Wilderness Grows in Me

Verse 1
Down in the shadows, where shame and fear reside,
Life feels like a struggle, nowhere left to hide.
Anger and pride, they pull me down,
Victim of my story, lost and bound.
But a spark inside whispers, “There’s more to see,
A world of hope, a chance to be free.”

Chorus
I’m reaching up to a higher part
From darkness to light, let love fill my heart.
Leave behind blame, step into my power,
Grow with each moment, bloom like a flower.
High consciousness calls me, I’m ready to start,
To live with purpose, and open my heart.

Verse 2
Courage is the turning point, the first step I take,
Neutral and willing, new choices I make.
Acceptance and reason, I see the bigger view,
I’m not just surviving, I’m creating something new.
Self-empowered now, I shape my fate,
Believing in goodness, letting go of hate.

Bridge
And when I reach higher, where joy and peace flow,
Love for all beings is all I need to know.
Your joy is my joy, we rise as one,
In unity and kindness, our best work is done.

Chorus
I’m reaching up to a higher part
From darkness to light, let love fill my heart.
Leave behind blame, step into my power,
Grow with each moment, bloom like a flower.
High consciousness calls me, I’m ready to start,
To live with purpose, and open my heart.

Outro
So I’ll keep climbing, step by step,
Learning from the lows, never forget,
The higher I go, the freer I’ll be,
Living with purpose, in peace and unity.

Verse 1
Under open skies where the wildflowers grow,
We walk the winding trails, letting our true selves show.
No walls to contain us, no roles to confine,
Just the whisper of the pines and the freedom to find,
A lesson in each sunrise, a truth in every stone,
Learning by doing, we make this place our own.

Chorus
This is freedom to learn,
Where the wild winds turn,
We find our purpose in the work and the play.
With our hands in the earth,
We discover our worth,
And the lessons of the land guide us each day.

Verse 2
Six principles to follow, six paths to explore:
Nature connection, conservation, and so much more.
Personal growth and self-sufficiency,
Empowerment, awareness, our philosophy.
We come together, turning experiences into knowledge
Every task, every moment, more than it seems.

Chorus
This is freedom to learn,
Where the wild winds turn,
We find our purpose in the work and the play.
With our hands in the earth,
We discover our worth,
And the lessons of the land guide us each day.

Bridge
Mistakes are our teachers, the wilderness our guide,
Responsibility and courage growing deep inside.
From saddles to saws, from kitchens to streams,
We build our tomorrow from today’s wild dreams.

Verse 3
No mindless distractions, no empty routine,
Here, every moment is alive and serene.
We learn from the land, from the creatures we meet,
From the cold if the woodpile isn’t complete.
We’re mentors and students, we’re seekers and friends,
The journey of learning here never ends.

Chorus
This is freedom to learn,
Where the wild winds turn,
We find our purpose in the work and the play.
With our hands in the earth,
We discover our worth,
And the lessons of the land guide us each day.

Outro
So come to the wilderness, let your spirit roam,
Find your higher calling, make this place your home.
With the freedom to learn,
With the freedom to grow,

Verse 1
Eighteen years, a restless dream,
Saw a film of wild horses running free.
City lights behind me, I set out alone,
Into the wilderness, to find a place to belong.
Knots and horseshoes, fires in the night,
Learning to read the land by the flickering light.
Thought I’d find freedom in skills I could claim,
But the mountains whispered, “You’ll never be the same.”

Chorus
It’s not about the knots or the shoe on the hoof,
Not just the fire or the tracks as the proof.
It’s finding your values in the wild unknown,
Owning your journey, never alone.
Building a circle, strong and unbreakable,
Guide school taught me how to be Remarkable.

Verse 2
Tepee’s hoof was stubborn, the lesson was tough,
Back aching, patience tested, the work was rough.
But hands came together, each trying their way,
Not just for the horse, but for all of us that day.
We owned the problem, shared the load,
Found trust in the struggle, and strength as we rode.
Not empathy alone, but survival’s demand,
Learning together, we all took a stand.

Chorus
It’s not about the knots or the shoe on the hoof,
Not just the fire or the tracks as the proof.
It’s finding your values in the wild unknown,
Owning your journey, never alone.
Building a circle, strong and unbreakable,
Guide school taught me how to be Remarkable.

