Leadership Wilderness Expeditions
Day programs and five- to seven-day expeditions that take students into the mountains to build confidence, teamwork and leadership.
A challenge for body, mind and spirit
Our staff are dedicated to making each course as educational and successful as it can be. You do not have to be an athlete or highly trained to join — but you do have to be physically capable, active, and motivated to meet a physical and mental challenge.
Our courses are demanding. It takes strength and fitness to paddle a boat for six or eight hours a day, carry a 20 kg pack for 8 km, climb a steep trail, scale a rock wall, or work your way over a rocky ridge and down into a deep valley — and that is exactly what you will be doing. If you are not already on a regular fitness program, now is the time to start. Every hour you put in will pay off in enjoyment, comfort and fun as your course progresses.
What to expect
Try to avoid precise expectations about how you will perform. There are many kinds of strength, and strong muscles are only one of the things you will need. Others are a strong heart, a strong mind and a willing spirit. Bring them all.
Count on being challenged in many ways — and be assured that your group will be made up of people very much like yourself. Each member brings something special, has accepted a personal challenge, and is setting out on a unique adventure.
Self-confidence and self-discovery are not enough on their own as preparation for adult life. They need to be tempered with compassion and tolerance, a sense of humanity and concern for others — which is why every course places great emphasis on service to others.
Course formats
Insight Day Programs
Participants spend the day on problem-solving exercises, challenging themselves and each other on high ropes or a 12-metre climbing wall. As they tackle their fears they build self-confidence and a sense of trust and teamwork.
Teams from schools work together to bring what they have learned back to their school community, through follow-up sessions, continued contact and community projects.
Peer Leadership Wilderness Expeditions
Backpacking in the Kaghan Valley or Sharda, rafting on the Kunhar river, or trekking at Fairy Meadows. Offered to middle and high schools in the spring and autumn terms, these expeditions engage students with their peers in challenging environments to develop leadership and personal skills for everyday life at home and school.
One or two educators from each participating school accompany their students on the course.
Safety
Our commitment to delivering high-quality programs is equal to our commitment to safety. Instructors are trained in the outdoor activities and environments encountered on our courses, and most are certified as Wilderness First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians or equivalent. Programs are reviewed by outdoor professionals to keep standards and practices current.
Risk is a platform for meaningful growth, physical fitness and leadership. To venture forth, seek adventure and try your best — even when you are not certain you will succeed — is the heart of the experience.
“The influence of the ideas these students take home goes far and deep into their lives — and, through them, to others.”
Let’s build your package together
Tell us about your event or holiday and we will design a program that fits your needs, interests and budget.