We offer support to these children through relationship building, skills development, supported referrals and advocacy. Excerpt from “A Review of Research on Outdoor Learning” published by the National Foundation for Educational Research by Mark Rickinson et al: Impact Of Outdoor Adventure Activities Strong evidence of the benefits of outdoor adventure education is provided by two meta-analyses of previous research. Looking across a wide range of outcome measures, these studies identify not only positive effects in the short term, but also continued gains in the long term. There is substantial research evidence to suggest that outdoor adventure programmes can impact positively on young people's: attitudes, beliefs and self-perceptions examples of outcomes include independence, confidence, self-esteem, locus of control, self-efficacy, personal effectiveness and coping strategies interpersonal and social skills such as social effectiveness, communication skills, group cohesion and teamwork. In cases (of programs) where there is a focus on cognitive and physical / behavioural benefits there are examples of outdoor adventure programmes yielding benefits in terms of: the development of general and specific academic skills, as well as improved engagement and achievement the promotion of positive behaviour and reduced rates of re-offending, and improved physical self-image and fitness. The principles of experiential education are: I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.

The following programs make extensive use of the Wilderness Camp. For more information on these and other programs that are offered by Boys & Girls Club Services please visit www.bgcvic.org:

Adventure-Based Learning provides learning experiences in unique physical and social environments that allow individuals to experiment with new skills, behaviours and group roles in a safe and encouraging environment. The program provides opportunities to:

enhance leadership skills
develop team building skills
practice creative problem solving
practice appropriate risk taking
enhance communication skills
increase trust and self esteem.

Coastline Challenge Camp, an intensive Outward-bound type program, is designed for youth on probation, aged 13 to 18. The program operates year-round, physically demanding wilderness courses in all types of weather. The intent is to use the outdoors as a means to learn and practice cooperation, communication and anger management skills, developing self-esteem and character along the way. Courses include mountaineering, hiking, canoeing, camping and work projects. Participants build their own shelters and cook over open fires.

The Agency's Community Clubs – Central Saanich Club, City Central Club, Millstream Club, and Esquimalt Harbourside Club – offer a variety of after-school programming for children 5-12, evening programs for older youth, as well as programming on professional days and holidays. Programs for older youth include youth leadership training and babysitting courses. The Community Clubs often use the camp for outings, team building exercises, and youth leadership training.

Earth Adventures Day Camp provides more than a place to go – it is a place to grow, and we have developed summer programs that help children do just that. Our Earth Adventures Day Camps operate throughout the summer for children and youth ages 6-13, and provide valuable opportunities for young people to not only explore the outer world through hiking, canoeing and climbing, but also to explore their 'inner' world through drama, arts and crafts activities, and just simply interacting with fellow campers and summer staff.

Nexus is a day program that helps youth aged 13-18, many of whom are on probation, develop life-skills, and build social competencies. Participants are involved in horticulture, animal care, camp maintenance and recreation.

^ top Rite of Me uses a collaborative approach to introducing young urban-based 11 to 14 year old girls to the wilderness and experiential education realm. Using the facilities at the Wilderness Camp we offer challenging outdoor activities to build confidence, teach healthy choices and lifestyles and enrich young girls' experiences.

SIGNS is an action-oriented program for children aged 8-12 who are demonstrating severe behaviour issues and are experiencing difficulties in school, the community and their family. Some of these children have been denied access to community services as a result of their behaviour. We have had children as young as eight who have been removed from school.

We offer support to these children through relationship building, skills development, supported referrals and advocacy. Parents and care-givers meet weekly to share concerns and build on their skill sets in such areas as: conflict resolution, communications skills, practical problem solving, boundary setting and understanding their role in advocacy. There are also two family days per 12 week session where parents, care-givers, participants and staff get together in a supportive environment to play games, have fun and attempt challenge initiatives.

The program utilizes the low ropes challenge course and climbing wall at the Camp. Family days are also held at the Camp.