Podcast
Here we share our wilderness podcast to inspire you on your transformational journey! Check out our most recent episodes!
Our philosophy, based on personal development, reconnecting with nature and conservation and stewardship, is the cornerstone of everything we do and we’d like to share this with you. Each wilderness podcast episode focuses on these Three Pillars that guide us on our journeys to be empowered, facing challenges, developing confidence and taking initiative and responsibility for our lives. Through all of this we grow in confidence. We invite you to start your journey and contribute to making this world a better place with your own unique skill sets and characteristics.
Author : Suzanne
Summary : How I found my new adventure at Chilcotin Holidays, my experiences in my first few weeks and the responsibilities I took on.
Author : Charlie and Lea
Summary : Patriarchy and matriarchy can be used to explain the difference between society and Trails to Empowerment’s egalitarian culture.
Author : Lea
Summary : Environment, social and governance factors are becoming more common in large companies. This concept works on a personal development level as you invest in yourself.
Author : Lea
Summary : Society often sees work as energy draining. However, the Trails to Empowerment community creates intentional work, following your interests and being aware of your intentions for why you are doing something.
Author : Charlie and Lisa
Summary : Shangri-La has created many stories. North America has its own Shangri-La, the Chilcotin Ark, an area of unparalleled biodiversity, home to endangered species and unique ecosystems.
Author : Dorine & Elke
Summary : In this episode Dorine interviews one of our community partners Elke Tukker about various topics such as conservation, personal development, big projects, and her crowdfund for wild horse research. Check out her crowdfund here: https://gofund.me/8774fd54
Author : Dorine
Summary : This blog story is about management and conservation of vulnerable species in BC. We would like to introduce you to the five years plan for species at risk in British Columbia from 2013 to 2017 that sets up measures still in effect today.
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Author: Lea N
Summary: During my time at the ranch, I have experienced a true nature connection. I've faced new challenges, witnessed the undisturbed wilderness and experienced my own self-reflection. This has led me on a transformational journey of personal growth.
Author: Florence
Summary: Every time we return to the ranch, it’s an opportunity to try something new. Florence explored deeper into the wilderness and got to experience greater personal growth on her transformational journey.
Author: Dorine
Summary: This blog story is about conservation and wildlife habitat management. We would like to introduce you to a tool that provides a list of species at risk and indicates ideas of management for their habitat.
Author: Raphaëlle
Summary: Having the responsibility of a family’s wilderness experience taught me a lot. It was an incredible opportunity to develop leadership skills while having fun.
Author: Marilen
Summary: Taking responsibility is the biggest opportunity that appears during further weeks of my internship in Tourism Management at the ranch and after my second week, I got the opportunity to take care of the office by myself and organize the ranch while most of the other community partners were gone for a couple of days.
Author: Elke
Summary: We would like to introduce you to the North American Wildlife Model and empower you by explaining how this model can be implemented.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Leckie Camp is a great introduction to the wilderness where you can scout for mountain goats, ride up to the wildflower meadows and view Leckie Falls. This story will give you an introduction to this lower-elevation camp.
Author: Molly
Summary: Becoming a mentor guide was part of my transformational journey. All winter, I worked on my goal and in the summer I was able to accomplish it. I had an overwhelming sense of empowerment and euphoria. I experienced personal growth which allowed me to mentor others on their transformational journeys.
Author: Lisa
Summary: This blog story is about conservation and stewardship of the land, today we would like to introduce you to the Forest Practices Board's perspective on stewardship, show you how we are taking action to address this topic and how you can participate.
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Author: Charlie
Summary: Big Creek camp is for the advanced hiker or rider, you'll need to be well prepared to journey to this camp. This story will introduce you to the mountains, wildlife and experiences around Big Creek camp.
Author: Melvin
Summary: My transformational journey in the kitchen, how I developed into a leader, with new experiences, responsibility and personal growth.
Author: Lisa
Summary: We would like to introduce you to the topic of resource management and planning by reviewing Mike Morris’ strategic advice from 2015. This will empower you to take action joining us in putting his advice into practice.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Spruce Lake Camp is good for beginner or intermediate hikers and riders. A stay at this cabin will allow you to reconnect to nature, learn about the history of the area and scout for wildlife.
