Getting Fit and Staying Fit
Physical health is an important component of overall mental health and wellness especially troubled teens who may be experiencing anxiety, depression drug use, etc. The research is overwhelming that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind and spirit. We incorporate a focused and intensive fitness regime created specifically for our students by experinced fitness club owners and trainers. Treadmill at 30% effort? No. Weight machine with a half hearted attitude? No. Personal trainers and coaches focus on strength and conditioning with specifically designed classes for our students.
“But my child has dropped all activities and won’t do anything!” No problem. Our staff are skilled and experienced at engaging resistant youth. Our residential treatment program for troubled teens has been assisting teens in becoming more healthy since 2001.
100% of youth in our program agree and strongly agree that they are more healthy in the program as compared to before the program. Parents agree 100% as well!
We love fitness so much two of our staff are certified fitness specialists. Call to find out who.
Joey says: “I’m in the best shape of my life!”
The sunny Okanagan Valley in Southern British Columbia is a recreational paradise offering breathtaking scenery, warm lakes, sandy beaches and a pristine mountain setting – all of which combine to make it truly Mother Nature’s playground. An awesome environment for healing and getting back on track.
Kids make full use of the area’s natural resources as well as integrate into numerous community facilities. This offers them opportunities to discover and pursue new interests and create lifelong memories of exciting experiences. Venture Academy’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program offers youth beneficial and healthy alternatives to existing behavioural patterns.
Summer Activities
Swimming
Frequent trips to the lake for a quick dip or a leisurely swim are par for the course to offset the often sunny, hot conditions.
Wakeboarding
Extremely popular in the Okanagan, exciting water sports provide a chance for students to experience the unique thrill of skimming over the wide open lake surface.
Gotta try it at least once!
Stand Up Paddleboarding – SUP
An emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage SUP looks like standing up and paddling on what looks like a large surfboard. On the glistening, blue waters of Okanagan Lake or Lake Simcoe the art and skill of SUP will be just part of the memorable Venture Academy experience.
Whitewater Rafting
For those who heed the call of the wilderness, our whitewater rafting excursions hearkens back to the pioneer adventures of old and offers a ride not soon to be forgotten. Participants will be taken through safety guidelines and instructed on whitewater etiquette. In addition to storming through a frenzied maelstrom of river canyon.
Canoeing
Participants will taste the freedom of packing a lunch and setting offshore in a canoe for a daytrip along the scenic shoreline. Orientation and safety instruction take place before and during the outings.
Kayaking
The Inuit who used this extremely lightweight and maneuverable craft to gain the advantage of speed when hunting prey first invented kayaks. This native innovation has lasted the test of time and today is used for sport and recreation. Youth will learn the fine art and coordination of kayaking.
Fishing
The local mountain fishing lakes are home to Lake Trout, Kokanee and Dolly Varden and offer a peaceful and tranquil setting in which to harvest or catch and release nature’s abundance. There’s nothing like the calm silence of early morning and then the sound of a large trout breaking the surface.
Back Country Adventures
Venture Academy accesses local, regional and national parks and protected areas that offer visitors some of the most spectacular trail systems and mind absorbing scenery anywhere. Participants will enjoy environmental education as well as frequent and entertaining exercises in team building and initiative tasks.
Hiking
A pinnacle of outdoor fitness, hiking presents one of the most physically demanding pastimes going. Endurance, agility and perseverance are tested through forests, across streams or across trail blazed mountain peaks. Our staff provide direction, skill development and encouragement to students to make this adventure a success. Some preparation and conditioning is required. The effort is worth it.
Mountain Biking
From the Kettle Valley Railway to single-track canyon ridges our staff and trail systems ensure many memorable rides. Lightweight bikes and gear provide full maneuverability for traversing rugged trail-ways or gliding down well-worn access trails: a thrill for beginner or seasoned riders.
Rock Climbing
Venture Academy provides an introductory session including instruction on belaying; anchoring and basic climbing techniques before venturing forth to try newly acquired skills in the Canadian outback.
Winter Activities
Our main athletic outlet in the winter is the ski hill. Big White Ski Resort is the largest ski and snowboarding resort between Whistler, B.C. and Banff, Alberta. With an annual snowfall of over 24 feet, Big White is the perfect place to cruise through acres of glades or challenge the bowls filled with the resort’s famous champagne powder. With over 100 runs, skiers and boarders alike will be whisked to the top of the mountain to enjoy seemingly endless excitement in an Okanagan winter wonderland.
Skiing & Snow Boarding
Groomed runs, moguls, glades, fresh powder or easy cuts; take your pick. Venture Academy staff will guide you to the runs best suited to your level of ability. Terrain parks, half pipes or waist deep champagne powder proves a fantastic setting to learn the sport or perform to your best ability. Professional ski and snowboard lessons are available.
Cross Country Skiing
Hot chocolate and a warm fire is a priority after this rigorous leg and upper body workout. No lift lines here – only miles of wilderness trail networks to offer students the opportunity to experience guided expeditions through Scrub Pine plateaus, across open snow-covered plain, and into secluded lakes and ponds.
Snowshoeing
Trails that wind through forested hillsides and across open meadows, and through pine and aspen forests that are home to deer, coyote, fox, and elk. These trail networks are perfect for beginners with their gentle slopes and easy access and provide more challenging routes for the more experienced.
Note: Please check with us to determine which activities are scheduled for when your child is in the program. Emotional and behavioural stability is required to participate in group outings. Not all activites described may not be accessed. Please check with Venture Academy for the recreation schedule.
