What is the International Leadership Expedition all about?

British Columbia is one of Canada’s most popular provinces to tour, explore and camp. Our international and Canadian youth leadership program is about giving our youth the skills, knowledge and confidence to be self-propelled youth leaders of their generation.

The International Leadership Expedition is a blend of an ultimate road trip for youth wanting to visit and explore some of the best places in British Columbia, while participating in an enriched leadership experience.

Our instructors support and teach participants how to lead themselves and develop a stronger sense of who they are, while learning the value of teamwork. Youth strive to understand their world and are eager to discover their leadership potential. Our 21-day program is a great educational stepping stone for youth to reach their vision.

Quest International Leadership Expedition Highlights:

• Participate in an intensive outdoor leadership program. Please refer to our trip plan for program details.
• Hike to glacier lakes and stand top of the mountain tops (Rainbow Lake and Taylor Meadows)
• Visit some of the 2010 Olympic sites and sightseeing in Vancouver and Victoria. Opportunities for ESL/International campers to go shopping
• Hike along the majestic Vancouver Island’s coastline such as Long Beach in Tofino
• Spend the first 5 days at Whistler’s Fireside Lodge and camping in some of BC's best Provincial Parks
• Take a boat tour along Clayoquot Sound or go surfing in the Pacific
• Learn the basics of front country and back country camping, day hiking and orienteering
• Supported by experienced and skilled instructors who will be supportive and provide supervision for 24 hours a day for the entirety of the program
• Learn styles and types of leaders Partake in language and cultural exchange experiences with other international and Canadian youth
• Participate in environmental stewardship projects

Quest International Leadership’s Competency Elements:

Individual Leadership – each youth will work towards developing what they consider their individual leadership foundation pillars

Community Leadership – the group will work together to build a strong leadership team and foundation before providing a half day environmental/community based stewardship project

Global Knowledge – the group will learn about relevant global and local issues centred around environmental practices, international politics, cultural understanding and leadership principles

Practical Skills – youth will become more competent with camping skills, navigation, decision-making, and life skills

Vision and Values – participants will spend time reflecting upon the experience and write a vision letter of what they hope to accomplish

All youth will learn about the five Fireside leadership values: Trust, Respect, Responsibility, Commitment, and Perseverance.

Fireside Quest Curriculum:

The fundamental elements of Fireside Adventure's leadership programs are integral to providing successful and quality learning experiences for all our participants. The three fundamental areas we focus on are Individual & Group, Leadership, and Wilderness.

Individual & Group Fundamentals:

• Acknowledgement of mentors and family/friends
• Solo (an opportunity to reflect with oneself while being monitored by staff)
• Overnight group solo (an opportunity for youth to collectively build their shelter and camp together for the evening, while being monitored by staff)
• Reflective journal writing
• Community stewardship project
• Co-operative team building activities

Leadership Fundamentals:

• Definition and reference points of leadership (what is leadership and how is it referred to by others?)
• Brief introduction on leadership theories and philosophy Learning about character and styles of leadership
• Ethics, values and the principles of leadership
• Decision making and problem solving strategies Learning to lead and when to follow
• Experiential team building sessions
• Collaborative communication techniques 

Wilderness Fundamentals:

• Training to use the latest and most effective outdoor gear for camping
• Reviewing David Suzuki's impact on eco-leadership
• Tandem canoe instruction Eco-campsite management & selection
• Leave No Trace camping skills Basic outdoor cooking, food preparation, and packing
• Basic understanding of wilderness risk management essentials
• Basic map reading, compass, GPS and navigation training Basic wilderness first aid & emergency exiting strategies
• Basic survival training (what to do when you are in trouble)
• Shelter & fire building

Special – SAVE 20% if registered before December 31, 2011

Dates: July 18 - 28, 2012 OR July 29 - August 18, 2012

Ages: 13 to 17 years old (co-ed)

Price: $2,999 CDN + 12% HST per camper (includes instruction, food, accommodation, some camping gear, camping fees, and transportation during trip. Does not including flight)

Locations: Whistler, Vancouver, Tofino, Gambier Island, Juan De Fuca Park, Victoria