Verse 3
Standing on a mountaintop, the world laid bare,
A hundred thousand lives in the cool, clean air.
Nature at the centre, a purpose revealed,
A paradigm shifted, a spirit healed.
It’s not just survival, but living on purpose,
Taking ownership, giving what’s worth us.
Building relationships, forging the core,
Becoming the person I was searching for.

Chorus
It’s not about the knots or the shoe on the hoof,
Not just the fire or the tracks as the proof.
It’s finding your values in the wild unknown,
Owning your journey, never alone.
Building a circle, strong and unbreakable,
Guide school taught me how to be Remarkable.

Outro
Now I walk from the wild with a fire inside,
Alive and focused, with nothing to hide.
Guide school was the platform, the wilderness the spark,
Now I carry the Remarkable out of the dark.

Verse 1
Here in the hush of the pines and snow,
I’m learning to live by what my own hands know.
Self-sufficiency whispers on the wind,
Each day I begin, I begin again.
Chainsaw in hand, I faced my fear,
Cold steel and courage, the lesson was clear:
Every new skill is a step toward free,
The wilderness grows in me.

Chorus
I’m carving my way through the wild unknown,
Cutting the wood and baking my own.
From trembling hands to steady and strong,
I’m finding my place, where I belong.
Bread in the oven, warmth in the fire,
Every small triumph lifts me higher.
With every challenge, I come to see,
The wilderness grows in me.

Verse 2
The bread didn’t rise, the saw wouldn’t start,
But I kept on trying, with hope in my heart.
Learning the patience that living here brings,
Trusting the rhythm of everyday things.
Kneading the dough, stacking the wood,
Finding the balance of hard and good.
Each skill I master, each fear I outgrow,
I’m stronger than I know.

Chorus
I’m carving my way through the wild unknown,
Cutting the wood and baking my own.
From trembling hands to steady and strong,
I’m finding my place, where I belong.
Bread in the oven, warmth in the fire,
Every small triumph lifts me higher.
With every challenge, I come to see,
The wilderness grows in me.

Verse 3
It’s not just the doing, but the way that I see,
Independence is more than the tasks set before me.
It’s a mindset, a promise, a journey begun,
With every new sunrise, the wild and I are one.

Chorus
I’m carving my way through the wild unknown,
Cutting the wood and baking my own.
From trembling hands to steady and strong,
I’m finding my place, where I belong.
Bread in the oven, warmth in the fire,
Every small triumph lifts me higher.
With every challenge, I come to see,
The wilderness grows in me.

Outro
So I’ll keep on learning, as seasons pass by,
Under the open and infinite sky.
Self-sufficient, capable, free,
The wilderness grows in me.

Verse 1
Your conscious mind, always questioning why
Initiative lifts you, chasing the sky
Owning outcomes, taking the lead
Your attitude shines, planting every seed

Chorus
I appreciate you, for all that you are
Your spirit and soul, shining near and far
Character, standards, ethics so true
Principles guiding everything you do

Verse 2
Your energy burns, a wildfire within
Spirit beside you, through thick and thin
Psyche connects, in ways yet unseen
Your soul’s deep wisdom, on which we all lean

Chorus
I appreciate you, for all that you are
Your spirit and soul, shining near and far
Character, standards, ethics so true
Principles guiding everything you do

Verse 3
On this journey of growth, we walk side by side
Equals in spirit, with nothing to hide
Holding each other, accountable and strong
Together we’ll face what may come along

Chorus
I appreciate you, for all that you are
Your spirit and soul, shining near and far
Character, standards, ethics so true
Principles guiding everything you do

Outro
In success and challenge, we’ll grow and evolve
Becoming our best selves, as life we solve
With gratitude shared, our spirits renew
Always and ever, I appreciate you

Verse 1
Been planning it a long time, now the day is here
Three generations packed up, laughter in our ears
All day on the road from Vancouver, what an adventure we found
Stopped for cows on the highway, as the sun went down

Chorus
Taking my family to the mountains, where the wild winds blow
Where the rivers run free and the tall pines grow
We’re learning from the land, working hand in hand
Finding ourselves together, in the heart of this land

Verse 2
Jessie showed us the ranch, met the animals all around
Tarps on the tent, fixing tires, learning from the ground
Community dinner, everyone lending a hand
Sleep in a new bed, stars shining bright

Chorus
Taking my family to the mountains, where the wild winds blow
Where the rivers run free and the tall pines grow
We’re learning from the land, working hand in hand
Finding ourselves together, in the heart of this land