Author: Kathrin
Summary: I came to the ranch for my university internship, but along the way, I became involved in so much more than I had expected. Whilst working on our new website, I began my transformational journey of personal growth. I was able to contribute responsibility and leadership to our community.
Author: Elke and Lisa
Summary: This blog story is about conservation and stewardship of the land, today we would like to specifically introduce you to the topic of climate change impact, showing you how we are taking action to address this issue, and empower you to take action as well.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Eldorado is perfect for intermediate hikers and riders. This area is rich in history and inhabited by mountain goats, mule deer and grizzly bears. This story will give you an introduction to the Eldorado of the South Chilcotin Mountains.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Chapters One and Two introduce you to the concepts of consciousness and intention.
Author: Charlie
Summary: This blog story is the first in our new conservation series. This first story discusses the current use of nature for tourism and asks the question, what is being done to conserve this area so many people are benefiting from?
Author: Charlie
Summary: Have you ever seen a grizzly bear in the wild? That was the goal for our two guests, Kim and Nick, when Manon and I guided them on a four day bear tracking and conservation pack trip.
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Author: Charlie
Summary: The Prologue and Introduction of Spiritual Partnership introduces you to the concepts of having a spiritual partnership and growing spiritually.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Mule deer are a key species in the Chilcotin Ark but without ongoing conservation, their numbers could decline. Find out about four of the methods we use to conserve mule deer in the Chilcotin Ark.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Tyax Camp is on of our most remote camps, good for experienced riders or hikers. This story will provide you with more information about this camp, the wildlife and landscapes as well as how you can experience each of our Three Pillars, Nature Connection, Conservation and Stewardship and Personal Development while you are there.
Author: Ethan
Summary: In the 12 weeks that I’ve been an intern at the Chilcotin Holidays ranch, I found my place in the Trails to Empowerment community and got exposure to a whole lot of things I never would’ve known about without coming here. These experiences helped to develop my character, increase my skillset, and discover my passions.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Brett Camp is the perfect introduction to the wilderness of the South Chilcotins. Learn about the area and cabin in this podcast.
Author: Ethan
Summary: What I’ve learned about change and personal growth during my first few weeks here at Chilcotin Holidays as an intern.
Author: Marilen
Summary: My time at the ranch was supposed to be an office internship in Tourism Management and turned out to be amazing opportunities in many more areas than I could think of.
Author: TC
Summary: I spent nearly two weeks with Chilcotin Holidays where I had a true wilderness experience. Through teamwork, trail riding and many other new experiences, I had a transformation. This is my story.
Author: Charlie
Summary: My first six months at Chilcotin Holidays became the story for my first book. This is the story of how I applied everything I’d learned at the ranch to write a book about my personal development and nature connection.
Author: Emma
Summary: Modern life is noisy. Living in a city or a busy neighbourhood, life is so loud soon we stop noticing it. Here at the ranch, deep in the wilderness, we can finally find our quiet space, reflect on who we are and reconnect with the nature around us. Here, we can achieve clarity for ourselves, allowing us to begin our transformational journey of personal growth.
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Author: Maaike
Summary: I learned many things during my time at the ranch. These lessons and the transformation that came from them, I took with me back to the Netherlands. This is how I put them into practice in the Netherlands. I want to inspire you with my story, to show you what's possible
Author: Julia
Summary: How an encounter with a mother bear changed my mindset towards nature and our connection to it
Author: Lea D
Summary: I came to the ranch to find my sense of purpose, to do something meaningful. On my transformational journey, I experienced personal growth as I became empowered and took on responsibility.
Author: Lydia
Summary: I came to Chilcotin Holidays to learn to be a horseback guide. Along the way, I learned how to face and overcome my challenges, accept myself and find some answers. Now, after my journey with Chilcotin Holidays, I can reflect on my transformation.
Author: Molly
Summary: Riding through the mountain snow is all part of Bighorn sheep scouting. As wilderness stewards, it is our responsibility to be involved in nature conservation, one of the ways we can do that is through wildlife viewing but getting to the sheep is a challenge in itself.
