Hero's Quest 4-Phase Approach

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Phase 1: The Call (Raven Phase)
Raven represents the complexity of nature and the subtlety of truth. It reminds us that each of us sees a slightly different world and that the wise know that things are not always as they seem. Raven, the trickster represents the darkness and the light that is within each of us.

Raven Phase in the Hero’s Quest Program begins with The Call to Adventure. The hero is summoned to explore in great depth the values that they possess and the beliefs that inspire them. Focus is on transitioning participants into the Hero’s Quest community. The transition phase consists of two extended expeditions (with a base camp orientation in between each). Participants arrive at base camp for intake and orientation and depart immediately to spend their first extended expedition at a beautiful satellite base camp where the group focus is on community, getting to know one another, teamwork, honesty, self reliance, awareness, wilderness skills, and daily structure and routine. Participants are encouraged to explore, within a physically and emotionally safe environment, the positive and negative choices they have been making and the impact that these have had on themselves and others. At the end of this period participants return to our Sayward base camp to restock food and clothing and return to the wilderness.

The second extended expedition focuses on preparing participants to transition from the wilderness, as a solidly formed group, to our Sayward base-camp where they begin the integration of academics into their regular schedules. During this phase participants explore, on a deeper level, concepts of personal growth and community. Clinical counsellors participate to develop relationships and assess individual and group therapeutic needs. This phase is strongly leader-centered and strong, firm and fair direction comes from instructors.

Phase 2: The Path (Wolf Phase)
The wolf represents the lessons to be learned from thoughtful contemplation of the world and the experience that life brings. It signifies a willingness both to lead the way and to be led. The wolf is a symbol of great strength and is an incredible communicator.

During Wolf Phase, participants internalize the lessons they learned during Raven Phase and continue incorporating positive values, discipline, respect, and self-esteem into daily life. Participants learn to accept responsibility for their actions and demonstrate a desire for personal growth. They learn to apply positive strategies for improving their communication skills and behaviour patterns. Hero’s Questers are introduced to peer leadership within the Quest group, community service projects, and begin a schedule of academic tutorials. Families are invited to participate in Hero’s Quest family workshops geared toward moving the family forward to a place of greater understanding and connectedness and CanAdventure Counsellors continue the work they began with participants in Raven Phase. Participants’ newfound skills are put to the test, challenges are faced and surmounted, and group dynamics evolve naturally.

In Raven Phase, wilderness adventure expeditions also introduce participants to the responsibility of preparing their own meals and tent sites, as well as caring for their clothing and gear. Instructors guide struggling teen participants through this process to a point, but do not interfere with appropriate experiential learning opportunities.

Phase 3: Transformation (Elk Phase)
The elk is a symbol of power and strength. It is also a symbol of freedom, because it roams the world freely. The lesson the Elk teaches people is that stamina increases when they pace themselves during times of stress and challenge. Hero’s Quest participants entering Elk Phase have found the power and strength to overcome their obstacles. With these qualities comes new found freedom through the acknowledgement that they possess everything they need to be successful members of a community. Elk Phase continues in the same vein as Raven and wolf phases, and participants are presented with greater holistic challenges and a greater level of responsibility within the CanAdventure community.

Phase 4: Return (Salmon Phase)
The Salmon expresses a need for purpose and goals. In a supportive environment, the Salmon is stable, calm, and giving.

Salmon Phase of the Hero's Quest integrates the components of the first three and introduces a long-term goal setting strategies that participants establish and initiate in preparation for their return to mainstream life outside of CanAdventure Education. Participants take a leadership role in planning and accomplishing a major project, usually a minimum 2-week extended group expedition and a solo. Participants graduating from the program are recognized in a ceremony that honours the culmination of their Quest and their transformation from adolescent to young adult. Those needing or wanting more time are honoured for their progress and successes. In both cases, the beginning of a new cycle is highlighted. Family members and other significant community members are invited to participate in this ceremony.

Aftercare
Upon leaving CanAdventure Education and returning to mainstream life, Hero’s Questers are challenged to honour their new skills, knowledge, and awareness by incorporating new habits and goals into their daily life beyond CanAdventure Education. Through regular phone calls, our staff provides ongoing support to participants as they progress with their personal growth plans. Families and participants are also invited to return periodically to participate in workshops geared toward a successful transition to life after CanAdventure Education.

For more information, please call us or email our admissions office...