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6-Rivers Wilderness Adventures

Please visit us at www.6rivers.on.ca or call 519.852.1278 to register for a trip you have seen on this website.

"You provide the vision we provide the opportunity"

6-Rivers Wilderness trips cost $100/day, which includes guides, food, group equipment and site fees. Transportation, which costs extra, can be arranged from points across central and south-western Ontario.

What's most important to remember about 6-Rivers expeditions and residential projects is they're your expeditions, not ours. Our team is committed to providing you with exactly what you're looking for and just a little bit more. To that end, we tailor all expedition and residential projects to suite your needs and goals. What ever you want, "WE CAN DO IT."

6-Rivers provides opportunities and supports participants at all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
We offer:
~ Preliminary training - Preliminary training is the first step in the Expedition phase. This gives the participant the opportunity to learn about many facets of camping in a controlled setting. 
~ Practice trips - The intent of activity is to prepare you for an overnight journey.
~ Overnight Qualifying Expeditions & explorations - Putting into practice the things you have learned that will promote self- reliance, personal growth and leadership through a journey of discovery.
~ Residential projects - Developing socially adaptability through involvement with others in a group setting
~ Community Service projects - Encourage participants to take responsibility and to become contributing member of  their community. 6-Rivers has many community partnerships that support youth to complete their community service hours.

All our leaders are highly trained and experienced in the out-doors as well they are experienced group facilitators. They all bring with them a unique perspective towards expeditions, the world, the outdoor environment and team development. We take pride in the fact that we are concerned with far more than just going camping. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award program is about challenge, setting goals, personal growth, self- discipline, learning, initiative, community service, respect, leadership and fitness of mind and body. We too agree with these principles and strive to our best to promote these values.
We commit to facilitate a safe, fun and learning experience "It s our promise!"



Expeditions:

Canoe / kayaking expeditions - In the late spring and early summer, stunning landscapes can be experienced on the Wolf and Pickerel Rivers, leading down to French River Provincial Park, which can be paddled year 'round. Depending on the length of your expedition, Georgian Bay can be reached in conjunction with these routes or as part of other routes. Another favourite route is the Gibson, MacDonald loop, an equally breathtaking mix of river and lake paddling along with an awe inspiring lookout point, perfect for an evening sunset. With advanced booking, tripping in Algonquin and Killarney Provincial Parks can also be arranged.

Hiking expeditions - The Bruce trail has some of the most picturesque shoreline anywhere providing an experience not soon forgotten by novices or seasoned trekkers. Many other options exist including the Western Uplands Trail in Algonquin Park, the LaCloche Silhouette Trail in Killarney, and more.

Cycling expeditions - There are many picturesque back roads that we can explore. The time of year and the goals of the group will determine the trip location. Depending on the group's goals and experience we may use a chase vehicle to support the expedition.
 
Winter expeditions- Winter expeditions bring new challenges. Many activities and routines that are considered routine and are taken for granted in summer now become extreme, challenging and difficult. In most cases the distance one travels is less important compared to adapting and completing daily living routines. Our trips may involve, weather permitting, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and sleeping in a Quincy (snow shelter).

Preliminary Training: 10 am to 3 pm
Purpose: Preliminary Training is the first step in the Expedition phase. This gives the participant the opportunity to learn about many facets of camping in a controlled setting. Topic covered are listed in pages 34, 45 and 57 in the blue record book.
What to bring: Blue record book, lunch, any extra snacks , sun-screen, water to drink, and $15.00 (Cheques made out to Craigwood or cash), and please dress for the weather. We will participate rain or shine.

Practice Trips: 10 am to 3 pm
Purpose: The intent of activity is to prepare you for an overnight journey so please come prepared as you would for a longer trip.
What to bring: If you are hiking bring a backpack / day pack filled with your sleeping bag, clothing and any camping equipment you may have. You should also be wearing the same shoes and similar clothing that you will be during the overnight. Blue record book, lunch, any extra snacks, sun-screen, water to drink, and $15.00 (Cheques made out to Craigwood or cash), and please dress for the weather. We will participate rain or shine. 6-Rivers will provide you with the necessary items if you do not have them

