Youth | Adults | Families | Boys | Girls | Co-Ed
Temagami Voyage 1
Maple Mountain, the Top of Ontario
While gathering wild blueberries from the top of Ontario and looking out across an unimpeded vista of lakes and trees, the world in which we live is made to feel real in the truest sense. A canoe trip through some of the less-travelled areas of Temagami's wilderness, this voyage includes a hike to the top of the mystical Maple Mountain, one of Ontario's two highest points. In coming to know our province from its peak, we gain a new perspective; this program, based in an authentic wilderness experience, is designed to nurture the budding sense of one's place in the world that is being formed at this age. The close comradery of peers, a positive relationship with nature, and the feeling of proud accomplishment builds character for a life fully lived.
Spots available: Yes
Voyage Details
Program Details
Dates: July 20-28 (9 days)
Ages: 13-16 (born 2009-2012)
Program cost: $1,840
Headwaters Highlights
An experience of living in community
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A sense of belonging and purpose toward the larger group, beyond oneself. In addition to developing both leadership and teamwork capacities, knowing what it is to live in a community who rely on you and on whom you rely is a profound experience, and a rare gift
A meaningful relationship with the natural world
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Unique to Headwaters, we intentionally weave environmental philosophy, naturalist knowledge, and eco-social history into everything we do, developing a relationship with nature far more meaningful than simply "enjoying the outdoors"
Time away from cellphones
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With no cell phones or other electronic devices permitted on our trips, it is a gloriously rare opportunity to unplug and re-connect
Traditional travel
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We travel by canoe and wooden paddle, we portage on foot. We cook on an open fire that we made ourselves, preparing each meal communally. Our food consists of homemade recipes long perfected for the canoe voyage, with fresh baking savoured when we please. We sleep in tents. We awake when our bodies are rested, rather than by the clock. We gather blueberries from the land and our water from the lake. We travel as according to how the weather dictates. We take rest days whenever we find a good spot. We live without haste, for the trip itself is the point.
Character Development
All of our trips intentionally develop moral character, with a special focus on the following traits:
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Joy for life and its experiences
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Care for others and our world
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Wonder about life's mysteries
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A feeling of awe for both the grand vistas and the little things alike
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Respect for the wellbeing of others and our world
We place an emphasis on developing resiliency as the groundwork of moral character
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Resiliency allows us to keep going even when things are uncomfortable. Because of this, it is the core of moral character, enabling us to ask, "what is worth doing, even if I fail?"
What's included
We provide:
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Canoe trip leaders who are as good as it gets: more than just wilderness guides, all of our staff are top notch educators and mentors – masters of facilitation who take great pride in their work. This is a real job, not just for fun (although it is fun!). The role of our trip leaders is to provide transformative wilderness experiences for the young people in their care
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All food and group gear: canoes, paddles, tents, cooking supplies, and everything else the group will need to live well with the wilderness
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We are very intentional about our gear, only using that which enhances the authentic experience of the canoe voyage, rather than impedes it
You bring:
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Personal clothing, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat (a detailed packing list will be sent upon registration)
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A PFD/lifejacket (we can provide a PFD upon request, but we recommend you bring your own to ensure that it is well-fitting and comfortable)
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An eagerness to explore, have fun, and travel with the wilderness!
Spots available: Yes