Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys at the Off Grid Ark
Registered Activity Provider (RAP) for Bronze, Silver, and Gold Adventurous Journey programs.
Why Choose The Off Grid Ark
When candidates come to The Off Grid Ark, they get an Adventurous Journey that’s not only challenging, fun, and "adventurous", but also safe, and fully aligned with the Duke of Edinburgh Award requirements. Just as important though is how accessible it is! You don’t need extreme gear, a remote expedition, or weeks of preparation to take part.
Everything candidates need to succeed is right here, only 45 minutes from Ottawa.
Here’s what sets The Ark apart:
Aligned with Bronze, Silver, and Gold requirements
Every journey follows the Duke of Ed standards for practice days, qualifying days, nights out, and daily purposeful effort. Nothing is improvised — each level is delivered exactly as the Award outlines, with clear expectations from start to finish.Real Adventure. Real Fun.
Out here, time flies the journey always feels like it's ending too soon. One moment you’re canoeing to small islands on the Gatineau River and jumping in for a swim, and the next you’re racing through the forest trying to stay ahead of a crazy bearded guy on a horse in our Mantracker challenge.And if you’ve ever watched Survivor® and thought, “I could totally win that,” here’s your chance to prove it. Our Survivor®-inspired games mix teamwork, puzzles, problem-solving, and just the right amount of friendly competition.
No heavy expedition gear required
Candidates don’t need specialized equipment or advanced outdoor experience. You just need your personal clothes and toiletries, a sleeping bag, and food.Experienced, safety-focused leadership
With more than 20 years running outdoor programs and races, a background as a paramedic, and experience guiding internationally as a whitewater raft guide, safety is built into everything we do. The environment is real — but the systems behind it are professional, proven, and calm under pressure.Close to Ottawa, easy to access
Schools and families don’t need to travel hours into the wilderness. Our 164-acre off-grid property is an easy drive from the city, but still feels like a real backcountry environment.An authentic off-grid setting
For 24 years I’ve lived and worked off the grid. Candidates get a real-world experience of resilience, preparation, and self-reliance — without leaving the region.
Coming in from outside of the region?
If you're coming in from Montreal, southern Ontario or elsewhere, we can arrange to pick you up and drop you off at the airport, bus or train stations.
This blend of accessibility, safety, challenge, and real wilderness experience is what makes The Off Grid Ark one of the most practical places to complete an Adventurous Journey.
Adventurous Journey Requirements
Each level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award includes an Adventurous Journey designed to develop teamwork, planning, and resilience. At The Off Grid Ark, we follow these requirements exactly as outlined by the Award.
BRONZE
Practice Journey: 1 day (night out optional)
Qualifying Journey: 2 days + 1 night
Purposeful Effort: 6 hours per day
SILVER
Practice Journey: 1 day + 1 night
Qualifying Journey: 3 days + 2 nights
Purposeful Effort: 7 hours per day
GOLD
Practice Journey: 1 day + 1 night
Qualifying Journey: 4 days + 3 nights
Purposeful Effort: 8 hours per day
***Practice + Qualifying Journeys Can Be Combined***
For candidates and schools looking for a streamlined option, we can combine the practice and qualifying journeys into a single multi-day camp. This keeps scheduling simple, reduces travel, and ensures all requirements are met in one continuous experience.
A detailed breakdown of activities, skills, and sample daily schedules for each level is provided in the sections that follow.
Our Approach to the Adventurous Journey
The Adventurous Journey at The Off Grid Ark is built around structured challenges, practical outdoor skills, and group decision-making — all delivered on 164 acres of private forest and trails just outside Ottawa. The goal is to create a real journey experience without the heavy logistics of a remote expedition.
Skill-Based, Hands-On Learning
Candidates learn the essentials through short, practical sessions:
map and compass navigation
reading terrain and choosing routes
fire-building fundamentals
shelter construction with tarps and natural materials
knots and simple rope systems
communication and teamwork cues
These skills become the foundation for the rest of the Journey.
