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History - The Roots
"I started Fireside Adventures because I wanted to offer people opportunities to explore, develop an appreciation of our natural world and to learn leadership skills. I also wanted to provide an outdoor experience where people could be challenged on their principles, strive for their potential and learn to be strong leaders.
Fireside Adventures has blossomed into a reputable program with a unique and personal feeling for everyone to enjoy. It is my way of blending the best of my own experiences, knowledge of leadership and gratitude to those who guided me along my own path.
I was told once to look into the fire to see the future…I saw many things…I saw Fireside Adventures.
Leadership is for everyone." Fireside Founder - Jeff Willis
A Simple and Genuine Start
After working in Japan and Germany developing youth leadership projects for international camps, I felt it was time to start my own program. What I needed was a name.
The name "Fireside" came from many evenings I spent around the campfire with friends and fellow campers debriefing the adventure we had that day. Sitting by the campfire signifies just one of many elements of an outdoor adventure.
In 2005, Fireside Adventures successfully piloted two 21-day leadership programs. "Big Sky" was our Peace River, Alberta program and "Big Tree" was our Vancouver Island, BC program. During our first summer, a number of youth from across Europe and Canada participated in our programs where they paddled down the mighty Peace River, hiked the muddy trails of Cape Scott and all had an incredible experience.
In 2006, we decided to run another Peace River program called Big Sky North. Youth paddled down the spirited Smokey River and continued into the majestic Peace River. This 21-day program gave us the energy and enthusiasm to attempt a 28-day program the following year. The youth were able to develop their leadership skills in one of Canada's most beautiful locations. This would turn out to be our last summer in the Peace Country as we turned our attention to British Columbia's West Coast.
In 2007, I decided step aside to focus on other aspects of Creative Toolbox. Mike Kent took on the role as Lead Instructor and guided our leadership youth on a 28-day program. Under Mike's guidance, the ‘Big Canoe’ group paddled in canoes through Clayoquot Sound (near Tofino) for 14 days, hiked up the Wedge Trail near Whistler, slept under the stars every night and saw more wildlife than expected. Mike also contributed to our new Fireside's curriculum, policies and direction.
In 2008, Fireside International Leadership was held in Germany in collaboration with Camp Adventure. Youth from across the globe came together to hike across a part of Bavaria, participate in leadership training and to have an international experience.
2009 was an incredible year for Fireside Adventures. We expanded into Ontario and offered two leadership programs, one of which was a stellar 21-day adventure where youth paddled Algonquin and Killarney Parks and the French River. We also piloted a successful 21-day International/ESL leadership program in BC along with a 14-day 'Big Island Leadership' program that took youth to remote Cape Scott to the famous beaches of Tofino on Vancouver Island.
In 2010 we continued to expand our programs in Ontario and British Columbia from introducing a bike touring trip on Galiano Island, hiking the Juan De Fuca trail and paddling Temagami in Ontario. We also provided programs for private groups.
In 2011, we are strengthening our ESL and International programs, offering more guided trips in Ontario and British Columbia as well as returning to Alberta to run an eco-leadership program for alumni and young adults. We are also working with Duke of Edinburgh Awards to offer a trip in Saskatchewan. Finally we have simplified our programs by categorizing programs in three main streams: Quest, Explorer and FireFly.
In light of all this growth, it is important to acknowledge that Fireside Adventures would not be successful if it was not for all the youth and parents who continue to invest their time, energy, trust and money. Thank you!
Finally, Fireside Adventures has been provided with financial funding from a number of associations and supportive citizens. We are especially grateful to the Vancouver Police Union, KidStart and Ten Thousand Villages who helped pay and pave the way for some of our participants. Thank you!
2005 - 2010 Special Thanks To:
- Woolley Family
- Vancouver Police Union
- KidStart Mentoring program
- Ten Thousand Villages
- The Lunn and Stuart Families
- Tyson Shmyr
- Katti, Krystle, Lindsey, Mike, Helene, Sophie, Angela, Jill, Amanda, Kim, Jon and Sarah
- Boys and Girls Club of Canada
- Tzu Chi Foundation
- Lucy Woodworth Foundation
- Freedom Quest
- Creekmore Coffee
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