Certificates
We feature inspirational wilderness certificates about our guests, students and community members' transformational journeys!
Our certificate share the wilderness journey, personal growth and commitment our guests, students and community members bring to our community. These certificates detail the personal reflections and reviews of our guests, stories of challenges faced, skills learned, and transformation experienced. Each certificate showcases a unique journey: the courage to step into the wild, the resilience shaped by new experiences, and contributing to something meaningful.
Check out our wilderness certificates!
Wilderness Trails
This is to certify that
Fayçal
Is a valuable member of the Trails to Empowerment community and a real mountain man, completing a six-week Wilderness Lifestyle Experience. Fayçal left behind his busy ordinary world of constant movement and responsibilities spread across several countries. Despite initial concerns of the slower paced lifestyle and communal living, Fayçal answered the call to adventure to return to Canada and embark on a remote wilderness experience where he could reconnect with nature and with himself, take a pause and use the opportunity as a mirror and teacher to reset his priorities for his life during his sabbatical year. Fayçal’s journey was shared with Lea, Kayleigh, Emely, Charlie, Kevan, Jessie, Owen and Lars. From the moment Fayçal arrived at the ranch, he embraced the challenges and opportunities of wilderness life. In his first week, Fayçal got himself up to speed on the online training, preparing himself for the adventure the following week at Brett camp up in the mountains. In the mornings, Fayçal eagerly learned how to use the saw to cut down the invasive burdock growing in the back field, then transitioned to turning challenges into opportunities by pulling it out and harvesting the root to make a healthy tea. At the same time, Fayçal also took ownership for the sprinkler program at the ranch, learning about and how to fix and maintain the irrigation and gravity fed water system from our nearby creek, watering the potatoes and the grass, caring for the land around. When Fayçal got the system figured out, he even created a procedure to empower others in the community with the knowledge he gained in efficiency and consistency with the program. After a week of preparation, Fayçal went on a 7 day sheep (or goat) scouting trip in the Shulaps mountain range where he put all his theory into practice, learning western mountain riding and wilderness survival on his trusty horses Willy and Blue, and unknowingly created a cowboy coffee commercial around the campfire. Throughout his experience, Fayçal faced physical challenges such as losing the soles of his shoes while coming down the mountain, hurting his foot while jumping over the fence in flip-flops to view a grizzly bear in the gymkhana and his sore back. Mentally, Fayçal recognized that his feeling the need to plan and control everything was challenged due to the flexible and adaptable environment at the ranch, limited resources and equiptment in the remote, and the unpredictable laws of nature. He overcame these challenges, with his allies of patience, flexibility and curiosity. He made the right decisions at the right moment with the means available – What he doesn’t have he doesn’t need, but what he has he uses. An extension to our sayings at the ranch. He was willing to adapt to changing circumstances, learning from others and be open knowing that with determination he can achieve anything he set his mind to. During his time at the ranch, Fayçal contributed to the community in many ways – by cleaning rooms, cooking meals, meeting and greeting new guests, all relevant experience for his interests to apply to work at a hotel in British Columbia. In between his adventures, Fayçal also harvested pears and apples from the trees, contributed towards the improvement of the ranch menu with homemade banana ice cream, encouraging the rest of the ranch to get their balance by going for a swim in Carpenter Lake while it was hot out, changing tires and helping take care of the animals while the rest of the crew was out guiding, fixing tack with Emely, even tracking Scout and Mowson when they were hiding out at Pearson Pond and spending a lot of time connecting with and entertaining Jessie and Owen. Throughout his time at the ranch, Fayçal embodied the Six Principle philosophy of nature connection, nature conservation, personal development, empowerment and conscious and awareness. He faced physical, mental, and emotional challenges with commitment, initiative, and a positive attitude, contributing to the group’s success and the conservation of the Chilcotin Ark. Every day, Fayçal showed up with an upbeat, positive bubbly energy rubbing off on those around him. Through daily reflections and hands-on experiences, Fayçal developed new skills, mindsets, and a deeper awareness of self and environment, sharing his appreciation for being here. While Fayçal still had a lot of his interests to learn here, he leaves feeling empowered and inspired to support others on their own paths, with more clarity on his goals, the kind of life he wants to create for himself and is ready for the next part of his sabbatical year adventure. While Fayçal arrived looking forward to having no purpose and enjoying time off during this year, he came to realize we always need purpose in life and is looking forward to the ongoing transformational journey of life. Thank you, Fayçal, for investing in yourself, your contributions and commitment. We appreciate you as a person, as a human, as a being and as a spiritual partner.
