Programme Overview

Programme Objectives

Our goal is to instill practical skills, relevant knowledge, and the self-confidence to use them. Trails strives for lasting improvements in:

Social Competencies
Creative self-expression, reflective journaling, understanding personal boundaries, conflict resolution, communication skills, cooperative teamwork, leadership, and mentorship.
Emotional Competencies
Self-awareness, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-regulation, and coping skills during crisis time.
Physical and Mental Health
Physical and outdoor skills development, environmental stewardship, healthy risk taking, reduced anxiety, and reduced use of narcotics and alcohol.
Academic Performance and Employability
Responsibility for and commitment to education, effective problem solving, and employability skills.

Outline

Programme scaffolding is a core concept in which each element is based on previous learnings.

Year 1 - Trust

Participants arrive nervous and curious, and are introduced to the “Trails Way”:

Experiential, outdoor, adventure-based learning
Learning through the outdoors, not just learning about the outdoors
The importance and development of trust with peers, staff, and themselves

Year 2 - Self Confidence

Kids are impelled into more intense challenges and experiences.

Increased awareness and knowledge of the impact of personal actions
Skills such as self-regulation, time management, and self-efficacy
Growth as a community through feedback and support

Year 3 - Consistency

Teaching relevant skills and building relevant knowledge.

Communication, teamwork, and behavioural interventions
Leadership roles such as being ‘Leader of the Day’
Co-facilitation of programming and group meetings

Year 4 - Commitment

After 4 years of consistent scaffolding, participants graduate with the Roots and Wings that enable them to become contributing members of the community.

Development of healthy living skills, and social and emotional literacy
Deeper commitment to themselves and their communities
Ability to transfer their learnings beyond themselves

Year 5 - Contribution - Leader In Training (LIT)

With their increased skills, knowledge and confidence, their horizons expand.

Utilizing skills, knowledge and confidence to take on leadership
Stimulated interest in community contribution

Year 6 - Engagement: Facilitator in Training (FIT)

Paid intern position at Trails.

Interested and capable of creating change
Development of job skills, leadership, and commitment

Transitions

Graduates of the Trails programme are further supported with mentorship during their Grade 11 and 12 years and into post-secondary. They have access to bursaries which provide financial assistance for post-secondary education which cover tuition costs. We also offer paid internships at Trails and Scotiabank - Wealth Management Business Solutions.