Ontario Wilderness:
Connecting with Courage 1-Week Canoeing Journey

You’ll navigate flatwater paddling by canoe, learning and practicing essential strokes and rescue techniques. Everything you need for the expedition will be brought with you. Skills you’ll develop on the trip include paddle strokes, map reading and navigation, camping techniques, Leave No Trace principles, and teamwork and leadership skills.

The route may include portages where you’ll need to work together as a team to carry gear from one lake to the next. Portaging is often considered the most challenging part of a canoe adventure, but also the strongest and most empowering experience of the journey.

Is this course right for me?

This course is designed for youth seeking a transformative experience that goes far beyond traditional summer camps. No previous experience is necessary to join this expedition – you just need to have a positive attitude, be open-minded and enjoy a challenge and learning new skills. Click here to learn how an Outward Bound summer program is different than camp.

The Connecting with Courage program is funded by The Maddie Project to provide youth with the opportunity to engage in a transformative adventure to develop the social-emotional skills they need to navigate the unique challenges of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.

We invite youth ages 14-16 from all walks of life who struggle with self-esteem, self-confidence, or isolation issues to sign up for this course. This experience is for you if you want to meet in a supportive environment with like-minded youth, learn to apply yourself toward new accomplishments, and launch into an incredible summer adventure.

This course is rated level 1 in social-emotional challenge and level 1 in physical challenge. Learn more about the levels of difficulty.

 This course is NOT for you if:

• You’re looking for a therapeutic intervention for severe cases of depression, anxiety, etc. While our instructors are trained in mental health wilderness first aid and have experience with the issues facing youth today, they aren’t licensed mental health professionals.

Learning outcomes

Forget traditional summer camp! We offer life-changing experiences that focus on building a strong sense of self and community. Through active, real-life activities that celebrate diversity and promote personal growth, you’ll discover who you are and connect with others.

Our expert instructors will guide you through unique challenges that require your group to work together to solve problems, reflect on your journey, and discuss how to apply your skills and what you’ve learned when you return home. The course is designed to have a lasting and measurable impact in three key areas:

Improved resilience – Improve your mental and physical health and learn how to overcome challenges to succeed.

Better leadership and teamwork skills – Learn the skills you need to succeed in school, work and life by becoming more confident, cooperative and a respectful team member.

Stronger connection to nature – Develop a lifelong relationship with nature.

Solo experience

Every Outward Bound Canada course includes a solo experience of up to 48 hours in a secluded spot where you will set up your shelter and have time for self-reflection. Instructors are nearby to assist you as needed. The solo isn’t a wilderness survival challenge, but rather a supportive environment where participants take time for themselves away from the distractions of everyday life. While it may seem like a daunting challenge at first, it’s often the most impactful part of the course as you get an opportunity few others will ever experience – to be alone in nature.

Financial assistance

This course is fully funded through the Maddie Project.