Empowering Youth Through Adventure, Powered by McCall MacBain 

Across the forests, lakes, and coastlines of British Columbia, young people are discovering what they are truly capable of. With the support of the McCall MacBain Foundation, Award participants are gaining the confidence, skills, and resilience to succeed in life.  

By removing financial barriers, McCall MacBain has helped youth step into transformative outdoor experiences that shape not only their Award experience but also their outlook on the future. Whether paddling across open water, setting up a tent for the first time, or leading a team through challenges, these young people are doing more than completing an expedition. They are growing as individuals, leaders, and citizens.  

Confidence Built in the Wild

For Avery Cheng, the opportunity to kayak the stunning Nootka Sound was a turning point. Supported by the Changing Lives Activity Grant, Avery joined peers on a multi-day expedition, kayaking along the coast and camping on Bligh Island. Without her phone, Avery had to rely on self-awareness, teamwork, and physical stamina.  

The simplicity of life outdoors offered something rare. It created space for reflection and helped reset perspective. This experience inspired a deeper love for the outdoors and a renewed sense of purpose. Most importantly, it sparked the confidence to pursue more challenges beyond the Award.  

Leadership Learned by Doing  

Jimmy Si joined a canoe-based expedition across Alouette and Pitt Lakes as part of his Silver Adventurous Journey. With costs approaching $1,800, the grant was critical in making the journey possible. Jimmy had never camped before. By the end of the trip, he was leading his team through first aid simulations, offering support to fellow participants, and navigating the challenges of outdoor living with calm and confidence.  

The trip taught him the importance of preparation, persistence, and leadership. He returned inspired to pursue outdoor education further and is now mentoring other Award participants as they begin their journeys. Jimmy’s story shows that the Award doesn’t just build experience. It builds leaders.  

New Territory, New Confidence

Ved Athreya had never gone camping before. With the support of the grant, he joined a three-day canoe expedition in Strathcona Provincial Park. Over 25 kilometers of paddling, two nights in the wilderness, and countless new skills later, Ved emerged with something more valuable than any gear.  

He returned with confidence. The experience proved that he could adapt, communicate, and thrive outside his comfort zone. Now, he is already planning his next camping trip with friends, empowered by the knowledge of what he can achieve.  

Real Impact That Lasts  

These experiences are about more than tents and paddles. They are about giving young people a safe, structured environment to grow. The Award Canada framework challenges youth to step up, reflect, and contribute to the world around them.  

The McCall MacBain Foundation has played a crucial role in making these moments possible. By funding access to gear, transportation, instruction, and program costs, the Foundation is helping break down the financial barriers that often stand in the way of opportunity. The result is a growing community of young people who are more resilient, more confident, and more ready to take on the future.  

Give Youth the Confidence to Grow and Succeed  

The Award works. It transforms. And with the right support, it becomes accessible to every young person who is ready to step forward. 

Support the next generation of leaders through the power of the Award Canada Way.  

Donate Today

Share this...