Author: Christophe, Elke, Fenja, Celina, Melvin
Summary: The ranch is a place full of diversity, both of culture and opinion, yet through our shared goals and purposes, we live and work together as a highly functional and successful community. Here, we all take initiative for ourselves and the work that needs to be done, we are all leaders and equal members of the team.
Author: Marilen
Summary: Chilcotin Holidays offered exactly what I was in search for after my studies because of the focus on self-development, nature and challenges. My first weeks of my internship in Tourism Management pushed me out of my comfort zone by being in a new place, working with horses and getting to know the daily life on the ranch.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Every spring, we have the opportunity to tap birch trees and harvest food from nature. Here, I explain the health benefits of drinking birch water and why it should only be consumed in moderation. Harvesting from nature means we are responsible, as wilderness stewards, for ensuring these trees are conserved into the future.
Author: Charlie
Summary: This is a story about the power of nature. The way it moves us to experience transformation and connection is addictive. Whether you have a wilderness experience with Chilcotin Holidays, or visit your local park, the benefits of spending time in nature are extraordinary.
Author: Charlie
Summary: If you’ve been following the stories of Dash, Spruce and Teco, our three new horses, on our social media channels, we thought you’d be interested to see how we train them. Our horses need to be calm, stable and reliable to safely lead guests through the mountains. This is a story about a big step in the training process – their first ride.
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Author: Charlie
Summary: What are the benefits of spending time in nature? How does this lead to a desire to conserve the wilderness and become stewards of the land? It all starts with a deepened nature connection and a greater sense of well-being.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Life at the ranch is always a transformational journey of personal growth, full of new experiences, which we can't wait to document in writing and share with you. These experiences are the route to empowerment.
Author: Kathrin
Summary: A wildlife viewing pack trip with Chilcotin Holidays is the perfect opportunity for our guests to reconnect with nature and experience personal growth. But this also happens for us, the mentor guides, as every trip we gain a greater sense of empowerment and experience our own personal transformation.
Author: Molly
Summary: Recording the numbers of wildlife in the area is vital for conservation. Our goal is to conserve this unique environment, and this is one of the ways we are wilderness stewards.
Author: Moira
Summary: My transformational journey of personal growth is all about playing your part in conservation, living as part of a remarkable culture and learning to take initiative.
Author: Gerry
Summary: This exclusive interview with Gerry Bracewell shares her experiences as the first licenced female hunt guide in BC.
Author: Marilen
Summary: Being the first female hunt guide in British Columbia wasn't easy in a male dominated industry, but Gerry stuck to her will to see what is out there.
Author: Fenja
Summary: Ecosystems hold key species that other species highly depend on for their survival. One of those key species in the South Chilcotin Mountains is white bark pine – the main food source for grizzly bears, Clark’s nutcracker and red squirrels. But being deeply connected also exposes species to threats that could imbalance the entire ecosystem.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Here, we are all on our transformational journeys of personal growth. We all take responsibility, maintain a positive attitude and support female empowerment. It takes the commitment of everyone at the ranch to create a remarkable culture and here’s how we do it.
Author: Fenja
Summary: Life at the ranch facilitates amazing opportunities for all of us. It can change our lives and gives us valuable insights we would never had anticipated. In this letter, Fenja reflects on her transformational journey that has impacted her life forever and articulates her gratitude for this empowering experience.
Author: Lea A
Summary: I came to the ranch to find my purpose. On my transformational journey I learned from nature and gained greater self-confidence. This allowed me to experience personal growth and guide others on their own transformational journey.
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Author: Charlie
Summary: Gaining self-confidence and becoming inspired is a transformational journey full of ups and downs. Challenges are learning experiences, we become stronger as we find a way to solve them. The result is personal growth and self-actualization and that is a reward which makes every challenge worth the struggle.
Author: Norina, Balthasar, Patrick, Kevin
Summary: We came to Chilcotin Holidays for a mountain biking wilderness experience, but along the way, we began to really feel a connection with the nature around us. We found a real appreciation for the nature in this area and a desire to conserve this unique environment, this was our transformation.
Author: Elke
Summary: What can you do to play your part in conservation of nature and the environment? The best way to make a difference is to experience nature and educate yourself about your impacts, then you can make the decisions of where and how much you are able to change.
