Overview
ROOTs is a 4-week leadership development program for those who have completed Grade 10. All participants begin with a week of group bonding by studying topics such as worldviews and culture, leadership theory, and spending time in exciting team building activities before dividing into one of three streams;
- ROOTs Altitude – Outdoor Experiential Education and Skills Development
- ROOTs Wild – Extended Canoe Trip
- ROOTs Amazing Race – Developing leadership skills through fun
- NEW! ROOTS Vélo (max. 6 participants)
Spend time learning mountaineering and camping skills and push your physical limits by hiking through the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains in Upper NY state. Participants will plan their routes and take turns leading the trip. (A canoe trip is not part of the ROOTs Altitude experience).
*Due to COVID-19, the Roots Altitude trip may take place in Ontario or Quebec.
Learn how to navigate challenging rivers and lakes in a remote wilderness area, while developing the skills needed to help lead a trip.
The ROOTs Amazing Race begins in Kingston with some exciting two-person team challenges that help establish your position in the race. Navigate the Rideau River in a Voyageur canoe, camp at the locks in style, take in the beauty of God’s creation and engage in friendly competition as teams “race” to the final destination – Camp IAWAH. Participants will spend time leading, learning through discussion, and as a group will be responsible for developing a daily video of the experience.
What’s bike-packing you ask? Think of a hiking trip, but instead of carrying the weight on your back, the gear is distributed on your bike. (IAWAH provides bikes and gear)For those that love riding rail trails and backcountry roads, ROOTs Vélo is for you. Beginning with preparation at camp, participants will travel as a small group, and experience the outdoors, with a view from behind the handlebars. Camping along the way, Vélo participants will establish daily rhythms and learn to tackle challenges as a bike-packing team. Days will involve 4-5 hours of pedaling with lots of stops along the way.
Upon return to IAWAH, the entire group prepares for a 5-day outreach opportunity to our local community, developing and running a day camp at IAWAH where participants can put into practice the leadership principles learned in the first three weeks of the program.
