Western Educational Adventures Backcountry Camping Skills Intro, Victoria, B.C. Victoria Teen Outdoor Activities Overlay
Western Educational Adventures

Youth Outdoor Leadership Program

Keep your children & teens active, challenged, and outdoors throughout the school year in Victoria, BC & across Vancouver Island! Western Educational Adventures (WEA) offers a comprehensive youth outdoor leadership program built around hands-on learning, real adventures, and progressively developing outdoor skills.

Join our Leadership Club Membership for the complete program experience. Club members take part in regular leadership activities and a lineup of integrated outdoor trips throughout the year, with opportunities to hike, camp, snowshoe, ski, surf, navigate, build fires, develop survival skills, and more. These experiences work together to build confidence, fitness, independence, teamwork, friendships, and genuine outdoor leadership skills.

Not ready to join the full club? Each of our outdoor trips can also be registered for separately. Choose the individual adventures that interest you and experience a part of the program without committing to the full-year Leadership Club.



Program Offerings

Choose the full Leadership Club experience or register for individual trips and adventures throughout the year.


Full Leadership Club

Name Description
Victoria Teen & Pre-Teen Outdoor Leadership Club Our complete leadership program, where teens & pre-teens learn to plan, lead, & participate in a variety of outdoor activities and expeditions throughout the year.

Individual Trips & Adventures

Register for any of these trips individually—no Leadership Club membership required.

Name Description
Sooke Hills Hike Explore the Sooke Hills near Victoria on a day hike through lush temperate rainforest, rolling terrain, and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
Camping Skills Weekend Spend a weekend at Camp Barnard developing practical camping and outdoor skills while experiencing the surrounding wilderness.
Snowshoe Day Trip Strap on your snowshoes for a winter day in the mountains while building outdoor skills and exploring the wilderness.
Mount Cain Ski Trip Experience a winter trip to Mount Cain with plenty of time on the mountain, opportunities to develop skills, and memorable days on the slopes.
Weekend Tofino Surf Camp Learn to surf, discover how surfboards are maintained and constructed, and explore the Tofino and Ucluelet area during this weekend adventure.
Wilderness Nootka Trip Take on a multi-day wilderness adventure focused on backcountry travel, teamwork, outdoor skills, and experiencing the remote beauty of Nootka Island.

Program Calendar

All meetings and trips are listed here. Please note that while meeting times are accurate, exact times for trips are approximate and may vary




Hi!
I'm
Tamsin!

Classic Camp Camper
Age 9

After moving from Kamloops to Victoria in Spring 2019, we stumbled across WEA in Summer 2020 while searching for summer camp opportunities. Although Tamsin had been hiking and camping with her family her whole childhood, this was the first opportunity where she was given the space to show more independence, allowed to struggle with problems, and come up with her own solutions to try and solve those problems and move forward. And it was a lot of fun for her!

2020

Veteran Camper
Age 10-12

For the next three years, Tamsin was happy to continue going to WEA camps every spring break and summer, as well as some pro-D day hikes. She continued to develop her outdoor skills, and with that came confidence. She made great friends, had unique experiences, stayed fit, and gained an appreciation for physicality, adversity, and the satisfaction of meeting a difficult challenge, whether physical or mental.

2021-2023

Youth Leadership Surf Trip
Age 12

Tamsin was given the opportunity to join the WEA Outdoor Youth Leadership group on one of their trips, and it happened to be surfing in Tofino. Tamsin had never surfed before, and she came back beaming about how great the trip was – not just the surfing, but also the friends and memories she made and the general adventure they had

2023

Youth Leadership
Age 13

After a positive experience with the surf trip and enjoying the challenge of helping to lead the camps, Tamsin took the next step and joined WEA’s Outdoor Youth Leadership group. This is where the level of challenge really stepped up – the kids were planning the trips, planning the meals, and going on challenging multi-day hikes, all the while learning more camping, navigating, and survival skills. This provided another big boost to Tamsin’s confidence and skillset once she got over the challenging hump at the start of the program.

