The outdoor skills programs at YMCA Cedar Glen offer participants the opportunity to develop a variety of skills. From rock climbing to orienteering to mountain biking, YMCA Cedar Glen has the outdoor adventure for you!

Map orienteering
Participants will learn to use a map for navigation, including recognition of many important aspects of a map: legend, scale, title and the compass rose. They will also learn how to orient the map to represent their direction of travel and recognize major landmarks or terrain features. A competitive challenge course will put these skills to use as participants collect clues and unscramble a secret message.

Compass orienteering
Participants will be instructed in the basics of compass orienteering and navigation. Everything from finding magnetic north, setting and following a bearing and the “leapfrog” system will be covered before participants will use their new skills to explore Cedar Glen in search of a hidden message.

Shelter building
Participants will work together to build a livable shelter. They will discuss what makes a good shelter and how one protects against heat transfer and heat loss.

Fire building
In the outdoor living skills program, participants will practice their survival skills in a safe and nurturing environment. Participants will learn the essential skills necessary to starting and maintaining a safe campfire by utilizing natural materials found in Cedar Glen’s unique ecosystem.

Once the fire is lit, participants will make a pot of cedar tea and learn about the life-saving benefits and Aboriginal cultural importance of the cedar tree.

Crash in Bear Country
Crash in Bear Country combines the skills developed in orienteering, shelter building and fire building to solve a survival scenario. The exercise begins with the group trying to decide which items to take on their journey. Some items are better than others, but the group must reach a consensus before continuing.

Archery
Participants will explore the history of archery and cultural importance of the bow for hunting and warfare in many early cultures. They will be instructed in safe, effective use of archery equipment.

Nature hike
Participants will participate on a guided hike throughout the property. Our extensive network of trails is filled with plant and animal life, providing a host of teachable moments.

From examining beaver dams and nesting gall flies to searching for tracks, a hike at YMCA Cedar Glen is always full of hands-on natural lessons!

Seasonal programs

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing hikes can be lead by Cedar Glen staff during the winter when the snow is deep enough.

Tobogganing
Enjoy speeding down the hill behind the Main Lodge!

Swimming
Join our lifeguards for a cool break during the hot summer months.

Evening programs

Inuit games
Students participate in a variety of fun-filled cultural games from Canada’s north, including musk-ox wrestling, Makpigamimait, Bilboquet and the head pull.

Night hike
Students will re-discover Cedar Glen with a fantastic exploration of the property in the dark. Exposure to the sounds and science of nocturnal animals and some unique quirks of human physiology will keep the students engaged and interested as the hike proceeds.

If you are looking for more programming choices, read about our Leadership and Team Building or Outdoor Education programs.