Learn to Navigate — Then Put It to the Test
Once candidates learn the basics of map and compass, they get to use those skills for real. Working in small teams, they travel the forest trails, find checkpoints, choose their own routes, and keep each other oriented. The forest becomes their classroom, and every decision — “Which way now?” — becomes part of the experience.
The “Mantracker” Challenge
And then we make it even more fun. Our 18-checkpoint course includes a twist: a crazy bearded guy on a horse (that’s me, riding Diaz) trying to track teams down. It adds friendly pressure, sharpens teamwork and decision-making, and makes navigation a lot more exciting than staring at a map on a table.
Survivor®-Inspired Challenges
Ever watched Survivor® and thought, “I could totally win that”? Here’s your chance to prove it — without the torches or Tribal Council. Our Survivor®-inspired challenges blend fun competition with real skill-building, as candidates work individually and in teams to complete puzzles, physical tasks, and problem-solving games modeled after the longest-running reality TV show.
Shelter, Fire, and Campcraft Skills
Campcraft sessions are built into the program, giving candidates hands-on experience with:
building functional shelters
practicing useful knots
preparing tinder and fire lays
working under friendly time pressure
These activities are accessible to all comfort levels and require no specialized outdoor gear.
The Crisis Activity
A structured, time-pressured scenario (inspired by my days as a firefighter/paramedic) challenges the group to communicate clearly, make fast decisions, and work together under uncertainty. It brings leadership, planning, and teamwork into focus and often becomes a memorable highlight.
Overnight Experience
Candidates stay at a designated forest campsite on the property, with plenty of room for tents or tarp shelters. They can bring their own gear or use the tents and tarps we provide, and in winter they can even build and sleep in quinzhees if conditions allow. For groups that prefer more shelter — or during severe weather — the off-grid bunkhouse is also available. The setting feels remote and adventurous, but supervision and safety support are always close at hand.
Guided Reflection and Debriefing
Short debrief sessions help the group review decisions, highlight leadership moments, and identify where they adapted, struggled, or succeeded. These conversations reinforce personal growth and teamwork.
Safe, Supportive Leadership
With decades of outdoor experience — including work as a paramedic, international whitewater raft guide, and long-term off-grid resident — the program is run with calm, professional oversight. Candidates are challenged, supported, and encouraged throughout the Journey.
“Everything about the man was kick-ass, it was killer… that’s my endorsement for Mr. Caldwell.”
— Les Stroud, Survivorman
Bronze, Silver & Gold Adventurous Journeys
Completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Adventurous Journey at The Off Grid Ark is designed to be as simple, safe, and frictionless as possible. Whether candidates are working toward Bronze, Silver, or Gold, the core experience stays the same — the challenge increases with each level.
We handle the training, supervision, structure, and assessment so candidates can focus on teamwork, growth, and the joy of being outdoors. We also provide tents or bunkhouse and all the necessary tools and items for meal preparation.
Core Activities at Every Level
Across all three levels, candidates take part in hands-on, confidence-building outdoor experiences designed to meet every Duke of Ed requirement in a supportive and engaging way.
Navigation & Outdoor Decision-Making
map & compass fundamentals
team-led route finding
18-checkpoint orienteering challenge
Mantracker pursuit (Mike chases competitors around the course on his horse Diaz)
Campcraft & Survival Skills
shelter-building with tarps and natural materials
fire-building fundamentals
knots & rope systems
quinzhee-building (winter only)
snowshoe travel (winter)
Leadership & Self-Sufficiency
rotating team roles (navigator, communicator, pace-setter, safety lead)
meal preparation and cleanup
leading campfire activities
guided reflections and team debriefs
Adventure Challenges
canoeing on the Gatineau River (seasonal)
guided night hike
crisis activity focused on teamwork and decision-making
Survivor-inspired team and individual challenges
Extended Journey Options (Silver & Gold)
Longer journeys may include nearby wilderness features such as:
hiking and exploring Lusk Caves (Gatineau Park)
hiking the Chutes de Denholm trail (10 km away)
multi-day canoe trip in la Verendrye Park
Safety and Supervision
Before building The Off Grid Ark, I spent years as a helicopter paramedic — experience that shapes our safety-first approach.
