Home > Youth Leadership Programs > BC Explorer: Paddle Edition (SUMMER 7-day)
BC Explorer: Paddle Edition
A unique BC outdoor youth leadership camp and ocean paddle expedition
Welcome to British Columbia’s world of youth outdoor leadership and ocean paddling expeditions. For some, it’s their first big leap into a teen camp experience. For others who haven’t been to camp in years, it’s a warm “welcome back”. In this world of late night stargazing, sunset canoe journeys, secret waterfalls, and meaningful friendships, everyone has their own place and their leadership journey.
In our BC Explorer: Paddle Edition, we venture out onto the glittering waters of the Sunshine Coast’s Sechelt Inlet. Surrounded by ocean and forested mountains, we’ll practise our canoe, outdoor, and leadership skills while staying at some amazing campsites. Maybe we’ll even spot some seals, jellyfish, or otters! You never know what adventures you’ll find on BC’s amazing Sunshine Coast.
Itinerary and Trip Details
Packing List
DATES
Jul 1-6 (Monday to Saturday) (6 days - Prorated)
Jul 06 – 12 (Sat–Fri)
Jul 15–21 (Mon–Sun)
July 21–27 (Sunday to Saturday)
Ages: 11–13 (junior ), 13–16 (senior )
Group size: 8-12 with 2 instructors
Location: Sechelt Inlet, Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
PRICES (CAD)
$1049 + GST (Jul 1-6 $900+GST)
Deposit: $200 + GST
PROMO CODE available!
For select Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants
Click here to contact us and learn more
SAVE $50 on Yukon Explorer with registration for BC Explorer
Includes: Pre-course video check-in, 24-7 supervision, high-quality instruction, land transportation, tent accommodation, all meals, group gear, and more!
For more info: office@firesideadventures.ca
An exclusive Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Experience
Fireside is proud to be one of two Duke of Edinburgh ‘Trained Activity Providers’ in Canada. The Duke of Edinburgh’s award is a powerful, internationally recognized tool for accelerating your journey into the world of post-secondary education, careers, self-confidence and independence. During this overnight camp, you have the opportunity to achieve your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Adventurous Journey (both practice and qualifying), or your Gold Project and beyond. Click here to learn how to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Example of Sechelt Inlet Canoeing Route
We’ll have total freedom to explore and develop our leadership skills.
You won’t want to miss these experiences:
No technology, external distractions, or non-essential contact with anyone, as the focus is on the group and the people they are sharing the journey with. It’s just the group, the smell of the cedars, and the distant crashing of waves against the shore.
Bond with experienced and inspiring instructors who will be there for you 24-7.
Meet face-to-face with a playful otter, or marvel at bioluminescence on midnight shorelines.
Learn to use a map, compass and the star as your guide as you navigate Sechelt Inlet.
After a long day of exploration, there’s nothing better than frying bannock around the campfire with your new friends. Enjoy fresh, nutritious meals that you probably made yourself!
You only get to be a teenager once. We designed this experience to capture the best aspects of this precious time. Unplug, let go, breathe in the fresh sea breeze, and have fun!
Junior and Senior groups
Because we have siblings who want to go at the same time and enjoy the same experience but don't really want to be in the same group, we lead two groups simultaneously: Junior in one area and Seniors in another. Siblings will be close to one another but have their own unique experiences.
The strongest leadership skills are developed in nature with others
Duke of Edinburgh’s award: earn your bronze, silver, or gold. Here’s how.
Outdoor skills: Challenge yourself with wild camping, canoe manoeuvres, risk management, and wildlife safety. These experiences develop universal life skills like perseverance and problem-solving, not to mention a love for nature.
Social-emotional learning & resilience: Spending time in nature brings challenges but also opportunities for peace, reflection, and connection. This is the unbroken space and time you need to build relationships, trust, and personal transformation through a mix of one-on-one mentorship, daily video/audio journaling, and group dialogues.
Increase self-knowledge: Over seven days, clarify your personal values, strengthen your decision-making skills, and learn how to set and achieve short-term and long-term goals.
Leadership training: Guided by our pillars, define what leadership means to you and hold yourself accountable. When you’re ready, your instructors and peers will vote for you to receive the traditional Fireside Adventures leadership bracelet.
Connect with local Indigenous perspectives and land-based wellness: Our intention is that all our youth gain a newfound appreciation for this land we call home. An essential part of this is connecting authentically and humbly with the Indigenous peoples and cultures that have been here for millennia. In support of this goal, Fireside’s guiding curriculum was co-created with local Indigenous educators and community leaders and we prioritize having Indigenous perspectives and learning integrated into everything we do.
Landscapes we’ll explore together
Sechelt Inlet (Sechelt Explorer): One of BC’s most stunning paddling locations with unparalleled ocean vistas. Experience the change in biodiversity as you journey along the shorelines with incredible alpine views, passing through our ocean to the mountains of the Sunshine Coast. It is a truly majestic and humbling outdoor leadership experience.
Traditional Territory: Shíshálh
