Ancient Lands Teen Expedition

Ages 13-17 | July 27-Aug 1
Registration Opens March 15

Register Here

This summer we are setting out on a new adventure to the far northern edge of Vancouver Island. Cape Scott Provincial Park is a wild and remote landscape where old forests meet endless beaches and the Pacific stretches to the horizon. This hiking expedition will take us to the very tip of the island, a place shaped by wind, ocean, and time. Carrying everything we need on our backs, we will travel together along forest trails and rugged coastline, moving deeper into a landscape where wolves roam, bears wander the beaches, and the tides reveal hidden worlds along the shore.

Along the way we will explore tidepools and coastal lagoons, follow wolf and black bear tracks across the sand, and learn about the plants, sea life, and ecosystems of this remote coastline. In the evenings we will have campfires on the beach when conditions allow, cook meals together, sing songs, share stories, and gather in heart circles beneath the open sky. We’ll play games on the beach and in the forest, have moments of quiet watching the ocean, and feel the simple joy of traveling together as a tribe on a long road trip north and back again.

Please note: This camp is geared toward experienced Thriving Roots students - a small group of older youth and teens who are ready to take adventure and care taking to the next level. This is a true hiking expedition. Over the course of the trip we will hike roughly 30–40 km while carrying a ~30-pound backcountry pack, traveling through forest and along wild coastal trails to reach our camp at Nels Bight. The hiking will be physically challenging and participants should be prepared for long days on the trail, changing weather, and the kind of effort that comes with traveling through real wilderness. Previous hiking and camping experience is a must.

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Over the week we will:

  • Hike approximately 30–40 km of coastal and forest trails while carrying a ~30-pound backcountry backpack

  • Journey deep into Cape Scott Provincial Park and camp on remote and beautiful beaches

  • Track signs of wildlife such as wolves, black bears, and other coastal animals along beaches and lagoons

  • Explore nearby places such as Guise Bay, Hansen Lagoon, and the historic Cape Scott Lighthouse

  • Learn about and respectfully forage for wild edible foods from the sea 

  • Practice the discipline of caring for our own needs: food, water, shelter, and group wellbeing

  • Cook meals together and share campfires on the beach if permitted

  • Play games on the beach and in the forest, sing songs, and tell stories together

  • Share heart circles and quiet reflection beneath the stars

  • Build friendships, resilience, and memories that will last long after the expedition ends

*This camp is geared towards experienced Thriving Roots students – a small group of older youth and teens who are ready to take adventure and care taking to the next level. Previous camping experience is a must.  In our own way we will get to know the land and its’ treasures as a way of continuing its legacy. We will sleep among the trees, explore new incredible places, cook our meals together,  and make memories to last a lifetime.

New to Thriving Roots? Contact us before registering to see if this experience will be the right fit: alaina@thrivingroots.org

  • Curriculum

    Take a more in-depth look at our forest school and wilderness awareness curriculum to see what skills and experiences your teen can expect to learn.

    Learn more

  • Locations

    We use a variety of outdoor spaces, including beautiful public parks and private properties in Greater Victoria, primarily in the Saanich peninsula area.

  • Mentors

    Get to know the team behind Thriving Roots Wilderness School and learn more about your teen’s camp mentors.

    Learn more

  • Ancient Lands Parent

    “She was glowing and talking non stop all the way home and that evening. I haven’t heard her talk nonstop like that for a while! She was so appreciative of her time there, away from her phone, outdoors, feeling community. It is rare for her to go into a group of kids these days and feel able to participate without feeling shy or on the outside… and really so beautiful when it happens. I’m so grateful to you all for running this trip and giving the kids this amazing experience. And for Thriving Roots – a thread of sanity, connection, community, wisdom and remembering of what is important on this crazy and beautiful earth! Looking forward to the next year of thriving roots adventures for both kids.”

  • Thriving Roots parent

    “This program lets [my daughter] be her wild self, without school teachers or parents. I really value the style of mentoring and the guidance it gives while still maintaining each individual’s needs and ideas.”

  • Thriving Roots Parent

    “My daughter’s confidence has really grown in the past few years in these programs. It has really helped her socially, in part because of the multi-age environment. Her knowledge of the outdoors becomes deeper each year, and her ability to express it and teach others is so amazing! This program let’s her be her wild self, without school teachers or parents. I really value the style of mentoring and the guidance it gives while still maintaining each individual’s needs and ideas.”

  • July 27 - Aug 1. Monday 9am until Saturday 6pm.

    • Day 1 drive to Cape Scott Trailhead and camp at San Josef (Back Bay, Eric Lake Or Fisherman River, TBD)

    • Day 2 hike to Nels Bight (4-5 hours hike; ~17km)

    • Day 3 camp a 2nd night at Nels Bight. Day trip to Guise Bay, Cape Scott Lighthouse, or Hansen Lagoon. 

    • Day 4 camp a third night at Nels Bight. Day trip to Guise Bay, Cape Scott Lighthouse, or Hansen Lagoon

    • Day 5 hike back to San Josef

    • Day 6 Drive home

    Click Here for Link to Trail Map

  • Fee: $1290+ gst

    What’s included: All meals from Monday dinner to Saturday lunch, a TRWS t-shirt, vehicle transportation to and from.

    *Food will be provided by Thriving Roots but campers will collectively be responsible for packing it in.

    What’s required: Backcountry overnight camping gear (backpack 60L+, lightweight tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag), portable stove, personal dishes, hiking boots, suitable outdoor clothing for all weather conditions, etc.

    We’ll provide more information with packing tips after registration is confirmed. Participants must be prepared to pack in all their gear for the week in one large pack. This will require leaving many things at home and wearing the same clothing multiple days.

    If coming with a friend, they can share a tent/stove/pot. Contact alaina@thrivingroots.org if you would like to participate but cannot provide some of the above gear.

    Cancellation & Refund Policy: Please note that your camp fee includes a deposit and is non-refundable. Please familiarize yourself with our Registration Policies before registering.

  • Garrett, Alaina + Frog will be your Ancient Lands mentors. They may also be joined by an apprentice from our Tend the Fire Apprenticeship program.

    Read more about the Thriving Roots team here.

  • We are committed to offering needs-based Equity Fund Discounts to those who would not otherwise be able to attend our camps due to experiencing systemic barriers to wealth accumulation. Read more and apply here.

  • We have limited space available in our programs for students with high needs. (We define 'high needs' as any designation and/or behavioural or emotional need that would require extra support i.e. ADHD, Autism, physical disability, any need for 1:1 support.)

    To ensure our mentors have the relevant experience and capacity to provide the support your child needs, please fill out our Student Support – High Needs form before registering and make sure to familiarise yourself with our Registration Policies.

    • Download our recommended overnight camp gear list here.

    • All hiking shoes must be broken-in well in advance of this trip.

    • We recommend practicing carrying your pack on shorter hikes throughout the next season. The longest day of hiking will be ~17km.

Camp Details

Register Here