Verse 3
Up early to fresh rain, pancakes and sausages on our plates
Food tastes better out here, every bite worth the wait
Maps on the table, dreams in our eyes
Reading Charlie’s books, letting our spirits rise

Bridge
Special beans for lunch, sharing culture, sharing smiles
Horse ride with Jessie, the kids riding for hours
Pruning apple trees, planting potatoes in the ground
Operating the digger, new strengths we found

Chorus
Taking my family to the mountains, where the wild winds blow
Where the rivers run free and the tall pines grow
We’re learning from the land, working hand in hand
Finding ourselves together, in the heart of this land

Verse 4
Wild harvest dinner, ice cream melting slow
Watching deer and a black bear in the evening’s glow
Up early to birds singing, breakfast and certificates all around
Off to the rodeo in Pemberton, adventure abounds
Indian ice cream, bucking bulls, new friends to be found
The adventure never ends, with family all around

Chorus
Taking my family to the mountains, where the wild winds blow
Where the rivers run free and the tall pines grow
We’re learning from the land, working hand in hand
Finding ourselves together, in the heart of this land

Yes, we’re finding ourselves together, in the heart of this land

Verse 1
In a team of spiritual partners, each voice has a place
Walking side by side as equals, every challenge we embrace
Knowledge flows between us, ideas spark and grow
Supporting transformation, helping every member glow

Chorus
Synergy in action, the team lights up the way
Initiative and ownership, guiding work each day
Commitment and positivity, the spirit shining bright
A team of spiritual partners turns effort into light

Verse 2
Responsibility for growth, held in every heart
Accountability is kindness, calling everyone to start
Unique skills and passions, woven through the team
Interdependence makes the whole stronger than it seems

Chorus
Synergy in action, the team lights up the way
Initiative and ownership, guiding work each day
Commitment and positivity, the spirit shining bright
A team of spiritual partners turns effort into light

Verse 3
Honest words are spoken, even when they’re tough
Encouraging reflection when the journey’s rough
Belief in one another, striving for the best
Together, growing wiser, meeting every test

Chorus
Synergy in action, the team lights up the way
Initiative and ownership, guiding work each day
Commitment and positivity, the spirit shining bright
A team of spiritual partners turns effort into light

Outro
Purpose and empowerment, woven through the team
Creating positive change, fulfilling every dream
A team of spiritual partners, united and strong
Making transformation happen as the journey moves along.

Verse 1
I was just a dreamer, flipping through those pages
Flowers in the meadows, wild horses, mountain ridges
Dad brought home the promise, Wilderness Trails in hand
But life kept me waiting, with its school and work demands

Pre-Chorus
Years rolled by like rivers, but the dream would not let go
It waited in the quiet, where only longing grows

Chorus
Twenty years to the trail, but oh, it was worth the wait
Under open skies, I finally opened the gate
With Meg by my side, and my guide leading the way
I found a piece of myself in the wild that day

Verse 2
First day at the ranch, learning ropes and riding skills
Lasso in my hand, marshmallows on the grill
Family-style dinners, laughter in the air
Tucked into a soft bed, with adventure everywhere

Pre-Chorus
Morning brought introductions, Meg, my reliable horse
She loved her oats, calm and stable, on her I could depend

Chorus
Twenty years to the trail, but oh, it was worth the wait
Under open skies, I finally opened the gate
With Meg by my side, and my guide leading the way
I found a piece of myself in the wild that day

Bridge
We climbed through aspen groves, meadows in bloom
Saw grizzlies in the valley, goats on the high monsoon
Gathered wild onions, pine tips, potatoes from the land
Cooked trout by the fire, with new skills in my hands

Verse 3
Every day a new camp, every ride an unknown road
Meg carried me through rivers, up cliffs, she never slowed
I learned to trust her footsteps, her courage and her grace
And in those silent moments, found my own wild place

Chorus
Twenty years to the trail, but oh, it was worth the wait
Under open skies, I finally opened the gate
With Meg by my side, and my guide leading the way
I found a piece of myself in the wild that day

Outro
Now I look back with fondness, on mountains and the crew
On Meg, my surefooted partner, and the confidence I grew
Dusty, tired, but smiling, I rode home at journey’s end
Knowing I’d found adventure-and a lifelong friend.

Chorus
We call her Fortress, queen of these mountains,
Through blizzard and storm, through cougars and bears,
She guards her herd in wind and in rain,
We call her Fortress, lead mare of the Chilcotins.

