Trails Program

Program Objectives

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

  • Emotional Competencies Icon

    Emotional Competencies

    Creative self-expression, reflective journaling, understanding personal boundaries, conflict resolution, communication skills, cooperative teamwork, leadership, and mentorship.

  • Social Competencies Icon

    Social Competencies

    Self-awareness, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-regulation, and coping skills during crisis time.

  • Physical and Mental Health Icon

    Physical and Mental Health

    Physical and outdoor skills development, healthy risk-taking, reduced anxiety, environmental stewardship and healthy awareness of sexuality, narcotics and alcohol.

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    Academic Performance and Employability

    Responsibility for and commitment to education, effective problem solving, critical thinking, time management and employability skills.

Trails Program Badge

Outline

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

  • Group Huddle

    Year I: Trust

    Participants arrive nervous and curious, and are introduced to the “Trails Way."

    • Experiential, adventure-based learning
    • Using the outdoors to teach life skills
    • The importance and development of trust with peers, staff, and themselves
  • Girls Skating

    Year II: Self-confidence

    Kids are supported through 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
  • Trials Kids working together outdoors

    Year III: 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
  • Trust activity

    Year IV: Commitment

    Participants are ready to spread their wings and 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
  • United Trailblazers Group

    Year V: Contribution (LIT)

    With their increased skills, knowledge and confidence, their horizons expand and they transfer their learnings to younger participants.

    • Utilizing skills, knowledge and confidence to take on leadership
    • Stimulated interest in community contribution
  • Trails Family Group photo

    After Graduation

    After completing the Four Seasons, Four Years program, youth continue their journey through For Life Initiatives, which offer ongoing mentorship, scholarships, connection, and support into adulthood.

View the trails curriculum