FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is adventure education?

A. "Adventure education involves personal development through participation in challenging activities where the perceived outcome is unknown to the participant. Participants often develop new skills, recognize personal strengths and limitations, and develop compassion and service to others." [Yerkes, 1992]

Q. What is experiential education?

A. Experiential education refers to learning activities wherein individuals gain knowledge through direct, hands-on experience. In this type of learning, the subject comes alive through first-hand exposure, providing information not just to the brain but to most of the senses affected by the environment in which the subject exists. Experiential learning involves adapting and relating to the broader environment in which the learning is conducted, providing information not just on the subject itself, but on its natural connection to the world around it.

Adventure education is one type of experiential learning. For example, instead of passively studying intertidal life (mussels, limpets, sea stars, anemones, etc.) from a text book, CanAdventure Education campers will have the opportunity to seek out these organisms in their natural environment, searching through tidal pools while smelling the sea air, hearing the crash of nearby surf, seeing the organisms in their natural environment, and touching appropriate parts of this environment with their own hands.

For more on the definition of experiential learning, visit the Association of Experiential Educators website at www.aee.org/ndef.html.

Q. What are the benefits of this type of learning?

A. Experiential and adventure education create direct, personal impact that enhances understanding and retention of subject material. It is also normally conducted in an atmosphere that promotes growth in other areas, such as self-concept and self-esteem, problem-solving and goal-setting abilities, communication skills, interpersonal relationships, and value systems.

"Current research supports the theory that adventure pursuits foster individual wellness with a variety of benefits including the growth of self-confidence, tranquillity, a sense of being connected, and enhanced self-esteem. People need to be connected to feel relevant and involved. People need the opportunity to test themselves, and to push themselves to the upper limits of accomplishment. People need to be guided to new awareness of self, others, environment and the joyful connection and importance of all that is." [Smith, et.al., 1992, p. 77]

Q. How is your program different than others?

A. Our programs are designed and implemented in a manner that engages the mind, body and spirit of each camper. Through detailed learning modules, each camper will improve their knowledge of forest ecology, river ecosystems, North American history, First Nations studies, geology, marine biology, navigation, flat-water paddling, emergency response, and wilderness survival.

CanAdventure Education programs offer a unique and unparalleled blend of experiential learning, cultural awareness, skill development, and personal growth -all in the world-renowned wilderness environment of Vancouver Island. While other programs may offer exposure to some of these areas on a selected basis, few have succeeded in assembling all of these important components into one complete package. None on the west coast of North America are available at the competitive rates offered by CanAdventure Education.

Q. What is included in the camp fees?

A. CanAdventure Education camps include all accommodation, meals, camping equipment, course instruction fees, transportation to and from out-trip destinations, and park / land-use permits required during the programs. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services can also be arranged to and from local airports, bus or train stations at the beginning and end of camp (see below).

Q. What is not included?

A. Each registering camper is provided with a gear list, which must be filled prior to arriving at camp. This gear list includes basic outdoor clothing, including boots, rain gear, expedition-rated underwear (tops & bottoms), toque, rain hat, toiletries, etc. When your reservation is confirmed, we'll send you a package of information including this list.

Q. How do campers get from the airport, bus or train station to the CanAdventure Education base camp?

A. CanAdventure Education provides free transportation to/from base camp from Comox and Campbell River airports, bus and train stations. During the registration process, our Admissions Director will acquire all of the arrival and departure dates and times from you.

Q. Are there risks associated to your program?

A. All outdoor-based programs have some element of inherent risk. However, CanAdventure Education takes every step to minimize these risks to each camper. Our camp safety policies and guidelines have been developed through years of experience in the outdoor industry and through cooperation with other leading wilderness organizations. We also educate campers themselves about the process of identifying and managing risk. All of our Senior Instructors have received industry-leading industry accreditation, giving them the ability to make decisions critical to minimizing risk to those relying on them.