Sooke Hills
As part of the WEA Youth Leadership Program, members help plan and execute a memorable hiking experience along a 16-kilometer unpaved trail that winds through the heart of the Sooke Hills. The route traverses remote wilderness areas and diverse wildlife habitats, starting at Humpback Reservoir in Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park and extending to the boundary with Cowichan Valley Regional District. Participants gain hands-on leadership experience while guiding others through stunning landscapes that blend open vistas with shaded woodlands, creating an immersive connection with nature.
Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve
| AGE | GENDER | PROGRAM LENGTH |
|---|---|---|
| 10 - 15 | Inclusive | Day Trip |
| PROGRAM COST | DATES | |
| Included in the program fee for club members. For trial members $85 + GST. | Saturday, October 3, 2026·8:30am – 7:00pm | |
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The WE Adventures Advantage
WE Adventures Team Members
WE Adventures Provides
When, Where & What
In the morning, parents will drop-off at Westhills YMCA (Langford, BC) at the below times. The youth will be transported by Landon to the sooke hill trailhead in WEA's vehicle. Upon return, Landon will text or email all parents that the group is leaving the hike grounds and is x minutes away as per the PM column of the table below.
| LOCATION | DEPARTURE (Leaves at) | ARRIVAL (Returns at) | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westhills YMCA | 8:30am (can vary) | 7:00pm | Exact end time will be texted 30 min prior. |
The Experience
This is the first of two introductory hiking events organized entirely by WEA. The purpose of this hike is to introduce the youth leadership group to a basic backcountry day hike, set group expectations and to get to know each other. Some basic navigation skills, group management skills and other wilderness skills will be taught.
What to bring
It is essential that participants bring all the below items in order to ensure a safe and positive experience. A gear check will be performed prior to departure from each of the pick-up locations. If any youth is missing gear, they may not be able to participate. If the participant does not have any of this gear, please let WEA know prior to September 22nd, 2026.
Leadership/Navigation Gear
- Compass
- Navigation manual (Print from drive)
- Copies of all Day Hike Plan documents, forms, maps, etc. (print off from drive)
- Whistle
- First aid kit
- Pen
- Pencil
- Logbook (as per logging doc in drive)
- Watch with timer and alarm clock (waterproof recommended)
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries (why would we need this?)
- Hand sanitizer
- Matches
- Knife
Personal Hiking Gear & Supplies
- 25L + Hiking backpack with hip straps
- Hiking boots
- Hiking poles (optional)
- 2 pairs of wool socks
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- 2L of water
- Large lunch
- Extra snacks
- Insulated top/jacket like a fleece or puffy
- Insulated bottoms
- Toque
- Synthetic or wool t-shirt
- Synthetic hiking shorts
- Change of clothes to leave in the van
- Large, sturdy garbage bag to waterproof backpack, backpack rain cover or 20L dry bag
- Hat
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Sunglasses (optional)
Weather & Terrain
The weather for the weekend can vary between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius and can be super wet and stormy.
What will my child learn?
A backcountry hiking and trip planning experience offers participants valuable lessons in wilderness skills and personal resilience. Beyond the technical competencies of navigation and route finding, youth develop critical thinking abilities through real-time decision-making in changing conditions, build physical endurance in challenging terrain, and gain confidence in managing safety protocols and navigating unfamiliar landscapes.
- Trail navigation and map reading
- Proper hiking layering and clothing
- Route planning and risk assessment
- Wilderness safety protocols
- Emergency response and first aid
- Confidence in the backcountry
- Communication and coordination
- Real-time decision-making
- Peer mentoring and leadership
- Trip planning and preparation
Safety
Western Educational Adventures takes safety seriously. While we’re committed to providing exceptional experiences, our highest priority is ensuring every participant returns home safe and sound. We believe that feeling safe is essential to learning, growth, and fully engaging in the experience. Our staff are certified in wilderness first aid and bring years of experience managing risk in outdoor environments. You won’t find a more qualified or prepared team.
Food and Food Allergies
We believe that a good experience starts with good nutrition. We strive to provide quality, simple, wholesome meals with limited processed ingredients – in addition to the occasional smores and other tasty treats. This is part of why we include our participants in all meal planning, purchasing and cooking.