Miles’ path to Outward Bound Canada began with tragedy.
In late 2023, he lost a close friend to an overdose. She was just 16. A few months later, two more friends passed away. The losses were devastating and left him with a sharp sense that something needed to change.
In the months that followed, Miles began attending grief workshops and group discussions with other students—spaces where young people could process loss together. These conversations helped him recognize his own social anxiety and mental health struggles, inspiring him to run harm reduction workshops with a youth collective, first at his high school and later in community spaces like the YMCA.
As he became more involved in mental health work, he realized that supporting others was only part of the journey. He needed to build his own resilience if he was going to continue down that path. So, he started thinking about what it would take to feel stronger himself. That search brought him to OBC.
Stepping Outside His Comfort Zone
When Miles arrived in British Columbia for the 21-Day Sea Kayaking and Surfing course, he was filled with excitement and uncertainty.
Living with social anxiety, the idea of spending three weeks in the wilderness with a group of strangers felt far outside his comfort zone. Still, he reminded himself why he had come: “You’re doing the right thing. And even if you face some challenges, there’s still going to be so much good that outweighs the negativity.”
Early in the trip, that mindset was put to the test. On the first night, after a long day of paddling, the group gathered around the campfire to share what they hoped to get out of the experience. When it was Miles’ turn to speak, he made a choice; instead of holding back, he leaned in.
He introduced himself and spoke openly about his social anxiety and how this course was the biggest step he had ever taken toward building confidence and changing how he saw himself. It was a moment of complete vulnerability with people he had only just met. But that decision changed everything.
Miles’ willingness to be vulnerable became a catalyst for connection within the group.
Within days, friendships blossomed. Conversations grew more honest. Laughter came easier. What stood out most to Miles was how much he related to everyone. Despite different backgrounds and experiences, each person carried their own challenges, and that shared recognition brought the group closer together.
This sense of connection sparked something more.
Building Trust, One Conversation at a Time
As the days went on, the group created their own nightly tradition. After setting up camp, they would gather just beyond the campsite for conversations they called “Love Sandwich,” a space to speak openly about their lives back home. Participants shared struggles with relationships, mental health, and substance use. Many shared things they had never said out loud before.
Miles’ decision to be open early in the trip made it easier for others to do the same. He had seen that pattern before in his harm reduction and grief work. When someone takes the first step, others follow.
Over time, the group built real trust. Whether they were paddling long distances, setting up camp in the rain, or dealing with tension between group members, things didn’t stay bottled up. They talked and worked through challenges, which made everything else feel more manageable. Issues didn’t linger or build, which made life on the water easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
Strength Through Connection
For Miles, the experience reinforced something he had already begun to learn through experiences with loss, anxiety, and mental health.
Vulnerability builds trust, trust builds connection. And connection makes people stronger.
By showing up with honesty and courage, Miles was able to share this idea with the group by offering his vulnerability first. In doing so, he helped create a group dynamic where others felt safe to open up as well. The bonds of friendship that formed were deep and lasting, shaped by shared challenges, open conversations, and mutual support.
For Miles, the experience confirmed that stepping into discomfort had been the right choice. Outward Bound was not only about building resilience in the outdoors. It was about discovering the strength that comes from opening up, connecting with others, and showing up fully, even when it feels difficult.
Miles didn’t know exactly what he was looking for when he signed up. If you’re in that place too, come find out. We offer programs across the country for youth and young adults. Explore what’s available and take the first step
