Breaking Borders

In collaboration with Outward Bound Canada, Breaking Borders is a program that hopes to equip young adult cancer survivors with important life skills that will aid in the transition into the worlds of work and higher education through a challenging, group-directed outdoor adventure experience. Pushing participants out of their comfort zone, we hope they will find support amongst their fellow peers to persevere, gain self-confidence, and learn that growth occurs when we reach outside ourselves and break down borders.

Who this program is for

• Young adults aged 19 (as of May 2025) to 25 years old who have had a cancer diagnosis
• Live in British Columbia
• Ready to commit to attending 4 of the 5 monthly virtual sessions and weeklong trip at the end of May

Applications are open until November 1, 2024.

Program overview

Breaking Borders was developed to address the young adult population of childhood cancer survivors transitioning from pediatric care into adult follow-up. Through this program, we aim to equip participants with the necessary life skills needed to aid in this difficult transition by providing an opportunity to take on a challenge of an outdoor expedition that allows them to build grit, self-confidence, perseverance, and other valuable skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

This is done through a series of buildup sessions which culminates in an end of program expedition. Over the course of 5 months, participants will meet virtually for sessions that will help aid them in the preparation for their weeklong final expedition. This expedition is done through collaboration with Outward Bound, an organization committed to helping Canadian youth develop resilience, social competence, and environmental awareness through experiential adventures in the outdoors. Our monthly sessions will cover a variety of topics such as trip planning, what gear to pack, how meals are planned, etc. Through this experience, our participants will walk away from the program not only with tangible life skills, but also an increased sense of self that one attains only from embarking on an outdoor adventure.

“I went into Breaking Borders hoping to push myself outside of my comfort zone mentally, physically, and socially. Truthfully, I was doubtful of how impactful the experience would be. To say it exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. I still reflect on my experiences often and relate them to my everyday struggles to remind myself that I can be resilient, handle challenges, and connect with others on a deeper level than I thought possible. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in this amazing adventure and discover the strength within myself.”

 – 2023/24 Breaking Borders Participant

Trip Expectations

Physical expectations while on trip (The Breaking Borders cohort will decided as a group if we embark on a water or land based expedition):

• If water based
  • Be able to sleep several nights in a tent shared by other young adults
  • Be able to sit in a sea kayak for up to 3 hours per day
  • Be able to be outside for a full day
• If land based
  • Be able to sleep several nights in a tent shared by other young adults
  • Be able to walk several kilometers per day
  • Be able to carry a backpack with their belongings/gear/food
  • Be able to be outside for a full day

Past Cohort Trips

• 2024 – Sea kayaking and camping in Desolation Sound
• 2023 – Sea Kayaking and camping in Tofino
• 2022- Kayaking and camping trip in Revelstoke, BC
• 2021 – Multi-day camping and hiking trip summiting Mount Edward Albert