Project C.A.N.O.E. organizes and leads wilderness canoe trips for youth at risk (ages 13 to 17). All of our trips take place in Ontario's Temagami wilderness, approximately five hours north of Toronto. Our youth travel from Toronto to Temagami by chartered school bus, departing from Yorkdale Mall on the morning of the trip. Campers arrive at our basecamp in Temagami in the afternoon, and swiftly depart on their canoe trip.

Project C.A.N.O.E. offers canoe trip experiences of varying durations - 5-day, 8-day, 12–day, and 26-day. The 5-day and 8-day trips are for first-time campers, and for interested returning campers. (See "What's a PC Trip like?" on the right, for a description of a typical trip day)

While on trip, in addition to having fun in the pristine Temagami wilderness, our campers are also gaining important new skills, working together and meeting challenges as they arise. Environmental stewardship is also an important component of a trip with Project C.A.N.O.E. and campers assist trip leaders in maintaining Temagami's campsites.

OUR YOUTH

Project C.A.N.O.E.'s trips are geared for youth, aged 13 -17. We have separate male and female trips, although our Long Trip and LIT trips may be co-ed. Our program is best suited for youth who are dealing with emotional, behavioural, social or learning difficulties. We will not turn a youth away if financial resources are limited. Subsidies are available. Interested youth may contact us directly or be referred by agency workers, parents or guardians. An application form completed by both the youth and legal guardian and a medical form completed by a physician are required. All participants need to sign a Camper Agreement, a copy of which is included in the Application Package.

OUR STAFF

There are four campers and two trip leaders on most of our trips. Our staff are certified in canoe trip leadership, lifeguarding and wilderness first aid. They undergo a six-week training period. Included in this training are workshops on the key issues facing youth at risk. These workshops are led by professionals from a number of social service agencies. Staff are with our youth throughout the trip sharing the same weather, food and activities. They ensure the health and safety of our participants and provide positive role models. During the canoe trip, staff work with each camper to encourage his/her personal growth. Building self-esteem and helping youth acquire new skills are key objectives of this work. Youth gain new skills and self confidence and through practice and perseverance achieve more than they thought possible.

What's a PC trip like?

Here's what a typical trip looks like:

• Wake up! Pack your clothes & sleeping bag. Help the others take down the tent.
• Help start a fire and cook breakfast with the group. Then EAT!
• Clean up the campsite. Then load up the canoes and paddle to the portage.
• At the portage, unload the canoes, and carry a pack over the trail to the next lake. Check out the loons!
• Load the canoes, paddle down the lake. Take a break in the shade! Then LUNCH.
• Paddle for an hour, then stop for a snack break. Play a game! Then paddle on to the next campsite.
• Time for a swim. Unpack, collect firewood and set up tents.
• Help cook dinner, then EAT! Explore the campsite, sit around the fire. Music. Games. Stories. Hot chocolate.
• Check out the millions of stars up there...then climb into the sleeping bag.