For many summer seasons now we’ve been running two fantastic Outward Bound experiences for fourteen-year-olds – “Connecting with Courage for Girls” and “Passages for Boys.” These courses are built on our long and successful tradition of working with teenagers. Turning fourteen often brings about a period of transition and change: moving into high school perhaps, making important decisions about your school programs and life direction - new friends, new ways of thinking. This course can provide a contemporary “rite of passage” for 14-year-olds, and an opportunity to discover new confidence, self-esteem and amazing strengths and capabilities. Our highly qualified Instructors give participants lots of individual and group attention; their energy and enthusiasm for the wilderness help make this trip one that will encourage you to keep stepping out in this amazing world.

When my daughter returned from her trip she literally glowed with confidence, maturity and self-esteem. The stories she told reflected the leadership and problem solving skills she mastered during her stay. A special thank you to Kim, the cook, who went out of her way to accomodate my daughter's allergies. She felt safe and comfortable the whole time.  – Mother of Connecting with Courage participant

THE EXPEDITION

On this 14-day Canoeing program, you will meet your Instructors and co-participants at the Dwight Community Centre, just outside the West Gate of Algonquin Park. Here, you'll help organize and pack the gear you'll use on your expedition.

SKILLS

Working with the other participants in your group, you will learn paddling skills, map and compass navigation, water safety, how to 'make camp,' build shelters, tie knots, and cook great food over campfires. You’ll learn 'leave-no-trace' camping practices and environmental stewardship. Along with the paddling, there will likely be opportunities for hikes to lookout points with amazing vistas of the region. You will be given opportunities to gain teambuilding, decision-making and leadership skills. On the Final Expedition, as you take on more and more responsibility, you'll use your new skills by working with your group to finish the journey with minimal input from your Instructors. During the expedition, you'll spend some time resting and reflecting on goals while on a 24 hour solo. You will also participate in Community Service, giving back to the community.

So much of anything we do depends on what we give to it. We challenge you to give your all, and to take responsibility for your own success and for that of the group's. This is a challenging and exciting course that helps you learn adaptability, perseverance and self- awareness. And it's a lot of fun! You'll take home great new technical skills and an awareness of a whole lot of strengths and abilities you may not have known you had! Make new friends, learn new skills, and have the time of your life!

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.