On Duke of Ed Bronze Award

On June 10th 2025, I embarked on a four-day canoe trip in Algonquin park. This first-time camping adventure pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me reach new goals I never thought I was capable of. 

In the week leading up to the trip, I spent hours researching useful tips, what to bring and wear, how to stay warm at night while sleeping outside and even the difference between a bow and stern. My mom and I also went from store to store making sure I had all the necessary equipment so we could be as prepared as possible

 We arrived in Algonquin around noon on Monday, and after meeting our groups we were out on the water. Our counselors guided us carefully on the canoes and made sure we were relaxed and confident. 

At our first campsite, the guides helped us set up our tents and put our camping necessities into our “dry bags” and “wet bags”. In my dry bag, I was expected to put: my sweaters, shirts and leggings, my pillow, my toothbrush and toothpaste, personal care items, “dry shoes”  and my sleeping bag and blanket that was provided to me. My wet bag was reserved for wet shoes and plastic quick-drying articles of clothing. 

Each day, two campers were assigned roles to support the counselors: “cooks” prepared the meals, “scrubs”, washed dishes, the “navigators” guided us during portaging and canoeing, and the "architects" set up and took down the tents. On the first night, my partner and I were assigned to wash the dishes with only a bucket of bleach water, soap, and a single sponge to work with. 

Our mornings began not with alarms, but with the sunrise and birdsong. We had around 30 minutes to pack our belongings and tents, change and eat breakfast. Every day the cooks would make the food from scratch, with the few ingredients we had while cooking it over the fire. We were served pancakes, eggs, toast and oatmeal. Although it was challenging to get everyone ready so quickly, we managed. 

The canoeing itself was intimidating at first, as I had never been on the water without an adult. My partners and I were nervous about capsizing, but those fears quickly faded when we saw the breathtaking view around us. The image of the reflection of the sun on the still lakes was etched in my memory. 

Portaging, on the other hand, tested my physical strength and determination. Carrying canoes and 30 pound bags was exhausting, but by pushing through I built resilience and discovered strengths I didn’t know I had. 

My favorite part of the trip came at the end of the day, watching the beautiful sunset by the shore. The skies were a striking pink and orange and reflected on the still, glassy water. I realised that while at home, constantly consumed by my phone, I rarely took time to appreciate the beauty of nature. This trip made me truly grateful, as it helped me slow down and take a moment to reconnect with the world around me. 

The nighttime brought new challenges. I felt cold, homesick, scared of being out in the wild at night. Yet even in these difficult moments, I reminded myself of the purpose of this trip, to grow by pushing myself out of my comfort zone. This helped me get through each night and overcome these doubts. 

Looking back, I realise that every day of this trip was a privilege. I was able to see the beauty of Algonquin Park, connect with people that I have never talked to before, and most importantly, reconnect with myself. These four days without social media reminded me to slow down, live in the moment, and appreciate everything around me, and no matter how hard things get, to push myself to keep going. I am so grateful that I was able to have this privileged experience that I will cherish forever.