Overnight Qualifying Trips: 12 pm Saturday to 3 pm Sunday
Basic agenda for the Trip: We will be arriving at our training location Saturday afternoon. Depending on the type of trip(hiking, cycling or canoeing) we will either begin hiking along the trails or paddle Fanshaw Lake. We will be camping out in the forest on a designated camp site.
This is a gold/silver level practice trip and a bronze qualifying trip. Bronze participants should arrive prepared, and possess the ability to satisfactorily demonstrate your experience of the following Hiking, canoeing, cycling and Camping Skills:

map and compass work
site selection
first aid and safety
clothing and equipment
cooking
wilderness code of behavior


The intent of activity is to qualify you at your bronze level or prepare you for your silver / gold journey so please come prepared as you would for a longer trip. If you are hiking bring a backpack / day pack filled with your sleeping bag, clothing and any camping equipment you may have. You should also be wearing the same shoes and similar clothing that you will be during the overnight.
What to bring: Please refer to Clothing list that will be provided for you. Also bring your Blue record book, any extra snacks , sun-screen, water to drink, and $75.00 (Cheques made out to Craigwood), and please dress for the weather. We will participate rain or shine. 6-Rivers will provide you with the necessary items if you do not have them.


Residential Projects:

Keeping in mind the objectives and requirements of the Residential Project we are prepared to assist you to develop an experience that promotes change, growth and personal achievement through an experience that will take you out of your comfort zone and introduce you to new and exciting adventures.

6-Rivers will utilize a variety of activities and destination to guide participants through a series of personal challenge initiatives, and leadership development activities in addition to skill development.

Trip Leading - This residential project is a trip leader training based on the Ontario Recreational Canoeing Association Trip Leader certification. For many this, will be an introduction into the area (possible future employment) as a canoe trip leader. Whether you have all the KM necessary or not, to receive your certification, this training is designed for those with an interest in the guiding and trip leader out door field. This 7 day residential project will challenge you to learn about yourself and about the art of leadership and canoe tripping. You will be challenged to take an active part in the organization of an expedition and in the leadership of others, in an expedition environment.
Topics include: leadership, canoe skills (ORCA Flat water level & ORCA Level 1 Canoe tripping) navigation, food prep, safety & risk management, trip planning, environmental practices, site selection, equipment & gear
Time - May - October, location to be determined

First Nation Vision Quest - Working closely with an Elder you will be introduced to many of the First Nations teachings, take part in sweats, learn drumming and songs. This will be over two weekends. The first will be the training and introduction to the teachings and the 2nd will the opportunity to do a solo.
Topics include: Traditions & values, teaching circles, Teachings/ ceremonies, sweat lodge construction and ceremony, respecting nature
Time - Spring & fall, location to be determined

Leadership Camp - A personal development camp, growing personally through leadership. This 5 day residential project will challenge you to learn about yourself and about the art of leadership. You will be challenged to take an active part in the leadership of others.
Topics include: Leadership (what is it?), communication, making decisions, leading from behind, risk management, situational leadership
Time - Spring & fall, location to be determined

Survival Camp - Exploring your-self through learning survival kills. You will be introduced to the basic survival skills, shelter, fire making, living off the land, being mentally & physically prepared. This will be over two weekends. The first will be the training and introduction to the survival skills and the 2nd will be an expedition as group and with an opportunity to do a solo.
Topics include: Shelter, fire, food & water, signaling, being prepared,
Time - Spring & fall, location to be determined

Quest for Liquid Gold, "The Maple Sugar Bush comes to life" - This five-day project involves you living and working in a sugar bush. You will learn the history of maple syrup. You will tap trees, collect sap and produce your own syrup. But that's not all. You will also be given an opportunity to teach others. The bush you will be working in is a demonstration bush that caters to the public and hosts school tours to children and to ELC (English as a 2nd language) class's. You will be given the opportunity to work as a guide. This project could also count toward your community service hours.
Topics include: History of maple syrup production, sugar bush management, maple syrup production, communication, tour guiding.
Time - March

Winter Wonderland, "Exploring the Great White Outdoors" - On this residential experience you will not just be surviving! You are going to live and be comfortable.
Winter expeditions bring new challenges. Many activities and routines that are considered routine and are taken for granted in summer now become extreme, challenging and difficult. In most cases the distance one travels is less important compared to adapting and completing daily living routines. We will assist you to not only adapt but to discover the fourth camping season. The great lost camping opportunity of winter. The winter residential project may involve, weather permitting cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping and sleeping in a Quincy (snow shelter).
Topics include: clothing, food, travel, shelter, navigation, weather prediction, activities, safety & risk management,
Time - November - February weather permitting, location to be determined