Accepted participants will make full use of the area's natural
resources as well as integrate into numerous community facilities
and programs. This offers them opportunities to discover and pursue
new interests and create lifelong memories of exciting experiences.
Venture Academy offers youth
beneficial and healthy alternatives to
existing behavioural patterns.
Summer Activities
Swimming
Frequent trips to the lake for a quick dip or a leisurely swim are
par for the course to offset the often sunny, hot conditions.
Sailing
Setting sail on the glistening, blue waters of Okanagan Lake and
hearing, the snap of the sails in a sharp breeze is an exhilarating
adventure that should not be overlooked. The art and skill of sailing
on two person sailboats will be just part of the memorable Venture
Academy experience.
White Water Rafting
For those who heed the call of the wilderness, our whitewater rafting
excursions hearkens back to the pioneer adventures of old and offers
a ride not soon to be forgotten. Participants will be taken through
safety guidelines and instructed on whitewater etiquette. In addition
to storming through a frenzied maelstrom of river canyon, individuals
will have the opportunity enjoy the breathtaking scenery unique
to this corner of the world.
Canoeing
Participants will taste the freedom of packing a lunch and setting
offshore in a canoe for a daytrip along the scenic shoreline of
Lakes Okanagan, Kallamalka, Mabel or any of the many other mountain
lakes within the vicinity. Orientation and safety instruction will
take place before and during the outings.
Kayaking
The Inuit who used this extremely lightweight and maneuverable craft
to gain the advantage of speed when hunting prey first invented
kayaks. This native innovation has lasted the test of time and today
is used for sport and recreation. On the lake or upstream on one
of the many creeks and rivers in the area, youth will learn the
fine art and coordination of kayaking.
Fishing
The local mountain fishing lakes are home to Lake Trout, Kokanee
and Dolly Varden and offer a peaceful and tranquil setting in which
to harvest or catch and release natures abundance. There's nothing
like the calm silence of early morning, the sound of a large trout
breaking the surface and the sound of line peeling of your reel.
Fish average between 2 lb.- 5 lb. and fishing adventures will include
fly-fishing, casting and trolling methods to offer a well-rounded
fishing experience.
Back Country Adventures
Outdoor mountain adventures are a specialty for our experienced
wilderness guides and Youth Counsellors. Venture Academy accesses
local, regional and national parks and protected areas that offer
visitors some of the most spectacular trail systems and mind absorbing
scenery anywhere. Participants will enjoy environmental education
as well as frequent and entertaining exercises in team building
and initiative tasks.
Hiking
A pinnacle of outdoor fitness, hiking presents one of the most physically
demanding pastimes going. Endurance, agility and perseverance are
tested through forests, across streams or across trail blazed mountain
peaks. Our guides and support staff, provide direction, skill development
and encouragement to students to make this adventure a success.
Some preparation and conditioning is required in the days and weeks
prior to embarking. But the effort is worth it.
Mountain Biking
From the Kettle Valley Railway to single track canyon ridges our
staff and trail systems ensure many memorable rides. Lightweight
bikes and gear provide full maneuverability for traversing rugged
trail-ways or gliding down well-worn access trails. A thrill for
beginner or seasoned riders.
Rock Climbing
Venture Academy provides an introductory session including instruction
on belaying; anchoring and basic climbing techniques before venturing
forth to try newly acquired skills in the Canadian outback.
Winter Activities
Our main athletic outlet in the winter is the ski hill. Big White
Ski Resort is the largest ski and snowboarding resort between Whistler,
B.C. and Banff, Alberta. With an annual snowfall of over 24 feet,
and runs for Novice, Intermediate and Advanced skiers, Big White
is the perfect place to cruise through acres of glades or challenge
the bowls filled with the resort's famous champagne powder. With
four high-speed quad chairs, a gondola and over 100 runs, skiers
and boarders alike will be whisked to the top of the mountain to
enjoy seemingly endless excitement in an Okanagan winter wonderland.
Each Venture Academy youth is provided with a season's pass as well
as return transportation to Big White.
Skiing & Snow Boarding
Groomed runs, moguls, glades, fresh powder or easy cuts; take your
pick. Venture Academy staff will guide you to the runs best suited
to your level of ability. Snowboarders make up approximately 50
% of season pass holders at Big White. Terrain parks, half pipes
or waist deep champagne powder proves a fantastic setting to learn
the sport or perform to your best ability. Professional ski and
snowboard lessons are available.
Cross Country Skiing
Hot chocolate and a warm fire is a priority after this rigorous
leg and upper body workout. No lift lines here - only miles of wilderness
trail networks to offer students the opportunity to experience guided
expeditions through Scrub Pine plateaus, across open snow-covered
plain, and into secluded lakes and ponds.
Snowshoeing
Participants will experience this traditional method of winter travel
using modern day equipment on groomed trail systems. Trekkers can
explore at their own pace, trails that wind through forested hillsides
and across open meadows, and through pine and aspen forests which
are home to deer, coyote, fox, and elk. These trail networks are
perfect for beginners with their gentle slopes and easy access and
provide more challenging routes for the more experienced. An anticipated
activity during a winter campout.
Note: Please check with us to determine which activities are schedule for when your child is in the program. Emotional and behavioural stability is required to participate in group outings. Not all activites described may not be accessed. Please check with Venture Academy for the recreation schedule.
Many parents experience their child resisting family activities and events. Additionally those same teens may not be engaging in sports or recreational activities or other activities that they used to engage in like music etc. The focus has changed. Time is spent on the computer, texting, just hanging out or staying out late and putting themselves in risky or dangerous situations. Their lifestyle has become unhealthy and unproductive.