At Fireside Adventures, we guide Canadian and international youth to challenge, strive and learn through experiential 5 - 21 days outdoor recreational programs throughout British Columbia. Our focus is experiential learning, leadership development and outdoor recreation skills training. We provide opportunities for personal growth, lasting friendships to prosper and most importantly to have a great time during the summer months.

Everyone can have loads fun being in the great outdoors, learn a ton of wilderness skills and have a safe time while exploring, discovering and becoming a balanced leader.

International Leadership Expedition (21 days)

 Dates: July 8 - 28, 2012 OR July 29 - August 18, 2012

Age: 14 to 17 years old (co-ed)

Price: $2,999 CDN + 12% HST (includes instruction, food, accommodation, some camping gear, camping fees, and transportation during the trip. Does not include flight and some optional activities.)

Canadian and international youth are welcomed to participate in a unique 21-day integrated leadership program and be immersed in an outdoor recreation expedition. Participants will focus on environmental awareness, interpersonal growth and developing the skills to be competent international leaders. Campers will explore some of BC's most beautiful and significant locations, including: Whistler, Tofino, Gambier Island, Juan De Fuca Park and Victoria.

Explorer - Big Canoe (Gambier Island)

Date: July 15 - 21, 2012

Age: 12 to 14 years old (co-ed)

Price: $875 CDN + HST (includes all transportation while on trip, camping equipment, lodging and food)

Gambier Island is one of Howe Sound's best kept secrets for those seeking a paddle expedition adventures, sense of gulf island life and to be surrounded by nature. The youth leadership group will spend 4 out of 6 nights sleeping by the campfire after paddling the shorelines discovering sea life, pristine forests and secret coves for swimming. Participants will learn ocean canoeing, hiking skills, shelter building and the skills to safely journey by boat.

Explorer - Big Mountain (Manning Park)

 Date: August 19 - 25, 2012

Age: 12 to 14 years old (co-ed)

Price: $875 CDN + HST (includes all transportation while on trip, camping equipment, lodging and food)

Manning Provincial Park offers young explorers the opportunity to hike along Canada’s spectacular mountain ranges and witness the alpine flowers come out in bloom right before their eyes. The youth leadership group will spend 4 out of 6 nights trying to touch the stars as they reside on their mountain top campgrounds. Participants will learn mountain orienteering, hiking skills, shelter building and the skills to safely journey from the bottom to the top of a mountain.

Firefly Golden Ears

 Date: July 16 - 20, 2012

Age: 8 to 12 years old (co-ed)

Price: $325 CDN + 12% HST (includes all food, transportation while on trip and most camping gear)

FireFly Golden Ears is an opportunity for children to have their first overnight camp experience and introduction to outdoor recreation, while staying at the famous Golden Ears Provincial Park. Campers participate on daily hikes, visit some incredible waterfalls, learn to build tee pees, swim at Alouette Lake, and sing camp songs by the campfire each night. FireFly kids also learn the basics of camping such as setting up tents, knots, setting up forest shelters, making the perfect SMORE and how to make lasting friendships.

Firefly Galiano Island Bike Trip

 Date: August 6 - 10, 2012

Age: 8 to 12 years old (co-ed)

Price: $385 CDN + 12% HST (includes all food, transportation while on trip and most camping gear)

Bike touring and camping is an awesome way for kids to spend a week on Galiano Island.  Each day campers will explore Galiano’s endless wonders by bike, hike up Galiano Mountain, go crab fishing, pick bucket loads of wild berries, play forest games, and most importantly, just having fun being kids.  Campers will be staying at Montague Harbour Provincial Park and will learn about bike maintenance, road safety, basic camping and more. The Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is drop off and pick up location. All camping gear, food and the campers’ personal belongings will be carried by truck from the ferry terminal to the campsite. All campers must have their own bike and helmet to enroll in the Galiano Island Bike Trip.

What makes Fireside Adventures youth programs special?

A P.U.R.E Program – All our Fireside programs are purposeful, unique, recreation-based and experiential. We have something for every enrolling youth from leadership training, to outdoor adventuring, to road trips and paddling the famous rivers and lakes

5 Developmental Leadership Assets - We support participants with understanding their internal and external leadership skills/assets that not only shape who they are now but also help give them the tools to build upon their leadership potential.

Locations – British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario have some of Canada’s most amazing scenic destinations, are rich in recreational opportunities, and hold incredible historical significance.

Hands-on Curriculum – We understand parents want experiential and educational programming tied into their son/daughter’s summer experience. We also understand that youth want to engage in programs that are fun, interactive and personal. Our program curriculum is designed for participants to have the combined role of a learner and leader throughout their unique Fireside experience.

Group Immersion – All our programs have strong group immersion components where youth with different ethnic backgrounds, experiences, languages, needs, fears, and strengths are welcomed to enjoy an enriched experience.

Fireside Skill Fundamentals – Participants are taught the Fireside Skill Fundamentals to develop their self-efficacy and leadership competency while reaching set learning outcome targets. The categories are Individual/Community, Wilderness, Leadership and Recreation Fundamentals.

Small Group and Relationship Focus – Our philosophy is that youth learn best with small group experiences, rather than large impersonal youth programs that focus soley on on-site educational camp programs.  A small group experience provides a better learning environment through more direct access and one-to-one time with instructors and fellow youth participants.  Our instructors stay with the same group for the duration of the program, ensuring consistency and providing an opportunity for youth to develop lasting relationships.

Mobility – Our programs are completely mobile with participants traveling to various locations. This allows our participants to enjoy everything that BC, Alberta and Ontario have to offer, and facilitates a deeper connection with Canadian life.

Innovative Experiential Educational Approach – Fireside Adventures offers completely experiential education and guided adventure-based programs located in outdoor settings, both rural and urban.  We intentionally avoid camp duplication and offer a number of program choices that reflect our participants’ level of interest, time frame, budget and learning needs.

Personal Experience – We're a small business trying to make a big impact on outdoor youth programs.  We take the time to build relationships with every parent and participant because personal connections are an integral component to our company’s foundation.

Professional Instructors – We hire accredited, qualified, enthusiastic instructors to guide all our programs. Our skilled staff are dedicated to providing an experience that participants will remember for a lifetime.  Our staff have wilderness first aid and/or First Responder training, Lifeguard certification and Outdoor Wilderness training.  They must have cleared a criminal record check, possess post secondary education and have a valid driver's license.

Parental Access During Program – Our staff carry mobile phones and check in with our head office daily. We encourage our youth to contact their parents once they have adjusted to the program schedule.