Six-Week Wilderness Lifestyle Experience
Hosted by Wilderness Trails, Gold Bridge, British Columbia
Aug and Sept
Trails to Empowerment Community Members
Wilderness Trails
This is to certify that
Rolf and Noa
answered the call to adventure in British Columbia’s Chilcotin Ark, leaving behind the familiar busy work life in the Netherlands to join a five day wildlife tracking and conservation ranch stay riding their trusty mountain horse, Bubbles and Zola. Guided by mentors, Charlie and Kevan, in living the wilderness lifestyle, they embraced the challenges and rewards of the wilderness, from learning how to live in the remote wilderness and be self-sufficient, to learning the knots, and developing a deeper connection to nature, ascending to the alpine at the top of the mountain. Along the way, Rolf and Noa practiced their Western riding skills as they journeyed through the forest, went on an adventure ride, climbed the mountain to lookouts, looked down on the ranch and overlooked lakes and mountains. Rolf and Noa finished the trip with a wild harvest dinner of black bear, cougar, mountain goat, mule deer, moose and wild potatoes, harvested themselves. On the final morning, Rolf and Noa jumped on Mowson bareback for one last ride.
Throughout this journey, Rolf and Noa exemplified our Six Principles: building a deep connection with nature, through drinking from the creek and seeing three grizzlies, contributing to conservation by filling in wildlife sighting forms, developing new skills and mindsets to help out around the ranch such as caring for all the animals, practicing self-sufficiency such as saddling Bubbles and Zola, empowering others by demonstrating that positive change begins with one’s own actions, and growing in awareness of self and environment, feeling part of a bigger energy.
Having completed this transformational journey, Rolf and Noa will return to the Netherlands empowered with new confidence, skills, and a commitment to inspire and support others on their own paths by enjoying every moment, being present in the moment.
With appreciation for your contributions and growth, we look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make.
Rolf and Noa, it was a pleasure having you here and sharing the Chilcotin Ark area with you. We look forward to seeing you back for another adventure.
5 Day Wildlife Tracking and Conservation Ranch Stay
Hosted by Wilderness Trails, Gold Bridge, British Columbia
June 2nd – 6th
Charlie and Kevan, Wilderness Mentor Guides
Wilderness Trails
This is to certify that
Elisabeth, Jane, Marianne R., Jette, Lotte, Pia and Marianne B.
are accomplished Western cayuse horse riders and a true mountain women on their trusty horses Pearson, Meg, Bubbles, Scout, Zola, Pika and Castle. The group left behind their ordinary world in Denmark and answered the call to adventure to experience the Canadian Wilderness together. Without really knowing each other, the group stepped out of their comfort zone and onto the plane to fly all the way to Canada. From the moment they arrived at the ranch, they embraced the challenges and opportunities of the wilderness life. On the first day, the adventure started by Lea picking up the group early in Vancouver. With two suitcases tied to the top of the truck, the drive begun. They had to take a detour as there was a fire between Lytton and Lillooet. The group arrived in the afternoon and to make up for the lost time, the plan got adapted. Everyone learned the essentials of western-style saddling and mountain riding, different to their experience in English riding. Then an introductory ride around the barrels allowed them to test out the gear. The day finished with birthday cake to celebrate Jane’s birthday and the map orientation where everyone learned about the Chilcotin Ark, the conservation efforts, and the trails for the trip, the Hero’s Journey and the transformational adventure they were about to embark on. The next morning started with chasing the horses down. The group showed up with a positive attitude and efficiently saddled their horses to set out for camp. They hit the trail, ascending through breathtaking landscapes into the alpine. Along the way, they got to taste Indian paintbrush, and see mountain goats at the pass. Upon arrival at camp, everyone contributed by helping with chores, from carrying water buckets for the cubes and looking after the horses to setting the table and washing dishes, the group demonstrated teamwork and initiative through every activity. After dinner everybody helped feed the horses cubes before enjoying time around the campfire, snacking on Danish candy and roasting marshmallows. The third day brought new adventures as everyone woke early to feed the horses. After enjoying pancakes for breakfast, the group set out to for the ride to the mountain tops. At the first lookout, everyone learned about the white bark pine tree and contributed to the assessment of the population. Then the group continued the ride and enjoyed 360 degree views. On the way back down, the group enjoyed a break in the meadows while reflecting on their journey by filling out the Wilderness Journal. Back at camp, everyone had a little break. For the evening there were different options now: feeding the horses cubes at camp, come to the staking meadows to learn and enjoy the meadows or come to the staking meadows and participate in all aspects of the staking. The group had an intensive discussion, but everybody agreed they wanted to give back to their horses which were working so hard all day. So the group got their gear ready and headed out into the meadows. Staking the horses turned out to be a great team bonding