YOUTH WILDERNESS COURSES
bedrock
Ages 9-10 | Entering Grades 4 or 5
BEDROCK is an introductory Coldwater experience for kids ages 9–10. This program is based out of Camp Norland and focuses on developing healthy friendships, an adventurous spirit and a solid faith foundation. BEDROCK participants will sleep in cabins, get to swim, canoe, learn new songs and enjoy campfires. Each participant will receive biblical teaching, have an opportunity to pray and learn basic ways of journaling. BEDROCK participants will get to experience the fun of a wilderness adventure by spending a full day away from camp where they will cook over a fire, canoe on a northern Ontario lake, sleep in a tent and stargaze at night. Join us for a fun week-long adventure this summer!
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Dates: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
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Location: Camp Norland in Verner, ON
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Cost: $528 (2024 Price)
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Arrival: Between 2:00-2:30 PM (Program begins at 3:00 PM)
Pick-Up/Departure: Between 10:00–10:30 AM
bedrock explore
Ages 11-12 | Entering Grades 6 or 7
BEDROCK EXPLORE is for kids ages 11-12 looking for an outdoor adventure. Participants will begin their experience at camp participating in BEDROCK rhythms including sleeping in cabins, swimming, learning new songs and enjoying campfires while also preparing for a wilderness adventure. Students will then be transported to a local lake where they will camp for 2 nights. Students will cook over a fire, canoe on a Northern Ontario lake, sleep in a tent and stargaze at night. This wilderness experience will focus on forming healthy friendships, developing an adventurous spirit, learning new wilderness skills and establishing a faith foundation. The final evening of BEDROCK EXPLORE will be back at Camp Norland where students will celebrate their week together!
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BEDROCK EXPLORE participants will be supported by trained Coldwater leaders. We are confident this will be a great next step in exploring wilderness camping and helping to prepare your child for future adventures and Coldwater wilderness trips. If you think this is a good fit for your child, secure your spot today!
Dates: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
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Location: Camp Norland in Verner, ON
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Cost: $528 (2024 Price)
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Arrival: Between 2:00-2:30 PM (Program begins at 3:00 PM)
Pick-Up/Departure: Between 10:00–10:30 AM
CAIRN
Ages 12-13 | Entering Grade 7 or 8
A “cairn” is a pile of rocks purposefully left behind for us to see which way the trail goes. Knowing how to recognize a dependable path and having the courage to take it is one of the biggest challenges for young people. These themes will be explored during CAIRN - our five-day/four-night canoe trip for junior high students who want to step out and explore what a wilderness adventure is all about. On your trip, you will paddle remote lakes, portage over rugged trails, cook your own food and sleep under the stars! There will be time to learn about God, read passages in the Bible and journal your thoughts. You will learn how to solve problems and make decisions with your group. Come prepared to develop meaningful friendships, experience growth and have fun in the wilderness!
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BOYS:
Session I: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
Session II: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
GIRLS:
Session I: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
Session II: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
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Location: Temagami Area, ON
(Beginning and Ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
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Cost: $540 (2024 Cost)
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Arrival: Between 2:00-2:30 PM (Program begins at 3:00)
Pick-Up/Departure: Between 10:00-10:30 AM
GRIDIRON
Ages 14-15 | Entering Grade 9 or 10
‘Gridiron’ is an old explorers’ word that means “a narrow passage leading to a larger path on a journey.” This six-day/five-night wilderness canoe trip is for students entering grade 9 or 10, a critical season that sets the tone for the rest of high school and beyond. GRIDIRON will help you create and meet goals setting you up to navigate high school with purpose and confidence. You will have the opportunity to develop a relationship with God, form deep friendships with others and grow as the unique person God has created you to be. Come prepared to learn wilderness skills, be challenged and have a character-forming adventure!
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BOYS:
Session I: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
Session II: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
GIRLS:
Session I: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
Session II: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
*Boys and Girls trips may be combined depending on registration numbers
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Location: Temagami Area, ON
(Beginning and Ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
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Cost: $630 (2024 Cost)
Arrival: Between 2:00-2:30 PM (Program begins at 3:00)
Pick-Up/Departure: Between 10:00-10:30 AM
COMPASS
Ages 16-18 | Entering Grade 11, 12 OR a RECENT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
COMPASS is a wilderness canoeing experience for high school students with a focus on self-discovery, leadership development and spiritual formation. This program is for those who want to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zone and have real opportunities to lead. In this course you will have the opportunity to deepen your relationship with God, develop your character, grow in self-awareness and form healthy friendships.
While journeying through the wilderness classroom, you will have space for journaling, reading the Bible, sitting by a campfire, sharing stories and connecting with God in silence and solitude. You will overcome challenges with your group and will learn useful wilderness and leadership skills, all while being immersed in pristine wilderness.
COMPASS will help you understand where you are, decide where you want to go and equip you with skills to get there. Set your bearing on COMPASS this summer!
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CO-ED:
Session I: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
Session II: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
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Location: Temagami Area, ON
(Beginning and ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
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Cost: $810 (2024 Cost)
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Arrival: Between 2:00-2:30 PM (Program begins at 3:00)
Pick-Up/Departure: Between 10:00-10:30 AM
ignite
Ages 16-18 | Entering Grade 11, 12 OR a RECENT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
IGNITE is a leadership experience for high school students designed to “ignite” service and leadership in their lives. This four-week program consists of two phases: ACE, a 16-day wilderness experience and SERVE, a week of hands-on leadership during our BEDROCK program.
Phase I: Adventure Challenge Expedition (ACE)
This wilderness canoeing expedition is an adventure that will challenge you to grow mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally and spiritually. On ACE, you will have numerous opportunities to hone your wilderness skills and grow as a young leader. We will explore how Jesus led and what it means to lead as a young person. Get excited to form deep relationships, learn how to grow your faith, embrace opportunities to lead, develop grit and nurture resilience. ​
Phase II: serve
Following ACE, you will return to Coldwater’s summer basecamp and will build off of your learning from the wilderness. Participants will receive intentional leadership training before being placed in a leadership role during our BEDROCK program where you will get to apply what you have learned. Serving during BEDROCK will also allow you to complete volunteer hours towards the community service requirement on your Ontario Secondary School diploma.
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We are confident that IGNITE will help you “level up,” propelling you into the years ahead ready to serve and lead. If you are looking to strengthen your faith, learn about leadership, grow in an intentional community and have some incredible fun, then IGNITE is for you!
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Date: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
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Location: Camp Norland in Verner, ON
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Cost: $2300 (2024 Cost)
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Arrival: Between 2:00-2:30 PM (Program begins at 3:00)
Pick-Up/Departure: Between 2:00-2:30 PM
SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!
Are you looking to send your child or even register yourself for a transformational wilderness experience but are held back by financial resources? Contact info@coldwatercanada.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities or complete a sponsorship application HERE.