Author: Dana and Jasmin
Summary: Attending the Kamloopa Pow Wow gave us the opportunity to experience and learn from First Nations culture through the common interest of song and dance. The community environment was strong, it mirrored and complemented our own ranch mindset, helping us on our transformational journey to personal growth.
Author: Charlie
Summary: A wildlife viewing wilderness experience with Chilcotin Holidays is the perfect way to implement all of our Three Pillars. Every learning experience is an opportunity for self-development and transformation. And that's exactly what happened on Juan and Joaquin's pack trip.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Our mentor guides come in many forms, but our horses, with their years of experience and strong personalities are perhaps the best for us to learn from on our transformational journeys of personal growth. Tatla taught me courage and to have a positive outlook, we became a team and the results were incredible.
Author: Maaike
Summary: Many of us are held back by fear which stops us fully appreciating life. But breaking out of our comfort zone leads to exceptional results. Fear becomes an excuse not to act and it works against us. Facing our fears creates exceptional results as we are inspired by others and find our sense of purpose.
Author: Colette and Jason
Summary: On our hike journey, we were taught an important lesson about slowing down to enjoy the moment by one of Chilcotin Holidays' mountain horses. The Chilcotin mountains are a place of undisturbed nature where you can have a true wilderness experience. It's about the journey, not the destination.
Author: Lisa
Summary: WSF contributes to the sustainability of the Mountain Goat herds through population surveys. Lisa shares her trip, in which she counted Mountain Goats and explains why this is important.
Author: Jasmin
Summary: Do you have the strength and initiative to make a change to realign your values? Jasmin thought she knew what was most valuable to her, but then she realized time was what was really most important. This is how Jasmin made a change to ensure she spends time well.
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Author: Lydia
Summary: A wilderness experience with Chilcotin Holidays provides personal transformation, wildlife viewing and empowerment opportunities for both guests and guides. Yet, every pack trip is different, every guest is different, there's always something new to learn and experience.
Author: Jasmin
Summary: One of the ways we commit to nature conservation as wilderness stewards is by managing invasive plants and educating you about them. One of these is burdock, we'll tell you how it’s a threat in the Chilcotin Mountains, but also explain some of its benefits.
Author: Dana
Summary: At the ranch, Dana gained a sense of self worth, responsibility and purpose. She experienced personal growth and shares with you her transformational journey, explaining how she found herself again.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Being a mentor guide with Chilcotin Holidays is so much more than showing our guests the mountains on a relaxing holiday. We empower our guests to learn new skills, develop a deeper nature connection and contribute to the group environment, allowing them to undergo a personal transformation in an authentic wilderness experience.
Author: Jasmin
Summary: This podcast explains to you how the wilderness stewards of the WSF’s conservation work protects the nature and ecosystem of the South Chilcotin Mountains for long into the future.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Recording the number of Bighorn Sheep in the area is vital to understanding the population, determine survival rates and assess how best we can work for the conservation of the species in nature. As wilderness stewards, we record each wildlife sighting so we can create an accurate count of the sheep in the area.
Author: Fenja
Summary: What people want from a holiday has changed in the last decade. Now, the opportunity to get involved with local culture and make your contribution to nature conservation is facilitated by Chilcotin Holidays through unique transformational travel wilderness experiences. An eco-tourism holiday, in the form of a horse packing trip, is the perfect way to make a positive and enduring difference for our environment, allowing you to experience a personal transformation.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Life at the ranch teaches us many valuable skills, from shoeing and packing horses, to navigating through the wilderness. But, the greatest lessons we can learn here are about ourselves as we experience personal growth. We can gain the confidence to face any challenge with responsibility and positivity and take our own initiative. Now, our futures are exciting, not scary. This is my transformational journey.
Author: Charlie
Summary: Charlie introduces our community, and explains the purpose of the Trails to Empowerment website.
Author: Maaike
Summary: I came to the ranch because I needed to make a change. In the supportive ranch environment I was thrown out of my comfort zone, but when I learned to embrace the challenges, I was able to experience personal growth as I took the initiative and began to view everything with a positive outlook. This is my transformational journey.
Get involved and live your dream
Take a look at all our hands on and online opportunities for you to live your life with more purpose, connect to nature and make your contribution to conservation.