2025 Wilderness Backpacking

This summer (2025) we are hoping to re-establish our Wilderness Backpacking Program.   This program is intended for campers ages 16+.

There are many details to work through and we are only seeking interest at this time (see form below).  There is no cost nor additional registration form to complete at this time.   If we can find two suitable/qualified counsellors/guides and there is sufficient interest (minimum 8 campers per week), our intentions are:

1.  To provide 10 Wilderness Backpackers (Ages 16+) and two counsellors/guides (per week) with the opportunity to camp and hike trails available in Riding Mountain National Park and surrounding area.  The group may be co-ed or single sex depending on interest.

2.  The Wilderness Backpacking weeks would run alongside our regular summer camp program in Weeks 3 (July 16-22) and 4 (July 23-29).

3.  Wilderness Backpackers would arrive on Wednesday morning and stay in the back forest of camp (cooking for themselves and tenting), and to learn camping, cooking, equipment requirements, hiking, and safety skills .

4.  All equipment and meals are provided.  Wilderness Backpackers would supply their own clothes and personal belongings (no devices).

5.  The Wilderness Backpacking group would leave camp by bus early on Friday morning and return back to camp late Monday afternoon by bus.  This provides 4 days of hiking with 3 overnight stays at selected spots along the way.  There would be a supply drop-off mid-way through the excursion (either Saturday evening or Sunday morning).  We would ask that Wilderness Backpackers be picked no earlier than the following Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. to allow for clean-up and debrief.

6.  Counsellors/guides would have 24 hour communication with on-site staff in case of emergency.

Available trails are found at the Riding Mountain National Park - Trails Website. Trails we will use are to be determined.  That said, it would be the intent to plan for 8-10 hours of hiking each day through the beautiful landscapes of the park and surrounding area:

Day 1 - Heading out by bus to Trail Set 1 - Easy

Day 2 - Moderate

Day 2 - Transition to Trail Set 2 (by bus).

Day 3 - Moderate/Difficult (depending on the skill of the group, as determined by the counsellors and guides).

Day 4 - Returning back by bus - Moderate/Difficult (depending on the skill of the group, as determined by the counsellors and guides)

Beginning March 1, we will be adding a form to this page to seek the level of interest and if determine if re-establishing the program is feasible. 

If you sign-up, there is no cost at this time to indicate your child's interest. If the program runs, the cost would be $625.00.  We would only charge this fee and seek registration information after confirming your intentions.  We hope to make this decision by May 15.

Note:

1. If your child has been working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award, our Wilderness Backpacking program may help them achieve their Gold Level of "Adventurous Journey" (click here).  For more general information about this award, please visit (click here!)

2. We are currently seeking experienced backpacking guides!  If you are interested, please apply (or have someone you know apply) on our website's Employment Page (click here!).