Core Programs are divided between four distinct categories (Creative, Leadership, Adventure and Recreation) to ensure a diversity of activities that enhance the group experience. Most groups will select six Core Programs (for 3-day and weekend visits) or eight Core Programs (for 4 or 5-day visits).
Core Program activity instruction is provided by experienced and qualified Wenonah staff members.
Creative Programs
Using natural materials found in the surrounding forests, participants will have the opportunity to create their own personalized dreamcatcher unique to them. Throughout the lesson, participants will be guided through basic weaving & wrapping techniques. A unique take away from your trip to Wenonah!
Focus: Individual Expression, Hand/Eye Coordination
Participants will discover the basics of tie dying techniques to create their very own vibrant and colourful keepsake from their trip to Wenonah! Bring your own t-shirt with you or purchase one from our onsite General Store.
Focus: Individual Expression, Hand/Eye Coordination, Creativity
Through a series of interactive activities, students will explore how creativity, expression, and perspective shape our understanding of how we produce and view natural art. Then using natural elements including sticks, stones, leaves, and sand, participants are challenged to create temporary arts installations and sculptures which draw on the unique beauty of our forests and land.
Focus: Teamwork, Natural Exploration, Creativity
The opportunity for self-expression, creativity, improvisation, and fun is emphasized in our Drama Games program. Participants are encouraged to explore their imagination and creativity through a series of creative games and skits which build individual skills in a safe and inclusive environment.
Focus: Expression, Voice Projection, Movement
Participants begin the activity by sketching out a favourite design of their choice onto a wooden disc or block. Next, using a hammer and finishing nails, participants outline their design to create a dynamic 3-D shape before tracing their design using coloured thread. A unique activity for participants to take home with them at the end of Wenonah!
Focus: Individual Expression, Creativity, Hand/Eye Coordination
A classic for many, participants learn a variety of techniques to create their own unique cord or hemp bracelet, lanyard, zipper pulls or keychains! A unique and relaxing activity to celebrate your trip to Wenonah!
Focus: Individual Expression, Hand/Eye Coordination, Creativity
Leadership Programs
In this series of fun and interactive games, students work as a team to complete a variety of challenging and creative initiative tasks that encourage communication, leadership, and laughs amongst the group.
Focus: Inclusivity, Open Mindedness, Respect, Community Building
An exciting team building activity were participants are blindfolded and must work together in small teams to make their way from one end of the forest to the other by following a roped trail through naturally occurring obstacles along their path.
Focus: Trust, Communication & Listening, Natural Exploration
Our trained facilitators begin the program by teaching participants about the safe use of climbing equipment including helmets, harnesses, ropes, and belaying apparatus. Once the essentials are thoroughly covered, each participant is then encouraged to work towards their own goals on the wall with the encouragement and support of the group.
Focus: Trust, Goal Setting, Communication, Teamwork, Perseverance
Our bouldering wall allows participants the opportunity to have all the physical benefits of rock climbing without the height! With growing popularity in the climbing community, this form of ‘traverse’ style climbing allows participants to practice climbing manoeuvers at a safe and low distance from the ground.
Focus: Fitness, Teamwork, Trust, Perseverance
Participants work in teams to begin at the bottom of the Dangle-A-Maze structure to uncover the most efficient way to get team members to the top in a safe, supportive and trusting environment. Our trained facilitators begin the program by teaching participants about the safe use of climbing equipment including helmets, harnesses, ropes, and belaying apparatus.
Focus: Trust, Goal Setting, Communication, Teamwork, and Perseverance
This interactive workshop introduces participants to the personality spectrum which fosters the discovery and understanding of individual personality types, values, and behaviours. Sharing these discoveries with peers through a series of learning tasks allows the group to explore the art of collaboration and how a diverse group of people with different thoughts, ideas, and experiences can work together towards positive change.
Focus: Inclusivity, Open Mindedness, Respect, Self-Discovery, Real World Take Away
Participants are divided into two regions split apart by conflict, where they must create, develop and share a variety of standards such as a flag, currency, language, food and social structure. Facilitators guide participants through a series of challenges that help to navigate the differences between groups with the end goal of reuniting the conflicting regions of Wenonahtopia as one.
Focus: Inclusivity, Open Mindedness, Respect, Conflict Resolution, Innovation
Adventure Programs
Building on hand/eye coordination skills, our archery program allows participants to learn how to properly load, aim, and fire a bow while participating in fun games that teach the principles and standards of safe arching.
Focus: Hand Eye Coordination, Communication & Listening, Perseverance
Working in small teams, using the traditional methods of map and compass navigation, participants head out around our site to locate as many marker points as they can find.
Focus: Natural Exploration, Teamwork, Curiosity, Leave No Trace Travel, Hand Eye Coordination
Working in small teams, participants learn the basics of GPS navigation including satellite triangulation and waypoint marking before heading out to discover hidden geocaches around our site.
Focus: Natural Exploration, Teamwork, Curiosity, Leave No Trace Travel, Hand Eye Coordination
Located at our onsite camping space, participants learn basic skills of campsite cooking on either a camping stove or open fire. Participants are challenged to create their own delicious snacks while complying with “leave no trace” camping principles.
Focus: Skill Development, Natural Exploration, Fire Safety, Leave No Trace Principles
Working in teams, participants must utilize natural materials to build their own safe and effective shelters that protect against the elements of the outdoors.
Focus: Skill Development, Natural Exploration, Co-operation, Creativity
Fostering a healthy respect for the wilderness and developing outdoor survival skills, participants utilize flint and steel kits, to learn how to safely build, light, and maintain a fire in the outdoors.
Focus: Skill Development, Natural Exploration, Fire Safety, Leave No Trace Principles
Recreation Programs
Participants dodge, run, and jump as part of this high energy, recreational program at our established Gaga Ball pit located in a unique portion of the Wenonah forest. Participants take part in proper stretching technique and skills training prior to their participation in organized tournaments and group games.
Focus: Strategy, Co-operation, Fun!
Located along a beautiful section of the Canadian Shield, enjoy 18 holes of mini golf on our professionally designed and built course. After basic putting technique instruction, enjoy a recreational round OR take part in a challenge match including team scores, alternate shot, match play, and our Wenonah Ryder Cup program.
Focus: Strategy, Co-operation, Fun!
Adapted from traditional mini golf goals and structure, improve your hand/eye coordination skills as you travel around the Wenonah site attempting a low score on our 18 hole frisbee golf course. Participants take part in basic frisbee skills before they set out in teams to accomplish their goal.
Focus: Strategy, Co-operation, Fun!
This fun team activity mixes features from a number of classic sports into one simple but exhilarating game! Groups are taught basic techniques of throwing and catching skills before playing this fast-paced game that is sure to get everyone moving!
Focus: Strategy, Co-operation, Fun!