Hero's Journey Camp

Olympia Takes Self-Discovery and Adventure to the Next Level

A summer school credit for developing positive character qualities through challenge and outdoor education in a wilderness context of fun and excitement.

The unique structure and sequencing of this life altering program follows the three main stages of the Hero's Journey:

SEPARATION – from what is known and familiar in order to become available to new ways of learning and growth.

CHALLENGES AND POSITIVE TRAIT ENHANCEMENT – which builds more self-reliance to take on new challenges of greater proportion.

THE RETURN – to their known world with new perspectives, life management skills, gifts, and more evolved 'Heart-Set', all to be shared with others - to make a difference in the lives of others.

Throughout the Hero's Journey camp, campers will have the opportunity to:

  • Overcome fears and self doubts
  • Gain problem solving and decision making strategies
  • Develop strategies to cope with conflict in constructive ways
  • Learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth
  • Participate in games, legends, and aspects of ceremonies that draw from various cultures
  • Experience hands-on learning through various initiatives, trust tasks, eco-challenges, low and high ropes, and outdoor skills
  • Be under the guidance of caring and responsible coaches and staff who act as mentors along the Journey
  • Experience the "Inner Balance" training program

Days 1-9 (Stages 1 & 2) - Separation and Tests and Challenges of the Hero's Journey

Skills and community living include:

  • Fire building
  • Shelter building
  • Knots
  • Weather patterns
  • Camp stoves
  • Camp cooking
  • Meal planning
  • Map & compass reading
  • Layering & clothing
  • Leave no trace
  • Canoeing
  • Bears & bear hangs
  • Emergency first aid skills
  • Packing for a canoe trip
  • Portaging
  • Astronomy
  • Trust
  • Communication
  • Respect (of nature, each other, oneself, and diversity)
  • Self-leadership/management
  • Goal setting
  • Self reflection
  • Journal writing

Days 10-19 (Stage 2 continued) - The Expedition

The Hero's Journey goes to a different destination every year. In years past our Heroes have visited Temagami, The French River, Killarney, and Algonquin Park. Throughout the ten day expedition campers will be challenged both physically and emotionally. One exciting challenge campers face on this ten-day adventure is the chance to experience a 24-hour solo. Campers will further enhance the skills they developed at base camp during this advanced wilderness experience - which meets the health and safety guidelines of the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

Days 19-21 (Stage 3) - The Return

During the campers' last days at Olympia (base camp), they will help pack up and clean up the camping gear, learning proper storage and care of equipment. The closing campfire ceremony on the last night further helps participants to draw parallels between the stages of the Hero's Journey and their own life journey. Campers then return home prepared to share their new gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of others.

Challenge by choice

All of the Hero's Journey activities are carried out using the 'challenge by choice' philosophy. The purpose of these activities is to challenge you to stretch your limits and YOU decide when you are stretched far enough for the moment.

Summer school credit

This Hero's Journey camp program meets the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training curriculum guideline: Grade 11, Open IDC30 Interdisciplinary Studies, 2002. Upon completion of this 110 hour instructional program and subject to approval of the summer school principal, successful candidates will receive a full credit granted through the Toronto Catholic District School Board, valid towards the Ontario School Diploma. Participants who are not full-time students of a T.C.D.S.B. secondary school will have their credit transferred to their own school and school board.

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Weeks Available

Session 2
Jul 8 - Jul 28
Co-Ed
14-18
Nicole Christamtsis
Director
  • Co-Director of Olympia's Outdoor and Challenge Education Centre
  • Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation and Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Lakehead University
  • Wilderness First Responder
  • ORCKA Flatwater Canoeing Instructor
  • Canoe Trip Guide for six years with the Boy Scouts of America and Algonquin Outfitters
  • CUI Challenge Course Manager (level 3)