This past summer, Adventure4Change brought the great Canadian outdoors to life for youth in our neighbourhoods. Through two unforgettable canoeing adventures, youth from our neighbourhoods stepped out of their comfort zones and immersed themselves into incredible wilderness experiences. These journeys fostered growth in outdoor life skills, boosted confidence, and deepened their connection to nature and each other.
Boy’s Expedition: Courage on the Rapids
This summer, thirteen youth who are actively engaged in our neighbourhoods took part in an unforgettable three-day canoe trip on the breathtaking Madawaska River. For many, it was their first time experiencing the thrill of canoeing and camping, and every moment was packed with adventure.
They braved rapids, portaged gear, set up camps, cooked meals over open flames, cast fishing lines, and gazed at a canopy of stars in the clear night sky. It was more than just a weekend getaway—it was a journey of discovery, resilience, and connection where bonds were forged.
Confidence grew, and limits were pushed as participants embraced the challenges of the wilderness. One youth captured the spirit of their experience perfectly saying:
“I’ve never felt so alive.”
Another shared:
“We need to do this every year—my head is so clear right now.”
This adventure was a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of stepping into nature and stepping out of our comfort zones. It’s these experiences that build stronger communities and brighter futures.
Girl’s Adventure: Connections Beyond Devices
Adventure4Change’s annual canoe trips continued with a transformative journey for four female youth from the neighbourhoods. With the support of Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, we created a safe and welcoming space for them to immerse themselves in the wilderness during a three-day, two-night retreat.
Free from phones and the buzz of everyday life, the girls discovered the joys of paddling, setting up camp, and swimming in pristine lakes. As they shared a tent filled with laughter and stories, they also shared personal experiences, built deeper friendships, and learned the art of living in the moment.
A beautiful highlight was a moment of mentorship: a trip director taught one of the girls how to make friendship bracelets. She quickly became the teacher, passing on this new skill to her peers—a heartwarming testament to the power of self discovery through mentorship and how it can impact a community.
By the end of the trip, the girls expressed how much they valued this time in nature saying:
“I don’t really think about checking my phone anymore.”
“I’ve never had an outdoors experience like this before, and I’m really happy I got to be here.”
This retreat wasn’t just about canoeing or camping—it was about female self-discovery and empowerment. A time to create lasting memories in the great outdoors for our girls.
Why These Experiences Matter
These trips are part of Adventure4Change’s transformative approach to youth development. By connecting youth to nature, peers, and mentors, we provide opportunities for personal growth and a chance to see and experience the world differently. For these young adventurers, these nature trips were more than scenic backdrops—it was a space to grow, reflect, and thrive.
Your support makes these adventures possible. Together, we can create more life-changing experiences for our youth.