Take the Leap: An Adventurous Journey with The YES and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

At The YES, we believe growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone—and there’s no better place to do that than in the wild beauty of British Columbia. That’s why we’re proud to offer the Adventurous Journey component of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award as part of our programming.

Whether you’re working toward your Bronze, Silver, or Gold level, our Adventurous Journeys are more than just a requirement—they’re an unforgettable experience.

Why Join an Adventurous Journey with The YES?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award challenges young people to grow through service, skill-building, physical activity, and outdoor adventure. Our role is to bring the Adventurous Journey to life in a fun, inclusive, and deeply meaningful way.

When you join us, you’ll embark on a 2-4 day overnight hiking trip with a group of fellow youth. You’ll learn how to work together, navigate with a map and compass, set up camp, cook in teams, and most importantly, discover what you’re truly capable of. This adventure will leave you with a sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for nature, as well as lasting friendships formed through shared challenges and triumphs.

Nature: The Best Classroom There Is

Spending time outdoors is more than just a break from screens and schedules—it’s a proven way to reduce stress, build confidence, and boost your mood. Out on the trail, distractions fall away, and you start to notice things: the sound of birds in the morning, the rhythm of your footsteps, the way the stars look when there’s no city light. For many of our participants, this is where they begin to feel most like themselves.

Building Teamwork and Leadership

Our Adventurous Journeys aren’t solo treks—they’re team efforts. You’ll be part of a small group where collaboration is key. From figuring out the best route to encouraging each other through a tough climb, you’ll learn what it means to support others and lead with empathy.

The YES facilitators are there to guide, not lecture. We encourage youth to take initiative, problem-solve, and reflect on how they show up as leaders and teammates. These are skills that stick with you long after the journey ends.

A Meaningful Step Toward Your Award—and Your Future

Completing the Adventurous Journey is a major step toward earning your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a globally recognized achievement that shows initiative, dedication, and personal growth. But more than that, it’s a moment in your life when you did something real, something hard, and something worth remembering.

Many of our participants tell us the journey was their favourite part of the program—not because it was easy, but because it showed them how strong and capable they really are.

Complete Your Duke of Ed Gold Project with Us

For participants working toward their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, we also offer an opportunity to complete your Gold Project at The YES summer camp. This week-long experience invites Gold participants to participate in a meaningful leadership opportunity while contributing to a vibrant camp community. Whether you’re helping support programming, co-leading activities, or diving into a behind-the-scenes role, your time at camp will be spent building confidence, gaining real-world leadership experience, and making a difference in the lives of others. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by other passionate young leaders, supportive facilitators, and the kind of positive energy that makes The YES a truly special place to grow.

Ready to go on an Adventurous Journey with Us?

If you're between the ages of 14–18 and are working on your Duke of Ed Award, we’d love to have you join us. The YES runs Adventurous Journeys throughout the spring, summer, and fall in stunning locations across British Columbia.

No outdoor experience is necessary—just a willingness to try, grow, and connect!

Visit our Duke of Ed Award webpage to learn more!