Trips and experiences are a part of the A4C’s transformative change model for community engagement. During the March Break of 2024, 24 youth in groups of 8 over 3 weekends had a leadership and mentorship experience, hours away from their home to the notable Tecasy Ranch in Peterborough, Ontario. This is a place where happiness, personal growth, new relationships, and friendships happen. Apart from mentorship, the youth got to participate in activities during this out trip such as snowshoeing, enjoying maple syrup only hours after it flowed from the trees, conversations around a bonfire, pedaling through the trails on a mountain bike, enjoying a guided thoughtful walk, or laughing heartily around the dining table.
Even within the fun of mountain biking the youth could come out with nuggets of encouragement and self-realization. Some youth were heard saying “They didn’t give up on me, so I couldn’t give up, even though I wanted to.” and “I’m coming back next year, and the year after…” “I’ve learned so much!” “I had no idea mountain biking could be so much fun.” This Leadership trip ensures that no one returns home the same.
In addition to the fun, youth were guided by leaders, to sit in a circle, and have intentional conversations about setting personal goals and how they can aspire to and achieve better futures and build strong values. They also had the opportunity to build healthy relationships while learning to speak positively and appreciate a unique value about one another. This trip also fostered a safe space for the youth to share common struggles and commit to helping one another. For the leaders, it was an amazing opportunity to listen and hear the youth’s stories, struggles, and challenges. These trips are a special window into their thoughts and views which helps the mentors and leaders recognize better ways to help them.
