Young Women Ages 14 - 16
OUR YOUNG WOMEN’S WILDERNESS CANOE TRIP grew out of our Northern Lights program and is an amazing opportunity to explore the wilderness with other young women and share the special bond that develops when you have the freedom to hang out with only girls. The Young Women's section is in basecamp with our co-ed program during the beginning and end of session, so you will also be a part of the larger community for the end of session celebration.
What started out in 2000 as one section of eight young women traveling through the interior of Temagami has evolved into one or two sections of young women each session paddling to rivers like the Makobe, Sturgeon, Temagami and Dumoine.
The transformation of these girls from the outset of their journey to the final paddle back to basecamp is incredible. What often begins as a self conscious, apprehensive and disconnected group of girls quickly evolves into an empowered, confident and cohesive group of young women.
With an emphasis on individual growth and community and guided by two experienced female leaders this is an experience that equips each participant with the tools they need be a strong woman in our culture-one who embraces femininity, adventure, integrity, challenge and community.
Here are a few excerpts from a Trip for Young Women journal:
Maple Mountain was difficult to climb, but well worth the hike. After a long, long, loooong hike we finally climbed over the highest peak and caught our breaths at the sight before us. Where we stood, on the second highest point in Ontario, huge lakes, vast quantities of forest and rolling hills stretched out before us. After dinner we witnessed an amazing sunset; the bright orange-yellow sun dropping behind purple peaks. We watched the stars in our sleeping bags as they appeared in the cloudless sky. We made wishes on shooting stars and found different constellations. Finally we retired to our tent and snuggled together because of the sharp cold outside. In the morning we began our descent after a breakfast of cinnamon rolls and granola. AS
Yesterday we had a circle at lunchtime. I think it was the best circle I've ever been in. We talked about what one thing there is at home that is nice to get away from. It was nice to be able to say what I had to say, but the best part was hearing what everyone else had to say tooI learned more about everyone and I said some stuff I wouldn't normally share (with more than one other person). Now I'm just looking forward to swimming and enjoying the rest of our day! TM
I've met some really cool people here ever since I've been out here everyone around me tried to help me out with everything and I did the same for them. I care about all of them as if they were my sisters and I've known them all my life. They are really cool and I want to thank all of them from the bottom of my heart. KD
Laying here listening to the roar of the waterfall as it crashes onto the rocks, I feel at peace with myself. The past few days feel as if they've flown by without us even realizing it. But now as I have the time to really think about it I understand how fortunate I am to be here in the beauty of the wilderness and in the company of seven other great people. And as I sit here I'm so amazed at how things work out because by just looking around at the beauty around me I feel truly blessed. SS