Wilderness Skills Training, Hikes and Retreats

  🌿 Wilderness Hike and Skills Program 🥾

THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT RUN THROUGH THE SUMMER

CHECK IN AUGUST FOR FALL DATES

 Step into an immersive 4-Week Wilderness Hike and Skills Program, where the exhilaration of a shared hike intertwines seamlessly with the invaluable wisdom of wilderness survival lessons. 

Join to explore the great outdoors, learn essential survival skills while nurturing your soul amidst the wonders of nature. Are you ready to embrace the adventure and camaraderie that await? 

Don't miss out on this transformative journey!

PROGRAM FEATURES:

• Week-by-Week Exploration: Each week, we dive into different wilderness preparedness skills, guiding you on a path to enhanced safety and survival in the wild.
• Informative Hikes: Either before or after Survival Skills Lessons, we hit the Scenic La Barriere Park Loop  Trail, for a refreshing, social  45 min - 1-hour hike.
• Comprehensive Toolkit Insights: This program offers valuable insights into building your own hiking toolkit. Discover not only what to include but why it’s essential, and how each item can be utilized for your safety and survival in the wilderness.
• Structured Learning: As part of the program, you’ll receive an exclusive folder on the first night filled with wilderness safety resources that aren't easy to find. You'll also receive weekly handouts related to the material we cover, ensuring you have all the information you need to stay safe.  There will also be quizzes  we do together each week to reinforce your learning.
• Key Topics Covered: Candace will provide expert guidance covering backpack essentials, trail food, water management, shelter, clothing, fire-starting techniques, and signaling for help.
• Easy Moderate Paced Hikes: The 3km hike is designed for beginners and provides an ideal setting for engaging conversations and capturing memorable photos of your adventure.
• Join For Adventure and Learning: Get active, engage in social activities, and have fun while arming yourself with the skills to tackle the unexpected.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to get settled and be ready for a prompt 7:00 pm start. Bring your water bottle and dress with attire suitable for the weather conditions. In months where sunset is past 8:45pm, bring your headlamp with you if you have one. If you don’t, I have extras to lend out. 

Limited Availability: To ensure a personalized experience, there is a limit of 10 participants. Secure your spot today!

Meet Your Instructor:  

Candace Csordas is a highly qualified instructor with extensive expertise in wilderness survival, safety, and navigation. She holds ICSOS Certificates in Levels 1, 2, and 3 of Wilderness Survival and Safety, as well as Level 1 Navigation. With a passion for outdoor exploration, Candace has hiked across Canada and the USA since childhood, starting her adventures at the age of 8 in rural Manitoba.

In addition to her emergency first aid and wilderness survival training and certificates, Candace is a multifaceted fitness professional. She is an MFC Certified Registered Personal Trainer, MFC Certified Group Fitness Instructor, MFC Certified Resistance Training Instructor, MFC Certified Aqua Instructor, MFC Certified Yoga Instructor, MFC Certified Active Older Adult Instructor and Zumba Instructor.  Candace believes in continual growth and learning and as such is enrolled in a 200 hour yoga teacher training certification and physiological first aid certificate.  

PROGRAM COST: $90
Limit of 10 participants

🥾  Wilderness Immersion Day 🥾

THIS PROGRAM WILL BE OFFERED AGAIN IN THE FALL  

CHECK IN AUGUST FOR LOCATION AND DATES

Welcome to our Wilderness Survival Bootcamp: A One-Day Wilderness Survival Skills Workshop, where you'll delve into the heart of outdoors and practice wilderness survival skills with wilderness tool kits provided or bring your own equipment if you like.  This immersive program is designed to give you the knowledge, experience and practice. Learn the techniques and tricks to keeping your backpack light. Cultivate your own expertise in essential outdoor survival practices with a course that offers a comprehensive practical learning for safely navigating and enjoying the great outdoors.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL BOOTCAMP FEATURES:

 Wilderness Navigation

Understand the importance of maps and how to use them in the fundamentals of navigation. Understand and practice using a compass. Hike with confidence of not getting lost.

Seasonal Foraging Techniques 

Gain valuable insights into foraging techniques applicable in all seasons. We'll discuss learning how to identify edible plants, and other resources, enhancing your self-sufficiency for sustenance in the wilderness. Develop a deeper connection to what the environment has to offer. 

Essentials of All-Season Fire Making-

Acquire the indispensable skill of fire making, tailored for any season or weather condition. From basic fire-building techniques to how to keep a fire going overnight, you'll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to kindle fire efficiently, ensuring you can meet this critical survival skill.  

Water Purification Techniques

Practice effective water purification methods, a fundamental skill for any wilderness explorer. Learn to identity the source, methods for certain environments, and tactical know how of water treatment, ensuring you stay hydrated and healthy during your wilderness adventures. Then this will be put into practice.

Art of Shelter Building

Partake in the art of building a shelter, learn  master tarp techniques to create a safe and comfortable refuge in the wild. Whether you're facing unexpected weather conditions or planning an overnight stay, develop the skills to construct a shelter that provides protection and security and ensures you are able to "weather the storm". 

Effective Signaling Techniques

Learn the essentials of effective signaling, an important skill for communication in the wilderness. Various methods will be practiced in both passive and active signaling. 

This program is tailored for those who want to arm themselves with the practical skills to embark on wilderness adventures, whether in the immediate vicinity or across the vast landscapes of Manitoba, Canada or beyond. 