Safety is built into every part of our Adventurous Journey programs. Before building The Off Grid Ark, I spent years as a helicopter paramedic, and international whitewater raft guide. I spent 2 summers guiding 2-week long trips on the Coppermine River in Canada's Arctic. Those experiences shape how every activity is planned, taught, and supervised.
Candidates receive clear instruction, steady guidance, and support that aligns with Duke of Ed standards.
Award-Aligned Oversight
I serve as both the AJ Supervisor and AJ Assessor, ensuring the Journey meets all Award requirements.
For mixed-gender independent groups, a female adult will also be present to support comfort, privacy, and best-practice supervision during overnight portions.
Strong Communication & Access
95% cell coverage across the property
20 minutes from Wakefield Hospital
First-aid gear always on hand
Direct ATV access to most areas of the property for fast response
Quick access to the main building or bunkhouse if needed
This is me on the oars guiding a trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
Low-Risk, High-Engagement Activities
All challenges are ground-level and designed for youth with a wide range of experience. Activities avoid climbing, cold-water immersion, and high-speed movement while still offering real adventure and meaningful decision-making.
Canoeing Safety
Flatwater instruction only. Canoes, paddles, and PFDs are provided. Teams paddle together under supervision.
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.
What if the group includes female participants?
For mixed-gender independent groups, a qualified female adult is always present to support comfort, privacy, and best-practice supervision during overnight portions.
What do we need to bring?
Students bring personal gear (clothing, sleeping bag, toiletries, meals/snacks). We provide group equipment like tents, sleeping pads, maps, compasses, canoes, paddles, and lifejackets.
Is this suitable for youth with little or no outdoor experience?
Yes. Our Adventurous Journeys are designed for beginners. Candidates learn all skills step-by-step — from navigation to shelter-building — and every activity is delivered in a safe, structured, and age-appropriate way. No prior outdoor experience is required.
How do meals work?
Teams plan, prepare, and clean up their own meals as part of the self-sufficiency requirement. Cooking is done at the campsite or bunkhouse.
What happens in an emergency?
There is 95% cell coverage over the property, and all participants have my number. First-aid gear always on hand, and I have direct ATV access to most areas of the property. We’re 20 minutes from Wakefield Hospital if a higher level of care is ever needed.
Do candidates need to carry heavy packs?
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.
What happens if the weather is bad?
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.
Can school groups attend?
Absolutely. Schools can bring their own staff, or I can provide full supervision and assessment. Contact me for group pricing and date options.
Can Bronze, Silver, and Gold be completed in one trip?
Each level has its own requirements, but the Practice and Qualifying Journeys for a single level can be completed back-to-back for convenience.
How do candidates register?
Independent candidates register individually and confirm their Award Leader’s approval. Schools can request a group booking and custom scheduling.
Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes. The Off Grid Ark carries $2 million in liability insurance for all programs delivered on-site. Schools and Award Leaders may request documentation or a certificate of insurance at any time.
Registration & Next Steps
For Schools and Award Centres
Most Adventurous Journey groups come from schools, and we make the process easy.
Custom dates are available for Bronze, Silver, and Gold programs.
Schools can choose their preferred timing, number of candidates, and level. We’ll confirm availability and finalize your itinerary together.
Contact me directly to book:
If you're the "online form" type of person, I got you covered.
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.
For Independent Candidates
Independent candidates are welcome to complete their Adventurous Journey at The Off Grid Ark.
Because candidates join from many cities — including Ottawa, Gatineau, Toronto, and surrounding regions — we build groups based on interest and level.
Step 1: Join the Independent Candidate List
Add your name, Award level, and contact information.
Step 2: We form teams of 4–8 candidates
Once a group reaches the required size, we coordinate dates that work for everyone.
Step 3: Get Award Leader approval and attend the Journey
We provide the AJ Supervisor and Assessor.
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.