experience and very efficient. Everybody pitched in, measuring ropes, hammering in stakes, unsaddling horses and bringing them into the meadows. Before heading back to camp, everyone learned about the grasses and plants and contributed to the grass assessment before leaving some happy horses in the meadows. The next morning, everyone was up early to hike to the staking meadows and get the horses. Bubbles and Steel had wandered off to the bottom, so Kayleigh and Lea went to get them. The group continued with getting the horses ready and when Lea and Kayleigh came back the group had all the horses saddled and ropes tied to the saddles. Lea and Kayleigh had to run fast to keep up to the efficient teamwork. After a good breakfast and cleaning the cabin, the group was ready to hit the trail. The ride back to the ranch traversed green landscapes. In the meadows the group shared their reflections from the Wilderness Journal before continuing the journey. The descent down the old mining road was challenging, but everyone persevered, got to try soopallalie berries and wild strawberries, and the group returned safely to the ranch. That evening, everyone enjoyed a wild harvest dinner, learning about local wildlife and traditional foods, including mule deer, mountain goat, black bear, cougar, moose, bannock, and soopallalie berry ice cream. The final day was marked with the celebration of an amazing trip, as the group enjoyed breakfast while presenting certificates and watching a movie about their experience. Throughout the trip, the group developed strong friendships between each other, feeling empowerment, the most addictive drug known to man kind, by the challenges they overcame together and by celebrating their successes, sharing their emotions and inspiring everyone around them.
It was a pleasure having you here and sharing the Chilcotin Ark with you. Thank you for your contributions and growth, you all are a true Lead Mare. We look forward to seeing you back for another adventure.
5 Day Wildlife Tracking and Conservation Horse Pack Trip
Hosted by Wilderness Trails, Gold Bridge, British Columbia
July 2nd -6th
Lea and Kayleigh, Wilderness Mentor Guides
Wilderness Trails
This is to certify that
Kayleigh
Is an accomplished mountain woman on her trusty horse Scout and has completed the two week horseback guide program together with Peter, Alvin, Laurie and Foster. On her first day, Kayleigh learned how to saddle and ride western in the mountains by riding through the forest and across creeks. She also listened to the map orientation about the Chilcotin Ark and the guiding area. The next day, Kayleigh already gave the riding orientation to Peter and Alvin who missed out on it the first day. Over the next few days, Kayleigh learned how to pack and lead a horse and how to shoe a horse the unconventional way. The introduction to the unconventional way was set by dulling the new hoof knives on a rock. During the bareback riding, Kayleigh jumped on Mowson and Willy like a pro. Kayleigh also learned about loading the horses in the trailer, how to stake, hobble and tail-tie, horse vetting and deworming horses. During the horse logging, the team got to learn the value of real teamwork. Then it was almost time to go to camp. To be prepared, the day before was used to go over all the paperwork and to pack. The crew trailered the horses up to the creek and rode across it. After crossing the river, camp was set up, the horses got taken care of and the crew had dinner before getting an early sleep, since they had big plans for the next day. The next day already started special since Foster sung a spiritual song in the morning to wake everybody up. After the horses were saddled and everybody had breakfast, the team hit the trail. The crew rode to the sub-alpine meadows. The meadows were full of wild onions and potatoes, so everybody started harvesting these special treats. Back at camp, Kayleigh learned more about herself and how to look after herself. She moved from the tent to the cabin to ensure she would be well rested for the rest of trip. Kayleigh also took charge and initiative for the paperwork. The team went to explore the area. At a waterfalls Kayleigh learned a valuable lesson about reciprocity and leaving the place better than one found it. Since she enjoyed the great views at the waterfall, she contributed to making a new trail with the pick axe to ensure the next people can enjoy the same view in a safer way. Then everybody rode into a new valley where they rode on rocky shale and really got to appreciate how sure-footed the horses are. Then it was time to go back to the Ranch. Back at the Ranch, the team rode to a lookout where they not only enjoyed amazing views, but also witnessed two hawks putting on a show. Then it was time to go over the trip debriefing and some backcountry survival and camp building. The last full day was a special day as the team got to release some of the horses into the wilderness to enjoy the open range. Each ride was an opportunity to improve her lead mare skills, no matter the challenge, from crossing creeks, encountering an ATV driver, a black bear sow with two cubs or riding through a logging operation, Kayleigh handled each situation in a calm and responsible way, ensuring everybody’s safety. Back at the Ranch everybody got to enjoy a Wild Harvest Dinner with soopolallie ice cream. During the training, Kayleigh was pro-active and willing to leave her comfort zone. She said yes to all the opportunities and constantly worked on improving her skills. Especially tying the bowline knot became a great example of her perseverance and willingness to learn and grow.
