Explore. Discover. Innovate. An SHSM Experience at the Toronto Zoo!

Get ready for a wild day of career exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning at the Toronto Zoo!

Flashpoint Training is excited to take students beyond the classroom for an unforgettable SPE-ICE experience at the Toronto Zoo!

What does it take to operate one of Canada's most recognized zoos? From animal care and conservation to business operations, education, hospitality, and environmental sustainability, the Toronto Zoo offers an incredible opportunity to explore careers, tackle real-world challenges, and discover how different industries work together.

Working alongside Toronto Zoo professionals and Flashpoint Training facilitators, students will put their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to the test through an engaging SPE Challenge.

Students will hear directly from industry professionals, explore career pathways, and work in teams to develop innovative solutions to a challenge before presenting their ideas.

And the adventure doesn't have to end when the training does! Schools are encouraged to plan extra time to explore the Toronto Zoo and experience its incredible wildlife exhibits.

What's Included?

• Face-to-Face SPE-ICE Certification with our SHSM sector partner, the Toronto Zoo.
• Admission to the Toronto Zoo, with opportunities to explore after formal programming.
• Career Talk with Toronto Zoo Professionals – Discover exciting careers and learn what happens behind the scenes.
• Interactive SPE Challenge – Work in teams to tackle a real-world challenge, develop creative solutions, and present your ideas.
• Hands-On Learning – Participate in collaborative activities designed to strengthen problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
• Pizza Lunch – food drink and snacks throughout the day
• Optional Online Pre- and Post-ICE Activities to complement the experience.
• Online ICE Certification for registered students unable to attend the field trip.
• One Bonus Online Certification of your choice:
  1. Group Dynamics
  2. Ergonomics and Safe Lifting
  3. Communication
  4. Customer Service

Your Schedule for the Day

9:45 AM | Arrival & Welcome

Get ready for a day of discovery, innovation, and career exploration!

10:00 AM | SPE-ICE Kickoff

Meet your Flashpoint facilitators, discover the day's objectives, and get ready to put your skills into action.

11:00 AM | Career Talk & SPE Challenge Launch

Hear from Toronto Zoo professionals about their careers, industry experiences, and the many roles that keep the Zoo running. Then, discover your team's challenge!

11:30 AM | Team Challenge, Project Work & Pizza Lunch

Collaborate with classmates, brainstorm creative solutions, and prepare your team's presentation while enjoying a pizza lunch.

1:00 PM | The Big Pitch – Student Presentations

It's time to showcase your ideas! Teams will present their solutions, demonstrate their problem-solving skills, and receive feedback.

1:30–1:45 PM | SPE-ICE Wrap-Up & Program Completion

Celebrate your achievements, reflect on what you've learned, and complete the formal Flashpoint Training program.

1:45 PM Onward | Explore the Toronto Zoo! (Optional)

Continue the adventure! Schools are encouraged to use the afternoon to explore the Zoo's animal exhibits and discover more about wildlife, conservation, and the natural world.

Make the Most of Your Zoo Adventure!

Flashpoint Training strongly recommends allowing additional time after the formal program to explore the Toronto Zoo. With so much to see and discover, this is an opportunity to turn your SPE-ICE certification day into a full-day experiential learning adventure!

Please note that students must remain with the scheduled SPE-ICE program between 10:00 AM and approximately 1:45 PM. Independent Zoo exploration cannot be accommodated during this period.

Zoo closing time: 4:30 PM (subject to the Zoo's operating schedule).

One destination. Real-world career connections. Hands-on challenges. A wild learning experience!

*** This event qualifies for our SHSM Regional Finals***

Our Event Policies

👥 Student Numbers: Register your expected attendance. Student substitutions are welcome, but additional students require advance approval. 

⏰ Deadline for Changes: Attendance numbers can be adjusted up to 3 weeks before the event. After that event numbers are "locked-in" as the kids say.

💰 Payment: Payment for Events is due a min of 30 days before the Event or we will not hold your reservation

🚌 Scheduling: We’ll do our best to accommodate your bus schedule. Please let us know about any timing requirements as early as possible.

📅 Event Dates: Dates may change based on partner availability. Final details will be confirmed at least 1 month before your visit.

🌦️ Weather Closures: Events affected by weather or unexpected school closures will be rescheduled.

🙋 Supervision: Please provide the required number of staff/chaperones according to your school board’s guidelines.

💻 No-Shows: Absent students will be charged the full event fee but may access a complimentary online training session for the same certification.