Explorers is a program for 16-18 year campers who seek adventure in the wilderness. These campers are given the opportunity to learn basic survival skills and grow in leadership, team building, and conflict resolution. The small group will spend six days in the wilderness without distraction from the outside world, living with only basic necessities, and practicing good camping habits like leave-no-trace.
Through the program, a small group of eligible campers will travel to the Sylvania wilderness where they will meet Joe Panci, a trained professional from the Ottawa Forest Service, who will give an overview of Sylvania and provide a survival crash course. Over the next few days, campers will put their knowledge into practice as they embark on a two-day backpacking trip, complete with back-country camping. The last full day is dedicated to giving back to the Sylvania Wilderness by volunteering for the Forest Service.
The goal of this program is to help campers develop their character, learn the value of nature, grow stronger in faith, and gain confidence in leadership. Participants will be challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually, while receiving the tools and resources to succeed.