Kayleigh, thanks for all your contributions to making the guide school a success. We look forward to guiding with you soon!
2 Week Horseback Guide Training Program
Hosted by Wilderness Trails at Gold Bridge, British Columbia
May 13th – 25th
Lea, Charlie and Kevan, Mentor Guides
Wilderness Trails
This is to certify that
Deanna and Chris
Are accomplished Western cayuse horse riders and are a true mountain woman and man on their trusty horses, Willy and Blue. Deanna and Chris left behind their ordinary world of a busy life and answered the call to adventure to experience the remote wilderness of the Chilcotin Ark on horseback. Deanna bid on this experience at the Horsey Ladies annual charity fundraiser for the past couple of years and was excited to finally have her vision come to fruition. At the ranch, they met their guide Kayleigh, and were shown to their Honeymoon cabin, which was a perfect fit considering their recent marriage. From the moment Deanna and Chris arrived at the ranch, they embraced the challenges and opportunities of wilderness life. They spent the first evening settling into the cabin, and woke up early the next day to beat the heat for a full day ride into the alpine. Deanna and Chris first received the riding orientation, all of which they were already familiar with and saddled their own horses in record time. They rode their horse in the gymkhana for a test run before riding the Up Only Trail, a steep trail leading to Cinnabar mining road. Along the way, Deanna and Chris learned more about the plants of the area and which were edible for the horses, including the lupine, as well as the poisonous Indian hellebore and the fluffy western pasque flower. They both enjoyed the smell of the alpine air and, especially with the recent rain, the trees and grasses were full of life, when Chris spotted a deer running along the side hill. Once they reached the alpine, the sun was shining and the views were breathtaking. Thankfully the smoke of the past days had cleared and they were above the clouds. They enjoyed a delicious lunch at the top while soaking up the views. On the way down, they both contributed towards conservation by learning about the endangered white bark pine tree and even harvested some of their cones to be replanted, also collecting grizzly bear hair for DNA analysis. Deanna and Chris persevered as they walked down the steep and dusty descent back to the ranch followed by some delicious freshly made lemonade. Deanna and Chris celebrated their experience with certificates, a movie and song. Throughout the experience, Deanna and Chris embodied the Six Principles of Nature Conservation, Nature Connection, Personal Development, Self-Sufficiency, Consciousness & Awareness, and Empowerment. They faced challenges with commitment, initiative, and a positive attitude, contributing to their own success and the conservation of the Chilcotin Ark. Through hands-on experiences, Deanna and Chris developed new skills, mindsets, and a deeper awareness of self and environment, returning home empowered and inspired to support others on their own paths.
Deanna and Chris, it was a pleasure having you here and sharing the Chilcotin Ark with you. Thank you for your contributions, growth, and spirit of adventure. We look forward to welcoming you back for future journeys.
4 Day Transformational Wilderness Adventure
Hosted by Wilderness Trails at Gold Bridge, British Columbia
Sept 8th – 11th
Kayleigh, Mentor Guide
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