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:

The deadline for application is May 31, 2026.

The successful applicant will be advised prior to July 1, 2026, at which time the award will be granted for enrollment in the 2026 program.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

We encourage all students with questions about the application process to contact boydfs@trca.ca.

PURPOSE:

To provide one bursary in the amount of $1,750.00 (half of the course fee) to assist a deserving student in attending the Boyd Archaeological Field School in 2026. The course fee costs cover all room and board, off-site field trips, and expert guest visits during the two-week course (August 7 to 23, 2026) in northern Pickering, Ontario.

APPLY FOR THE BURSARY NOW

BACKGROUND:

The Carr-Reid Archaeology Bursary offers an opportunity to students with a serious interest in archaeology who might be unable to attend without financial assistance.

This bursary honours individuals who shared a vision for hands-on archaeology education at the high school level in the 1970s and who were committed administrators and teachers of the course for more than 25 years: Terry Carr, first supervisor of the Boyd Field Centre, and Ray Reid, the high school history teacher who helped to establish the high school credit.

Their immense contributions to the Field School will always be treasured.

ELIGIBILITY AND EVALUATION:

Applicants must be residents of Ontario.

Applications must include a supporting letter of reference from a high school teacher.

Students are asked to address their financial situation and explain how this bursary would assist them.

Please also describe your career aspirations, your interests, and your goals for the future. We would like to learn more about you and why you would like to attend the Boyd Archaeological Field School.

Evaluation will be assessed on the demonstrated financial need of the student and their passion to attend the Field School.

SUBMISSON OF APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION:

All applications will be reviewed by a committee comprising TRCA Archaeology and Education staff, and potentially members of Durham District School Board’s Continuing Education program, which supports BoydFS.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:

The deadline for application is May 31, 2026.

Successful applicants will be advised prior to July 1, 2026, at which time the award will be granted for enrollment in the 2026 program.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

We encourage all students/parents/guardians with questions about the application process to contact boydfs@trca.ca.

In June, participants and their guardians are invited to visit the Claremont Nature Centre and meet their instructors.

During this meeting, a tour of facility will be provided to help ease any anxieties on where and how students will live for the 17 days, as well as a presentation on the day-to-day operations of the program, and additional details about the online and in-person credit courses.

TRCA Archaeologists will be there to talk about the site and discuss archaeological excavation, artifacts, and the supplies you will need.

A representative from Durham Continuing Education will be available for questions about credit programs.

Dates to follow.

Yes! We accept students from all over the world. Additional fees apply for out of province and international students as per Ontario’s Ministry of Education.

Registrants should prepare for their application by compiling the following information:

• Ontario Education number (OEN) student number
• School contact information
• Health card number
• Family doctor information

Students/parents/guardians will be subsequently contacted by Durham Continuing Education to provide proof of citizenship and residency as required by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Health information is only accessed in emergency situations during participants’ time at the Claremont Nature Centre.

Documents regarding a student’s IEP, or documents helpful in accommodating a student’s individual needs should be emailed directly to staff at boydfs@trca.ca.

The cost per day is comparable to similar overnight courses that provide credits, accommodation, meals. and supervision.

It should be noted that the course has a higher than usual staff-to-student ratio, as the site must be properly supervised and excavated to the standards required by provincial archaeological legislation.

The benefit to students is that there are always staff available for help with homework, assignments, and study.

Every year, students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) take the course and excel due to the course’s high staff-to-student ratio.

Although the Ministry of Education does not provide special education supports for summer programing, Durham Continuing Education will assist TRCA to provide students with any necessary accommodations, where possible.

We ask that a copy of the IEP is provided to staff in advance of the course for educational staff review. Following this review, a staff member will connect with parents to schedule a mandatory meeting to discuss the IEP.

It’s not essential, but students may wish to purchase the course t-shirt for $20. Also, some of our guest speakers may have books for sale, and if we are able to take a field trip there may be gift shops for students to explore.

A detailed packing list and field equipment needs will be provided to each student. Field items required include CSA green triangle patch work boots (steel toe/sole), plumb bob, metric tape measure, line level, dustpan.

More information will be provided at the pre-course meeting. Date to be announced soon.

Guest speakers depend on their availability. Past speakers and instructors have included:

• Peter Storck, Royal Ontario Museum
• John Steckley, Humber College
• James Conolly, Trent University
• Gary Warrick, Laurier University
• Kim Wheatley, Shawanaga First Nation

Students who want to take the course but already have either credit may have alternative options to record the course. Please email DCEInfo@ddsb.ca Attn: Curriculum Lead – Credit Programs for further information.

Cancellation requests received by TRCA more than 14 days before the start of the program will receive a 75% refund of the relevant program fees paid. Cancellation requests received by TRCA less than 14 days before the start of the program do not qualify for a refund. Please contact us in cases of sickness prior to the program so we can be in touch about rescheduling or refunding. Rescheduling is subject to availability. There is no refund for program days missed or students opting not to participate in activities. Cancellation requests must be received in writing by email to vservices@trca.ca. Minimum registration numbers required for program to operate. In the event TRCA must cancel the program due to low registration or government order, a full refund will be issued.