“It is the mission of Les Voyageurs to expand the horizons of young people as it challenges their physical, psychological, social, and learning skills through an intense outdoor experience.”
Philosophy
Every young person has the need to explore his/her abilities as a functioning adult. The wilderness presents unique opportunities for young adults to grow in strength, character, and inward understanding. By removing a young person from the familiar circumstances of daily life, new perspectives on material goods, interpersonal relationships, and personal worth can be achieved. As a previously unknown world reveals itself, a young person is able to understand, often for the first time, that life is indeed full of wonder, challenge, and opportunities that they can personally unleash.
Challenge and stress are essential elements of true and meaningful growth. By experiencing the inevitable failures of expedition life, the young person is able to distinguish between failure and defeat. He/she learns that failure is not a measure of a person, but rather a temporary obstacle which, with a new plan and renewed resolve, will be overcome. At the same time each young person learns that what may be a deficiency for one may be an asset for another.
Each young person is unique and to be respected for who they are. Participants come to realize that they possess the power to accomplish a great deal as individuals, but they also learn that a cooperating group can accomplish a great deal more.
Objectives
As a result of participation in the Les Voyageurs program, each young person will:
- Learn the basics of wilderness travel.
- Learn to make decisions based upon what is best for the group rather than self.
- Learn to accept personal limitations while enhancing personal strengths.
- Learn to understand and use basic leadership skills.
- Learn to better communicate with other people under diverse & extreme conditions.
- Come to grips with personal decisions and attitudes in the areas of chemical and alcohol use.
- Learn the value and responsibilities of group citizenship.
- Learn the value and wonder of our natural world and how to use it without abusing it.
- Learn basic camping and canoeing skills.
- Develop physical strength, stamina, and the ability to persevere under extreme conditions.