Wilderness School is a two-year, gender-inclusive program for youth. The program sees participants gather for monthly day and after school programs intended to prepare youth for seasonal trips and expeditions. These multi-day excursions take youth through some of the most beautiful wilderness areas on Vancouver Island. Wilderness School offers youth a unique opportunity to build positive and supportive relationships, learn about self-regulation and self-care, practice healthy interpersonal skills, and push comfort zones through dynamic nature-based programming. Youth learn skills such as backcountry camping, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, surfing, and participate in environmental stewardship and education throughout their journey in the program.
Wilderness School is for youth who will be starting grade 8 in September 2025 within the school district boundaries of SD 61, 62 or 63.
Each year we accept 10-12 youth into the program based on their Need, Fit and Desire.
NEED: This program is designed for youth who are not already involved in many extracurricular activities; for those youth who are struggling to find a place socially with their peers or at school; for those who are lacking opportunities to experience outdoor activities.
FIT: Youth in the Wilderness School must be able to participate independently in the program without the need for considerable one-to-one support. Participants must navigate complex social settings, be able to manage risk, and follow directions. The Wilderness School takes participants into remote wilderness areas. Participants must be able to independently engage with the physical challenges associated with these activities. A positive attitude, a willingness to challenge yourself, an openness to making new friends, and a sense of curiosity and adventure are a good start to being successful in the Wilderness School.
DESIRE: The Wilderness School requires a 2-year commitment. Monthly programs, seasonal trips throughout the year, and multi-day expeditions in the spring and summer require a high level of commitment. Our curriculum is progressive so missing one trip can mean missing skill development for the following trip. As the group grows closer, each member plays an important role. Missing trips affects the whole group.
The program is offered in Victoria.
“I learned a lot of things about how to live life, especially that making mistakes did not mean I was a failure.”
“The program showed me how to be a leader and not follow other people.”
“It’s so much fun!”
With the support of our donors, all of our program fees are subsidized, minimizing cost to our participants. Wilderness School fees are offered on a sliding scale from $200 – $1200 per year. Program fees includes all transportation, equipment, gear and food for all single and multi-day adventures. Bursaries are available to cover a partial or full program fee amount if cost is a barrier to families.
How to Join
- January to March: Teachers, counsellors, and/or community support personnel consider candidates for the program. We work with a few schools in SD 61, 62 and 63 that support prospective participants apply for the program. Youth can apply individually for the Wilderness School by submitting an application request form by February 28th 2025 Wilderness School Interest Form 2025.
- February 26, 2025: Prospective parents/guardians attend a Wilderness School information session
- Referrals are submitted by counsellors/teachers on behalf of applicants through the month of March
- Interviews are scheduled with short-listed applicants in April
- Selected candidates are notified in May and invited to an orientation program in July/August 2025 at our site on Prospect Lake
- The program starts in September 2025 with an overnight at Prospect Lake!
Participant“Wilderness School has encouraged me to be more fearless and take more risks. It’s opened me to being more positive and accepting of people around me.”