Western Educational Adventure Society (the Society) believes that well designed and delivered outdoor education programs impart youth with confidence, independence and positive learning attitudes and skills. As well, outdoor education programs increase youth appreciation for the natural world and can instill the importance of preserving our natural environment. If executed properly, outdoor education programs provide excellent venues for youth to: a) reconnect with nature, b) become physically aware of themselves and their surroundings, c) enhance interpersonal skills, d) lower anxiety/stress levels and e) increase individual health. These programs encourage problem solving and both individual and cooperative thinking. As an added bonus, not only do these outdoor programs enhance the lives of the youth participating in the programs, but also the lives of the youth’s families and society as a whole, imparting a keen sense of community and a sincere appreciation for the natural world.
Providing consistent, safe and fun outdoor education programming with properly certified and quality staff entails significant cost. As such, many families do not have the financial resources necessary to send their youth on such programs. The Society believes that all youth should benefit from high quality outdoor education programs, regardless of their economic background. In partnership with our primary outdoor education service provider and with additional funding from various organizations, the Society is able to help fund, and in some cases fully fund, the financial cost of superior outdoor education experiences for financially underprivileged youth.
Our primary service provider, Western Educational Adventures Incorporated (WEA) runs the outdoor programs the Society and our sponsors fund, including multiday kayaking, canoeing and hiking expeditions on and adjacent to Vancouver Island. WEA has the best Facebook, parent, participant and organization reviews in the outdoor education industry on Vancouver Island ( WEA reviews ). WEA's staff are highly experienced, highly certified and the highest paid in the outdoor education industry - ensuring consistent, safe and fun outdoor education programming for the Society. As well, WEA provides significant logistical and admnistrative suppport to the Society and a significant cost savings to Society sponsored program participants.
