Mindful Hikes Comox Valley is partnering with Gaia Wild Adventures this Summer 2020!
Together with GAIA WILD Adventures, we are offering several multi-day Mindful Paddling youth trips on the Sayward Route on Vancouver Island. These 3-night, 4-day guided wilderness canoeing trips will include nature-based mindfulness lessons focused on reducing anxiety.
The Sayward Route is a gorgeous 48km circuit route, perfect for canoeing, north-west of Campbell River. It is made up of multiple lakes surrounded by lush forest. A three-night trip is perfect for young, beginner paddlers, giving plenty of time to appreciate the spectacular scenery. Learn more about canoeing the Sayward Route here.
Groups will be limited to a maximum of 6 participants, accompanied by certified & experienced canoe tripping guide Ben DeRosiers of GAIA WILD Adventures, and Jamie Brizard of Mindful Hikes Comox Valley. These safe & fun trips are geared toward youth aged between 12-19 years.
Learn more about our partner GAIA WILD Adventures here.
Mindful Canoe Paddling
Paddling a canoe is a perfect exercise in mindfulness. The flow of your paddle through the water, the rhythm of your breath, the sensation of your body’s movement as you propel the canoe forward all require your focus and concentration. Groups will be taught the basics of mindfulness and meditation and how both can be used as long term tools for dealing with anxiety and manage stress.
Lessons will also include:
- paddling and boat handling
- wilderness travel & camping techniques
- safety in the back country
- basic navigational skills
- natural history
- wilderness cooking
- safe and efficient portaging of a canoe
Information
When: Multiple dates are available in July & August 2020.
What is required: Trips are all-inclusive, meaning that all you need to bring are your clothes, personal items, sleeping bag and mat.
Where: These are 4 day, 3 night night trips on the Sayward Route, Vancouver Island
Who: Youth groups (max 6) aged 12-19 years old accompanied by guides Jamie Brizard of Mindful Hikes Comox Valley and Ben DeRosiers of GAIA Wild Adventures.
How: Depending on participants’ places of origin, travel options are to be determined.
Cost: $950.00 CAD per person, plus GST
Link to poster: Mindful Paddling 2020 Poster
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Earn your Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey Award with this trip!
Ready to get wild? The Adventurous Journey is a chance for you to get out into nature and embark on an expedition or study-oriented journey. Adventurous Journey is a process: with a small group, you will plan, prepare, practice and then ultimately complete & report on your Practice and Qualifying Journeys. It is supposed to be challenging. You may feel tired or get rained on, but you will definitely learn more about the environment and yourself, bond as a team, and have an amazing adventure!
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