Duke of Edinburgh
Bronze - Silver-Gold
Adventurous Journey
August 2026
Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey
Bronze • Silver • Gold | August 17–21
***Note: these camps are open to any youth, participation in the Duke of Ed Award is not mandatory
A Real Journey — Not Just a Requirement
Most Duke of Ed journeys are loosely organized and depend heavily on parents to coordinate logistics.
This program is different.
It is a structured, fully guided 5-day experience where participants complete both their practice and qualifying journey—while taking real responsibility in a supported environment.
The goal is simple:
Give participants the opportunity to step up, lead, and complete their journey with confidence.
Program Dates
August 17–21
Gold: Full 1-day practice and 4-day qualifying journey - August 17 - 21
Silver: Full 1-day practice and 3-day qualifying journey - August 17 - 20
Bronze: Full 1-day practice and 2-day qualifying journey - August 17 - 19
All participants begin together and follow the same core experience.
What Makes This Different
This is not a passive camp.
Participants are expected to:
Set up and manage their own camp
Work as a team to solve real challenges
Take turns leading the group
Plan and prepare meals
Make decisions that affect the outcome of each day
They don’t just complete the journey.
They take ownership of it.
Leadership: Officer of the Day
Each day, two participants are assigned as Officers of the Day.
They are responsible for:
Coordinating meals
Overseeing camp setup and cleanup
Helping manage time and daily flow
Supporting communication within the group
This is not about doing everything.
It’s about leading, delegating, and keeping the group functioning effectively.
Program Experience
Each day builds on the last.
Day 1 – Arrival & Setup
Camp setup, team formation, expectations
Day 2 – Navigation (Mantracker)
Map and Compass education, orienteering, "Mantracker" evasion, route planning, decision-making, teamwork
Day 3 – Challenge & Crisis Day
Day hike with simulated rescue - Problem-solving under pressure, leadership, communication
Day 4 – Gatineau Park (Lusk Falls)
Full-day hike in Gatineau Park. Route planning and mapwork, led in segments by participants
Day 5 – Canoe Day & Wrap-Up
Team-based canoeing, final leadership roles, debrief
Food & Living
Tents, cookware, stoves, dishes, utensils, and cleaning supplies provided
All food for breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided
Participants plan, prepare, and manage meals as a team
Officers of the Day oversee daily execution
Dietary restrictions and allergies are collected during registration and accommodated where possible and necessary.
Participants bring:
Personal snacks
Preferred drinks
Toiletries
Clothing items (a suggested list will be emailed to you following registration)
Sleeping bag
Medications
Fresh water is available on site.
Supervision and Safety
Mike Caldwell is on site at all times. A retired helicopter paramedic and international guide.
Both male and female adult leaders present
Ongoing guidance, oversight, and safety management
Participants are given responsibility—but never without support.
Meets Duke of Edinburgh Requirements
This program fulfills the Adventurous Journey requirements through:
Multi-day outdoor experience
Teamwork, planning, and leadership
Participant-led camp living and navigation
Real-time skill development and application
Participants complete both:
Practice journey
Qualifying journey
Within a single structured program.
Who This Is For
Participants who want a structured, guided journey
Families who want a complete, done-for-you solution
Youth ready to take on real responsibility and leadership
Program Investment
This is a fully structured, Duke of Edinburgh–approved Adventurous Journey—designed to remove the logistical burden from families while giving participants real responsibility in a guided environment.
Gold (5 Days / 4 Nights)
$995
Silver (4 Days / 3 Nights)
$795
Bronze (3 Days / 2 Nights)
$595
Early Commitment Incentive
Families who register early receive $100 off their program fee.
This allows us to plan food, staffing, and group structure—and rewards participants who are ready to commit.
Early registration pricing:
Gold: $895
Silver: $695
Bronze: $495
Available for the first 5 participants who register.
What's Included:
Full Adventurous Journey (practice + qualifying)
Food for all meals (meals planned and prepared by participants)
Experienced leadership and supervision
All activities and program logistics
Duke of Edinburgh approved journey completion
Not Included:
Personal snacks and drinks
Personal gear (full packing list provided upon registration)
Registration
A $200 deposit secures your participant’s spot.
The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the start of the program.
Spots are limited to ensure a strong group dynamic and proper supervision.