2023-2024

Volunteer and Leadership
Age 13-15

For the next two years, Tamsin continued to be a volunteer leader at WEA spring break and summer camps, gaining skills and confidence to the point where she was leading all of the activities for the kids for a week-long camp while the adult leader oversaw the camp from a safety and logistics standpoint. She attended staff training days for navigation and canoeing, even gaining some certifications. In her second year of the Youth Leadership program, she took a lead role as one of the older returning kids to help the newer kids learn the skills she had the year before

2024-2026

Employment Opportunity
Age 15

Now at the age of 15, Tamsin has the opportunity to become paid staff with WEA for summer camps. This will provide an excellent early opportunity for her in terms of resume writing, job interview exposure, and gaining real work experience, all in a lower stress environment due to her familiarity with WEA. And all through this arc, Tamsin has made friends and memories, had the opportunity to do things that many other people never have, and truly enjoyed herself the entire time

2026

      Victoria Teen & Pre-Teen Outdoor Leadership Club

      Western Educational Adventures
      Greater Victoria, BC
      PROGRAM AGE GENDER PROGRAM LENGTH
      Regular Tuesday Meeting 11 - 15 Sept - June 17:45 20:30
      TYPE PRICE BEFORE AUG 01 REGULAR PRICE
      Returning Families *$2,175 + GST *$2,500 + GST
      New Families *$2,275 + GST *$2,500 + GST

      *Most activities carry and additional cost and take place at times other than during meetings.

      PROGRAM DATES AVAILABILITY
      Tuesdays Sep 15, 2026 - Jun 1, 2027 Accepting applications for September

      The program does not run on certain days, refer to confirmation sheet.

      Trial, part-time, full-time and on-call options available.

      Description: Looking for activities for teens or activities for pre-teens? Consider an outdoor leadership program for teens in Victoria BC like no other! Designed as an alternative to team sports and rec center programs, our Victoria Teen Outdoor Leadership Club teaches teens valuable life skills including leadership, planning, budgeting, fitness, employment, healthy eating and social responsibility and more. Teens attend one session per week and plan outdoor activities and events such as backcountry camping trips, skiing trips, surfing trips, kayaking trips, canoeing trips, hiking trips, orienteering sessions, geocaching and fundraising. They may also get the opportunity to test their new leadership skills while working with younger children. Younger pre-teens do similar activities and build up to the adventures of the older teens. This program is driven by the youth! Financial Assistance is available for this program.

      **Please note that there is an application process for this program**

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      Sooke Hills Hike

      camping weekend on vancouver island
      Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park
      AGE GENDER PROGRAM LENGTH
      11 - 15 Inclusive Day trip
      REGULAR PRICE
      $85 + GST For non members. Trip Included in leadership fee otherwise.
      PROGRAM DATES
      Saturday, Sept 19, 2026, 8:30am – 7:00pm Space Available
      Description: As part of the WEA Youth Leadership Program, members take on active roles in planning and executing a memorable hiking experience that spans 16 kilometers through the rugged and remote terrain of the Sooke Hills. This challenging unpaved trail winds through the heart of the wilderness, starting at Humpback Reservoir in Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park and extending to the boundary with Cowichan Valley Regional District. By participating in the full planning process—from route selection to logistical coordination—youth leaders develop essential backcountry management and organizational skills while preparing for a rewarding day in the field.

      During the hike itself, participants guide fellow hikers through diverse wilderness areas and wildlife habitats, gaining hands-on leadership experience in a real outdoor setting. The route showcases the stunning natural beauty of the Sooke Hills, featuring a dynamic mix of open vistas and shaded woodlands that create an immersive connection with the landscape. Through this combination of planning, execution, and peer mentoring, youth develop confidence in their leadership abilities while fostering a deeper appreciation for wilderness stewardship and the natural environment.

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      Camping Skills Weekend

      camping weekend on vancouver island
      Camp Barnard
      AGE GENDER PROGRAM LENGTH
      11 - 15 Inclusive 3 days
      REGULAR PRICE
      $305 + GST
      PROGRAM DATES
      Dec 4th 2026 6:00pm - Dec 6th 2026 5:00pm Space Available
      Description: Looking to get outside hiking, backcountry camping, canoeing or kayaking in the wilderness of Vancouver Island BC but don't have the skills or knowledge to do it safely? Learn the basic skills necessary to explore the wilderness safely around Victoria BC or in other communiites on the Island. This outdoor camping skills course teaches students camp site selection, tent set-up, tarp set-up, knot tying, meal planning, outdoor cooking, camp stove lighting/maintenance, proper equipment choices, camping safety & more. Want to push your skills past this program? WEA also covers the various types of outdoor training courses available for a variety of outdoor activities such as wilderness first aid, paddling, mountaineering & more. The course is taught by instructors/guides that have significant experience outdoors with adults, children and families. Food and some equipment is included.