Verse 1
If you think it’s a stallion who leads the run,
Just look at her, Pearson, Meg, and Steel,
They keep the herd safe, whatever may come,
Calm, steady, reliable, nothing can shake their will.

Chorus
We call her Fortress, queen of these mountains,
Through blizzard and storm, through cougars and bears,
She guards her herd in wind and in rain,
We call her Fortress, lead mare of the Chilcotins.

Verse 2
From her earliest days she learned what it means
To shoulder the challenge, to answer the call.
When others turned back, she stood tall,
Nothing can shake her when she trusts in her strength.

Chorus
We call her Fortress, queen of these mountains,
Through blizzard and storm, through cougars and bears,
She guards her herd in wind and in rain,
We call her Fortress, lead mare of the Chilcotins.

Verse 3
She roams the ridges, ever watchful and wise,
Named for the fortress of stone on the highland.
Safety in numbers, but numbers need a guide,
A mare who can weather the storm and defend her band.

Chorus
We call her Fortress, queen of these mountains,
Through blizzard and storm, through cougars and bears,
She guards her herd in wind and in rain,
We call her Fortress, lead mare of the Chilcotins.

Verse 1
I set out with a vision, a fire burning bright,
Dreamed of changing the world, of making wrong things right.
With a heart full of courage, I climbed every hill,
Believed that I could fix it all, if I just had the will.

Verse 2
But the world was wide and wild, and the mountains stood so tall,
Every step I took, I felt so small.
Tried to move the rivers, tried to shift the sky,
But the world kept turning, and I wondered why.

Pre-Chorus
I looked to my country, my province, my town,
Hoping to turn it all around.
But each circle drew me closer,
To the place where change is found.

Chorus
So I turned my gaze inward,
To the roots beneath my feet,
Found the power in my choices,
And the strength in my heartbeat.
From self to kin, to village,
Let the ripples start to spin,
Changing me, I change my world,
That’s how true change begins.

Verse 3
With every trail I travel, with every lesson learned,
I build a better self, and watch the fire burn.
Empowered by the wild, by the wisdom of the land,
I share what I discover, lend a helping hand.

Bridge
The journey circles inward, the story’s old and true,
If you want to change the world, let the change begin with you.
From my heart to my family, from my family to my street,
From my street into the village, and the world beneath my feet.

Chorus
Now we walk these trails together,
Empowered, strong, and free,
Growing with each sunrise,
Becoming who we’re meant to be.
From the heart of this community,
To the mountains and the sea,
Changing me, I change my world
That’s the legacy.

Outro
So if you want to change the world,
Just start with what you see,
The person in the mirror,
That’s where change will be.

Verse 1
From the heart of Germany, city lights behind,
Never knew the wild, or the cowboy kind.
Took a train to the unknown, with a hope and a plan,
A city soul, learning how to be a ranch hand.
A few lessons back home, just to get by,
But nothing prepares you for that endless sky.
Guide School at dawn, horses running free,
Trading concrete for campfires, that’s where I’d be

Chorus
Oh, Nadila, my trusted horse,
You tested my will, you taught me to try it.
Through meadows and creeks, up mountains so grand,
You showed me the wild, you made me understand.

Verse 2
Chasing the herd at the break of day,
Learning each horse in their own special way.
Saddles and shoes, wrangling and care,
A novice becoming a cowboy out there
Evening rides through the whispering pines,
Gun Creek’s reflection, the Pond shines.
Each trail a lesson, each mile a song,
With Nadila beside me, I learned to belong.

Chorus
Oh, Nadila, my trusted horse,
You tested my will, you taught me to try it.
Through meadows and creeks, up mountains so grand,
You showed me the wild, you made me understand.

Bridge
Leckie Camp mornings, the world painted gold,
Clearing new trails, feeling brave, feeling bold.
Beaver Pond waiting, the valley below,
The mountains secrets only riders know.
Campfire stories when the day is done,
Of old western legends and wild cowboy fun.
Dirt on my boots, but a smile on my face,
Found a new home in this untamed place.

Chorus
Oh, Nadila, my trusted horse,
You tested my will, you taught me to try it.
Through meadows and creeks, up mountains so grand,
You showed me the wild, you made me understand.

Outro
Back at the ranch, I’m not who I was,
A little more cowboy, a little less lost.
From city streets to the wilderness wide,
With Nadila and the wild, I learned how to ride