Brought together by a common thread, their journey had begun many years ago. They are survivors and Power to Be was lucky enough to organize a trip for eight amazing youth through the Teen Adventures – A Spirit Quest program supported by Balding for Dollars and the Oncology/Hematology/BMT Program at BC Children’s Hospital.

On a sunny weekend in July, a group of Adaptive Recreation staff and participants from Victoria and  Vancouver made the trip to Salt Spring Island to go camping.

Victoria-based volunteers came together for Power To Be’s first volunteer overnight training. Volunteer trainings are a common practice at Power To Be, although training with an overnight component was something new this year.

Power To Be’s Wilderness School helped bring out the best in Shaheen Rabie, and since graduating from the program, the 17-year-old has committed his time and energy to helping other youth in the community build confidence and connection through adventures in nature. His efforts have garnered him a United Way Youth Now Volunteer Award.

Shiloh approached the edge of the cliff and threw the stone she carried up the mountain. Crashing down amongst the trees hundreds of feet below her, the rock held all that was weighing on her mind. “I put all of my anger and frustrations into it. When I threw the rock, it released a lot of stress,” Shiloh says.

Just north of the world famous West Coast Trail lays the relatively unknown Cape Beale Trail. Historically it was part of the same telegraph line and lifesaving trail that set the foundation for the West Coast Trail. The Cape Beale Trail, however, although much shorter in distance, provides its own challenges with infrequent maintenance and deep mud.  

With the help of the experienced cave guides at Horne Lake Caves & Outdoor Centre, our Wilderness School group learned about the karst landscapes and environmental factors that shape these caves. Find out more.