Why Parents Choose This Program
Most Duke of Edinburgh journeys require families to coordinate logistics, organize groups, and manage the details themselves. This program removes that burden by providing a structured, guided experience where everything is already in place.
Participants are not just along for the ride—they are expected to take real responsibility. Throughout the week, they plan meals, manage camp life, and step into leadership roles that directly impact the group. This builds confidence, accountability, and the ability to make decisions in a real-world setting.
At the same time, the experience is designed to be engaging and enjoyable. From navigation challenges and team-based activities to hiking, canoeing, and camp life, participants stay active, involved, and connected to the group. The result is a week that is both challenging and genuinely fun.
Participants are never left unsupported. Experienced leaders are on site at all times to ensure safety, provide guidance, and help the group stay on track. Both male and female adult leaders are present throughout the program, creating a balanced and supervised environment.
By combining structure with responsibility—and challenge with enjoyment—this program gives participants the opportunity to complete their Adventurous Journey in a way that is both meaningful and achievable. They don’t just check a box—they gain experience, confidence, and a stronger sense of independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide the AJ Supervisor and AJ Assessor?
Yes. As a Registered Activity Provider, I serve as both the Supervisor and Assessor. Independent candidates simply need their Award Leader’s approval before attending.
Do participants need prior camping or outdoor experience?
No. The program is designed to support a range of experience levels. Participants are guided throughout the week and learn as they go.
What level of supervision is provided?
Experienced adult leaders are on site at all times. Both male and female leaders are present, providing oversight, safety, and support while allowing participants to take appropriate responsibility.
What gear does my child need to bring?
Participants will receive a detailed packing list after registration. They will need basic personal gear and clothing appropriate for outdoor conditions.
How are meals handled?
Food for all the meals is provided. Participants work together to plan, prepare, and clean up meals, with guidance from leaders and oversight from the Officers of the Day.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The program runs rain or shine, with adjustments made as needed to ensure safety. Outdoor conditions are part of the experience, and participants are guided in how to adapt.
In more severe conditions, we have access to a camp shelter and clubhouse as backup spaces, ensuring the group remains safe and the program continues smoothly.
Can my child complete both the practice and qualifying journey in this program?
No. All activities are done with lightweight day gear. Overnight supplies are kept at the campsite or bunkhouse. The camp is a 2 minute walk from the road, so no special expedition gear is required. We've had youth bring their clothes in garbage bags and their food in grocery bags.
Yes. This program is structured to allow participants to complete both components within the same week.
Journeys run in most conditions, but safety always comes first. Severe weather will adjust the day’s plan, and the bunkhouse provides a protected alternative if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change. At the same time, this program requires advance planning for food, staffing, and group structure.
Deposits are non-refundable.
For remaining balances:
Cancellations made 30+ days before the program:
Remaining balance is refundable (deposit is retained)
Cancellations made 15–29 days before the program:
50% of the remaining balance is refundable
Cancellations made within 14 days of the program:
No refunds
If we are able to fill the participant’s spot from a waitlist, we may offer additional flexibility.
What if my child is nervous or unsure?
It’s completely normal for participants to feel unsure at the start. The program is designed to support them step by step, helping them build confidence as the week progresses.
How are food allergies or dietary restrictions handled?
We ask all participants to provide any allergies or dietary restrictions during registration. Meals are planned with the group in mind, and we make reasonable accommodations wherever possible. For participants with more serious allergies, we work directly with families in advance to ensure appropriate precautions are in place.
Registration & Next Steps
I have 2 options for you:
If you've heard/read enough and just want to register, you can place your deposit now:
If you're the type who prefers to talk in person, we can go "old school". Here's my number (I usually answer, but if I can't send me a text and I'll call you back).
Map & Directions to the
Off Grid Ark in the Outaouais
Memories That Last Beyond the Trails
“When students write you a song on the bus ride home… you know it worked.”
Sometimes the best measure of a program isn’t what happens in the forest, but what carries on afterward. Prior to departure, these high school students wrote and sang a song — “The Mountain Man Way” — about their time at The Ark.
It’s moments like these that remind us: outdoor education isn’t just about learning skills. It’s about building friendships, creating stories, and carrying memories that will last long after the campfire goes out.