In such a technologically savvy and digital entertainment oriented world, kids often end up spending more time indoors than out, and parents have begun looking for positive solutions to what has recently been recognized as “nature deficiency.”
B.C. contains countless outdoor oriented camps, and for an in-depth adventure experience, Educo Adventure School sits just over an hour from Williams Lake
Based in the Cariboo, Educo is a non-profit, non-religious organization committed to exposing today’s youth to new experiences and opportunities.
In courses ranging from four to 14 days students rock climb, hike, canoe, and explore in small groups of eight to 12 students. The group atmosphere is an integral part of the Educo experience, and with mountains and glaciers as the backdrop, students develop the ability to work closely with a group of peers their own age from across the province, and function as a team while facing the many challenges put in front of them.
Having attended Educo for seven years now, I have found it a friendly, relaxed environment for students to learn lessons about themselves and the way they interact with other people, providing leadership education and promoting self development.
Educo is located just outside of 100 Mile, an hour and a half from Williams Lake.
It is the only site in the Cariboo Chilcotin with a certified high ropes course and a full-sized climbing wall.
The site is used as a spring board for adventures across B.C., as students spend days hiking and camping among a diversity of mountain ranges across the province.
In the process of this exploration, students learn the practical skills of wilderness survival and flat water paddling, as well as the basics of rock climbing, rappelling and backpacking.
The younger student stay closer to home and for a shorter period of time, but every adventure is tailored to the age group of the course, and students are always challenged to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
Educo runs courses throughout the summer for students age nine to 19. Anyone interested can check out their website at www.educo.ca for more information or to enroll in a summer program.