Meet Your Instructor: Candace Csordas holds ICSOS Certifications in Levels 1, 2, 3 of Wilderness Survival and Safety and Level 1 Navigation. Candace has hiked across Canada and the USA. She started hiking at the young age 8 in rural Manitoba. In addition, Candace also adventures on the water with her paddleboard going great distances (20km) on the lakes of our beautiful country. In her early years Candace was a swimmer and diver with the Pan Am club and an avid bike rider of any trail she could find. Although the diving has diminished, swimming and bike riding continue to be an active passion in her life. 

Candace is a MFC  Registered Personal Trainer, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Certified Resistance Training Instructor, Certified Aqua Instructor, Certified Active Older Adult Instructor and Certified Yoga Instructor. Candace also holds Yoga Certification from East to West Yoga. Certified Zumba Instructor. Certified Strong Nation Instructor. Candace is currently enrolled in the 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training because learning is a lifetime journey for her! 

PROGRAM COST: $125

Limit of 8 participants. 

 Wilderness Wellness Retreat 

 Star Lake, MB

September 13 to 15, 2024 

Are you ready to reconnect with yourself and nature? 🌿

Join us for a serene and rejuvenating Wilderness Wellness Retreat at the picturesque Longbow Lake, Ontario, hosted by Candace Csordas Fitness and Wilderness. Set on over two acres of private, tranquil land, our retreat offers a unique opportunity for professional and retired women to immerse themselves in wellness and authentic experiences within an intimate small group setting. With two charming cabins nestled among the trees, you’ll find the perfect balance of seclusion and community.

What to Expect:

Daily Yoga Sessions 🧘‍♀️

Begin each day with gentle sunrise yoga by the lake, guided by Candace Csordas, our experienced yoga instructor and hike guide. These sessions are designed to help you awaken your body, calm your mind, and prepare for the day ahead. As the sun sets, unwind with restorative evening yoga, allowing the peaceful surroundings to deepen your practice.

Nourishing Meals 🍽️

Enjoy delicious, wholesome meals crafted to nourish your body and soul. Our menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, with options to cater to various dietary preferences. Each meal is an opportunity to savor the flavors of the season while enjoying the company of like-minded women.

Engaging Activities 🌲

Throughout the retreat, you’ll have the chance to participate in a variety of activities that promote self-discovery and connection with nature:

• Guided Nature Hikes: Explore  the pristine trails around Longbow Lake with Candace Csordas, gaining  insights into the flora and fauna of the region.
• Mindful Meditation:  Practice mindfulness techniques in serene settings, helping you to find peace and clarity amidst the natural beauty.
• Creative Workshops: Engage in hands-on sessions that inspire creativity and self-expression,  from journaling to nature-inspired art.
• Water and Land Activities: Enjoy  the use of 2 paddleboards to paddle or float on the lake or wade in the beach waters, embracing the calming rhythms of the water. If you prefer to stay on land, enjoy a game of  badminton amidst the peaceful surroundings or play one of the many board games in the screened outdoor room.

Self-Care & Relaxation 🌺

This retreat is about nurturing yourself. Enjoy ample free time to rest, read, or simply soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Take advantage of our self-care offerings, including:

· Forest Bathing: Immerse yourself in the healing atmosphere of the forest, guided by the principles of Shinrin-yoku.

· Friday Night Group Pampering Spa Session: Indulge in a group spa session featuring a variety of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate your body and spirit. Enjoy facials, foot soaks, and more, as we gather together for an evening of self-care and camaraderie.

Free Time to Connect or Reflect 🌅

Whether you choose to connect with fellow participants over a cup of tea or take quiet moments for personal reflection by the water, our retreat offers the perfect balance of community and solitude. The spacious grounds and cozy common areas in our two cabins provide inviting spaces for both shared experiences and private contemplation.

Welcome Swag Bag 🛍️

To make your weekend even more enjoyable, we provide a welcome swag bag upon arrival. Each bag is filled with thoughtful little extras, including healthy snacks, a concentration crystal, and other items to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and delightful stay.

An Experience to Remember 🌟

Our Wilderness Wellness Retreat is more than just a getaway; it’s a transformative journey designed to leave you feeling refreshed, grounded, and inspired. By the end of our time together, you’ll carry with you not only memories of a beautiful escape but also a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the natural world.

Date: Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 15

Friday arrival 5-7pm. An array of Tapas, Charcuterie Board, and refreshments upon arrival. Sunday departure 2pm.   
Location: Private Property, Longbow Lake, Ontario
Host: Candace Csordas Fitness and Wilderness
Group Size: Limited to 10 Participants   

• Single Occupancy Room: $700
• Double Occupancy Room (per person): $500
• Multi Shared Room: $400

Early Bird Discount - Register by July 31, 2024, and save $100 on your registration!

Reserve Your Spot Today

This exclusive retreat is limited to a small group to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Don’t miss out—take advantage of our Early Bird Discount by registering before July 31, 2024, and save $100 on your registration!

For more information and to register, please contact Candace :

Phone: 204-930-2086

Email:ccsordas@outlook.com

About Us

At Candace Csordas Fitness and Wilderness, my retreats specialize in creating immersive wellness experiences for women who seek balance, growth, and community. These retreats are thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs of professional and retired women, providing a nurturing space to explore, rejuvenate, and thrive.

Step into a world of peace and possibility at Longbow Lake. 

We look forward to welcoming you.