Amy Twigge fell in love with the outdoors as a young person. After joining the Killarney Provincial Park Outdoor Ranger Program as a teen, she told Sudbury.com she not only found her place in the world, but her identity as well.
That’s why she leads Outward Bound Canada’s new courses that cater specifically to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Twigge, who is queer, said “being in nature and discovering my own inner strength helped me to confront the difficulties associated with being a teenager, including grappling with complex questions around identity.”
The outdoor education program includes three new seven-day courses, offering a safe and inclusive space for young people ages 16-19 who are interested in wilderness training and adventure, but may not feel comfortable.
Those classes are:
- Flatwater canoeing in Ontario from August 8-14
- Backpacking in the Rocky Mountains from August 1-7
- Sea kayaking on the West Coast from July 14-20
“By participating in a specific OBC 2SLGBTQ+ courses, young people who are asking complex questions about identity and belonging have the opportunity to have a transformative experience with other young people who are asking similar questions, as well as being exposed to potential mentors (instructors who also identify as 2SLGBTQ+),” said Twigge. “For those folks who are interested in exploring these activities, the added comfort of doing so with a group of youth facing similar questions around identity and belonging can lead to the forging of lasting bonds of community.”
As Outward Bound Canada is a registered charity, they look to ensure that cost is not an issue. In 2022, more than 70 per cent of participants received financial assistance.
Youth can access financial assistance through the Youth Access Fund, as well as the scholarship programs for youth who identify as a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Colour. Additionally, there is a new scholarship for youth of veteran families.
“Outward Bound offers youth the opportunity to develop resilience, leadership skills, and compassion by embarking on an OBC course that takes them out of their comfort zone,” said Twigge, noting that the course is designed to have a lasting and measurable impact. “Students improve their mental and physical health while learning how to overcome challenges to thrive, they learn skills necessary to succeed in school, work and life by becoming more confident, collaborative and a respectful team member, “and they will gain and a stronger connection to nature by learning Leave No Trace principles while in the backcountry,” she said.
You can find more information about the programs by visiting outwardbound.ca
Jenny Lamothe covers the vulnerable and marginalized communities for Sudbury.com