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      Snowshoe Day Trip

      snoshoe in the backcountry of vancouver island
      Vancouver Island Backcountry Snowshoeing
      AGE GENDER PROGRAM LENGTH
      11 - 15 Inclusive Day Trip
      REGULAR PRICE
      ~$106 + GST
      PROGRAM DATES AVAILABILITY
      Dec 19th 2026 8:00am (can vary) - 7:00pm Accepting applications
      Description: Lace up your snowshoes and get ready for an incredible day in the wilderness as part of our leadership program. Our snowshoe day trips on Vancouver Island deliver an amazing experience that'll have you falling in love with winter hiking—and connecting with new people who share your sense of adventure. You'll discover the freedom of moving through snow-covered landscapes with your crew, learning snowshoe techniques that feel natural and intuitive—smooth stride mechanics, rock-solid balance on shifting terrain, and how to pace yourself so you can go all day without burning out. But it's so much more than technique; you'll develop real winter smarts as you go, picking up practical knowledge about reading snow conditions, spotting avalanche terrain, and adjusting on the fly for winter travel. Every step builds your confidence, every trail teaches you something new, and every moment in that pristine wilderness—shared with friends old and new—reminds you why winter hiking is pure magic. This is adventure, learning, camaraderie, and genuine friendship wrapped into one unforgettable day.

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      Mt.Cain Ski Trip

      ski down the slopes at mount cain
      Mount Cain
      AGE GENDER PROGRAM LENGTH
      11 - 15 Inclusive 4 days
      REGULAR PRICE
      $800-$1000 + GST
      PROGRAM DATES
      February 26, 2027, 12:00pm – March 1, 2027, 8:00pm Space Available
      Description: Ready to shred some incredible terrain? Our leadership group is heading out for an epic ski trip to Mt. Cain in February. Whether you're new to skiing or have been hitting the slopes for years, this is your chance to drop in on some world-class runs and experience the mountain at its best, while meeting great people, having fun and learning along the way.

      February means prime conditions—deep snow, consistent terrain, and endless opportunities to carve, launch, and push your limits. You'll be surrounded by an amazing crew ready to charge hard and have a blast together. From butter-smooth groomers to technical couloirs, Mt. Cain's got it all waiting for you. This February, we're not just learning—we're living the full ski experience, building memories on the mountain, and making the most of every run.

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      Weekend Tofino Surf Camp

      Kids surfing camp Vancouver Island BC
      Victoria, Tofino & Ucluelet, BC
      AGE GENDER PROGRAM LENGTH
      11 - 15 Inclusive 3 days
      REGULAR PRICE
      $750 + GST
      PROGRAM DATES
      April 30, 2027, 2:30pm – May 2, 2027, 5:30pm Space Available
      Description: Join us for an unforgettable weekend surf adventure in Tofino, on the wild West Coast of Vancouver Island. This exciting youth program begins Friday evening with group transportation from Victoria, setting the stage for a weekend of waves, wilderness, and connection.

      On Saturday and Sunday morning, campers take part in professionally guided surf sessions led by skilled instructors in a safe, supportive environment. Teens learn how to catch waves, pop up, and ride with confidence - experiencing the unmatched thrill of standing on a surfboard for the first time. When not surfing, the group explores the stunning coastal landscapes of Pacific Rim National Park, hiking beaches and forest trails, exploring the scenic Wild Pacific Trail, and a visit to the local Ucluelet Aquarium.

      Evenings are spent cooking healthy camp meals, relaxing with new friends, and soaking in the natural beauty or our accommodations. After a final surf session on Sunday morning, the group returns to Victoria late afternoon - wrapping up a weekend filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories. This all-inclusive surf weekend blends outdoor adventure, skill-building, and West Coast exploration into one incredible experience.

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      Year-End Wilderness Trip

      Western Educational Adventures
      Nootka Trail
      AGE GENDER PROGRAM LENGTH
      11 - 15 Inclusive 8 days
      PROGRAM DATES AVAILABILITY
      May 20, 2027, 9:00am – May 27, 2027, 7:00pm Accepting applications
      Description: Each year, our youth leadership program organizes a special year-end expedition that takes the group into British Columbia's wilderness. These trips vary annually—some years the cohort paddles remote lakes on a canoe adventure, while other years they explore coastal waters by kayak or tackle challenging mountain trails. This year, the group has selected the Nootka Trail as their capstone wilderness experience, a choice that promises to test their skills and deepen their connection to the natural world.

      The Nootka Trail is a scenic coastal hiking route on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, that winds through old-growth temperate rainforest and along dramatic rocky shorelines. Hikers encounter diverse ecosystems, tidal zones, creek crossings, and opportunities to observe wildlife. A day hike on the Nootka Trail allows youth leadership groups to experience the region's backcountry beauty while developing their outdoor competencies in a challenging but rewarding wilderness setting.

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