In this action-packed course, you will be paddling all the way to James Bay, and then taking the train back! You'll start by learning increasingly advanced whitewater paddling techniques, how to swim through rapids, practice the art of reading rivers and river navigation, as well as swiftwater safety procedures and rescue management. Along the way you’ll sharpen your leadership skills through group-challenge initiatives and experience a 72-hour overnight solo that will give you time to pause, reflect and prepare for the final stages of your expedition.
This course takes place on the remote Missinaibi River. This river is admired for the legacy of its age-old pictographs, celebrated for its role as a vital northern trading link between freshwater shores and the salt-water sea, renowned for its dual nature as a river of the Abitibi Uplands and the James Bay Lowlands, and exalted by modern-day adventurers as the ultimate whitewater canoe route. You and your group will paddle the entire river from Missinaibi Lake, north of Chapleau Ontario, to Moosonee Ontario on James Bay; a total of 533 km! The Missinaibi is one of the longest unimpeded rivers in North America. Protected by its designation as an Ontario Waterway Provincial Park, the Missinaibi runs wild and free, heading northeast from its source to your take out. You will board the famous Polar Bear Express Train in Mosonee and travel to Cochrane Ontario where you will be picked up and brought back to Huntsville for a wrap up celebration and course end banquet.
.jpg) .jpg) 
Each course is a safe learning environment where effort leads to success. Two different skill sets are emphasized: 'technical' such as whitewater paddling, knot tying, and camp craft, cooking over fire, and wilderness navigation; and 'interpersonal' such as conflict resolution, teambuilding, self-reliance, compassion, and safety management. On the 'trail' you’ll learn to skilfully paddle whitewater in a variety of conditions, learn to read map and compass, navigate, and select the perfect campsite in which to cook meals over an open flame. You will be given opportunities to test your leadership capabilities and learn about yourself. On your 72 hour overnight solo, you’ll have time to reflect on your experience and set goals for the rest of the course and for life after Outward Bound Canada.
You'll also have an opportunity to learn about, and contribute to, a northern Ontario community during the service component of the expedition - an essential part of every Outward Bound course. At the end of your trip you will meet back at the Chetwynd Base Camp to celebrate your accomplishments with a banquet prepared just for you. All this and you can also earn a high school credit!
Newly found knowledge about yourself and your strengths – courage, resilience, confidence, compassion and the ability to work well with others – qualities of true leaders – will last a lifetime. This is Outward Bound Canada at its very best!
This course is designed for highly motivated individuals who are mature and keen to develop their leadership and outdoor skills, and a high level of commitment is expected on these remote expeditions.
I cannot believe how strong I am. I feel like I can do anything now. Coming home was so bittersweet and I can't wait to get back out there next year.
Click here for information on the high school credit(s) you can earn by taking this course!
This course will help you meet the requirements toward a Duke of Edinburgh Award. For more information on these awards, please contact the Duke of Edinburgh organization at 416.203.0674, or check out their website at www.dukeofed.org.
Please read: 'Canoeing - How fit do I have to be?', to prepare for your course.
.jpg) .jpg) .jpg)
.jpg) .jpg) .jpg)
SPACES ARE LIMITED!
|
.jpg)
