YOUTH PROGRAMS

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:

The Wolf Within Youth Leadership Program is an authentic wilderness experience which offers young men and women a truly unique opportunity for personal growth in a highly structured and supportive environment.

Although we can customize trips to suit specific needs and requests of your group we pride ourselves on having developed a graduated program of trips which will build on the experiences previously gained to help youth make the transition to adulthood. We see our Program as an important "rite of passage". Participants will develop self-esteem, respect for themselves and others, responsibility, teamwork, and the leadership skills that will help them succeed in all aspects of their lives.

Each stage of our program starts at our base camp on Whitney Lake, where you will share a cabin with several friends, enjoy home cooked meals, and experience a warm family atmosphere before heading out on trail and again when the trip returns.

The first stage is a ten day program designed for beginners aged 9-13. The purpose of this experience is to introduce youth to the Temagami region. The onus is on having fun and becoming comfortable with the basics of canoe tripping while learning to appreciate the natural beauty, local wildlife and splendor of Canada’s wilderness. We will spend time at our base learning canoe strokes, portaging skills, canoe rescues, camp site etiquette and low-impact camping techniques.

Once we have prepared all of our gear we will head out on our adventure. After visiting a local tepee camp to learn the history of local aboriginal communities, your group will head out on a journey to the heart of Lake Temagami, where you will have the opportunity to use your new found skills in a real life situation. You will travel with your friends through the labyrinthine arms of the lake, climb Devil’s Mountain, sail on Diamond Lake, fish at Sharp Rock Inlet, and jump off the cliffs at the Lower Narrows.

You will practice and fine tune your skills, and develop a strong sense of togetherness - a bond that will see the group through the challenges of a rough portage, a long rainy day or a strong headwind.

The second stage of our program is available to intermediate trippers aged 14-19 and is specifically designed to pick up where the first trip left off. The focus of this two week canoe trip is to continue the development of the basic skills already acquired while introducing more challenging aspects of a wilderness adventure. Our guides stress map and compass reading, knots and lashing, and survival techniques, all whilst continuing to foster the strengthening of character, self-confidence and respect for others and the natural environment.

Again, after a brief stay at a base camp we will head out on trail. Starting from Lake Temagami we will paddle across Kokoko Lake towards our destination of Maple Mountain. Once there we will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Temagami region. From Maple Mountain we will make our way south onto the Lady Evelyn River to witness the power and the beauty of a number of magnificent waterfalls known as the "Golden Staircase". From there we will paddle onto Diamond Lake and towards the end of our trip.

This canoe trip challenges the participants to push themselves in ways that they have not done so before engendering a sense of pride as they accomplish more than they thought possible!

The final stage of our youth program is the most challenging and allows participants to assume a leadership role under the supervision of our guides. Available to youth aged 14-19 who have previous canoe tripping experience, this two week canoe trip will allow participants to become responsible for every aspect of the trip. Emphasis will be placed on learning more advanced orienteering, safety, and first aid techniques. Our goal is to fine tune the outdoor skills and provide each participant with the confidence and self-respect necessary to persevere in their everyday lives.

Starting from the Montreal River we will make our way to Smoothwater Lake- a beautiful lake with crystal clear water and big beaches. From there we will head south towards one of the major highlights of this canoe trip, Ishpatina Ridge. Being the highest point of land in Ontario Ishpatina boasts unparalleled vistas of the surrounding region. After that we will have the chance to run some nice sets of rapids along the Sturgeon River! The Sturgeon River provides the ideal setting for youth to test their skills and their decision making abilities. Our last night on the Sturgeon River will be spent at Lower Goose Falls before a pick up in the morning.

Upon returning to our base camp we will share our stories and experiences with a delicious home-cooked dinner and a bonfire celebration where participants will be awarded with a certificate indicating that they have successfully completed our program!

PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL GROUPS:

At Wolf Within Adventures we are happy to offer customizable leadership programs to school groups during June and September. We believe that an outdoor adventure is a unique and life altering experience for youth. It can fundamentally change the way a student approaches life and its challenges.

The intent of these programs is to meet the educational requirements of individual schools in a safe and structured environment.

We focus on developing new outdoor skills while encouraging students to embrace their self-identity. We feel that it is of the utmost importance to instill in young people the characteristics of team work, respect and self esteem.

Please feel free to consult us at any time to discuss the options we have available for your school group.

We provide all meals, camping gear and equipment, except for clothing and sleeping bag. We travel simply, without carrying unnecessary "gear". A trail list will be sent upon receipt of your application. Registration is suggested eight weeks in advance.