West coast:
Connecting with Courage 1-Week Kayaking Journey

Area & activities

This expedition will take you through the traditional territories of the Hesquiaht, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations who have inhabited the land since time immemorial. Your group will roam the islands and bays of the Pacific Ocean, camp on sandy beaches or on the edge of ancient rainforests, and enjoy epic west coast sunsets.

You’ll travel in either a solo or tandem fibreglass sea kayak through Class 2 waters (according to the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of B.C‘s definition). During the expedition, your instructors will teach you paddle strokes, self-rescue and rescue techniques, and basic nautical navigation, including knowledge of tides, currents and weather.

See a sample itinerary of the trip.

Learning outcomes

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.

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.

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.