OSHAWA -- The 21st Oshawa Venturer company will be honoured by Lieutenant-Governor David Onley at Queen's Park in Toronto on Nov. 17. The group won the Amory Adventure Award, presented by Scouts Canada, in first place this year for their expedition in Green River, Utah.
Normally, the ceremony is held for winners of the Queen's Venturer award, which goes to members who have demonstrated distinguished excellence in leadership.
But this year the Amory Adventure Award winners are being specially added to the event.
Venturers are young men and women, ages 14-17, from all over Canada who engage in various challenging outdoor activities including mountain biking, rock-climbing, hiking and camping.
"It was a rarity for all three finalists to be from Ontario," said Venturer adviser Karl Holiday.
Requirements for award contenders include initiative and effort when preparing for and during the activity, fulfilment of purpose for the trip and an illustrated log that effectively captures the adventure.
Mr. Holiday said he thinks it was the two-year planning prior to the trip that won the Venturer company the award. After months of training, each of the 10 participants achieved Ontario Recreational Canoeing Association Certification for Flatwater and Canoe Tripping as well as Standard First Aid and CPR certification. They also collected more than $8,000 through fundraisers that they organized themselves.
"It wasn't something a bunch of adults put together and then dragged them along to," said Mr. Holiday. "They did all the work themselves."
Out on the river, the team had its ups and downs. Amidst the beautiful scenery, they also faced merciless currents, stormy weather, two flat tires and rocks that split a hole in the side of one canoe.
"I'm incredibly proud of them, they did an amazing job," said Mr. Holiday. "They handled all the challenges that were put before them like adults. It was very satisfying to see the stuff we have been trying to teach them for the past seven to eight years actually happening."
More than 78,000 young people enjoy Scouts Canada's programs, which are available due to tireless efforts from 24,000 volunteers.