We meet youth where they are—with challenge, structure, and support. Our sailing and wilderness programs are designed to strengthen character, build trust, and equip young people with tools for life.
We meet youth where they are—with challenge, structure, and support. Our sailing and wilderness programs are designed to strengthen character, build trust, and equip young people with tools for life.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to sharpen your skills, our Day-Sail Programs offer hands-on learning and adventure for all experience levels. Start with the fundamentals in Level I, build confidence and technique in Level II, and set out on an unforgettable full-day voyage in Level III. Each session blends on-shore instruction with on-the-water practice—guided by experienced instructors focused on safety, teamwork, and fun.

Spend a half a day in a classroom learning the basics of sail theory, knot tying, and safety. The remainder of the day we spend on the water learning to sail in two or three person teams while we instruct and supervise from our safety boat.

Advance to learn more about sail trimming and steering. We also cover the basics of survival at sea. Spend the day on the docks and on the water building confidence, refining technique, and growing in skills.

Learn the basics of navigation while embarking on an all-day sailing adventure in more challenging conditions. This immersive day on the water will strengthen your foundation as you apply skills in real-world settings—guided by experienced instructors.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to sharpen your skills, our Day-Sail Programs offer hands-on learning and adventure for all experience levels. Start with the fundamentals in Level I, build confidence and technique in Level II, and set out on an unforgettable full-day voyage in Level III. Each session blends on-shore instruction with on-the-water practice—guided by experienced instructors focused on safety, teamwork, and fun.

Spend a half a day in a classroom learning the basics of sail theory, knot tying, and safety. The remainder of the day we spend on the water learning to sail in two or three person teams while we instruct and supervise from our safety boat.

Advance to learn more about sail trimming and steering. We also cover the basics of survival at sea. Spend the day on the docks and on the water building confidence, refining technique, and growing in skills.

Learn the basics of navigation while embarking on an all-day sailing adventure in more challenging conditions. This immersive day on the water will strengthen your foundation as you apply skills in real-world settings—guided by experienced instructors.

Learn the basics of navigation while embarking on an all-day sailing adventure in more challenging conditions. This immersive day on the water will strengthen your foundation as you apply skills in real-world settings—guided by experienced instructors.
Challenge Adventures are designed for those ready to go beyond the basics and dive into multi-day experiences that test endurance, deepen skills, and spark lifelong memories. Whether you're trekking rugged coastal trails or sailing through BC’s breathtaking waterways, these adventures are all about growth—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Each program offers a unique blend of challenge, camaraderie, and discovery.

This multi-day program involves both sailing and hiking. Adventure through some of the most beautiful areas of British Columbia while growing in skills, fellowship, and confidence.

Be challenged physically by these multi-day hikes along trails such as the Jaun de Fuca and North Coast Trails. Learn the essentials of back-packing, orienteering, and survival on land.

As we look forward to hiring or purchasing a suitable vessel, we hope to once more offer multi-day sailing adventures up and down coastal British Columbia.
Challenge Adventures are designed for those ready to go beyond the basics and dive into multi-day experiences that test endurance, deepen skills, and spark lifelong memories. Whether you're trekking rugged coastal trails or sailing through BC’s breathtaking waterways, these adventures are all about growth—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Each program offers a unique blend of challenge, camaraderie, and discovery.

This multi-day program involves both sailing and hiking. Adventure through some of the most beautiful areas of British Columbia while growing in skills, fellowship, and confidence.

Be challenged physically by these multi-day hikes along trails such as the Jaun de Fuca and North Coast Trails. Learn the essentials of back-packing, orienteering, and survival on land.

As we look forward to hiring or purchasing a suitable vessel, we hope to once more offer multi-day sailing adventures up and down coastal British Columbia.
Mount Joy College offers transformative training for those called to serve with skill, compassion, and resilience. Whether you're supporting youth through trauma, pursuing intensive counselling certification, or stepping into leadership through hands-on volunteer roles, our programs combine theory, practice, and mentorship. Each pathway is designed to prepare individuals for meaningful, effective service in challenging but vital roles.

This training is specifically for HURTS leaders and volunteers to support their work of journeying with young people who are struggling with addiction and trauma.

Hope Alive
This eight day theoretical, practical, intensive and experiential course trains counsellors in the Hope Alive method to help those who have been impacted by abuse, neglect, and pregnancy loss. See website for more information.

Volunteers progress through a leveled training program ensuring they are equipped with all the skills they need. They work through levels of: Support Crew, Deckhand, Rescue Crew, Coxswain, and Team Lead. At the higher levels, we provide the resources for committed volunteers to receive high level professional training from third party organizations.
Mount Joy College offers transformative training for those called to serve with skill, compassion, and resilience. Whether you're supporting youth through trauma, pursuing intensive counselling certification, or stepping into leadership through hands-on volunteer roles, our programs combine theory, practice, and mentorship. Each pathway is designed to prepare individuals for meaningful, effective service in challenging but vital roles.

This training is specifically for HURTS leaders and volunteers to support their work of journeying with young people who are struggling with addiction and trauma.

This eight day theoretical, practical, intensive and experiential course trains counsellors in the Hope Alive method to help those who have been impacted by abuse, neglect, and pregnancy loss. See website for more information.

Volunteers progress through a leveled training program ensuring they are equipped with all the skills they need. They work through levels of: Support Crew, Deckhand, Rescue Crew, Coxswain, and Team Lead. At the higher levels, we provide the resources for committed volunteers to receive high level professional training from third party organizations.
We’re happy to walk you through the details of our programs, what to expect, and how to get involved.
Our programs are just one part of a larger story. Discover who we are and how you can help us make these journeys possible.

We’re happy to walk you through the details of our programs, what to expect, and how to get involved.
We’re happy to walk you through the details of our programs, what to expect, and how to get involved.
Our programs are just one part of a larger story. Discover who we are and how you can help us make these journeys possible.
Contact us



No matter your age or experience, we are always looking for people to join our registered society to support all the activities of HURTS. You would attend our Annual General Meeting, pay a membership fee of $20, prepare supplies for our adventures, and support in decision making, fundraising, and other supporting roles.

We are looking for eager volunteers excited by HURTS’ mission regardless of their level of marine experience or training. Thanks to our graduated volunteer training, you can quickly gain the skills and confidence to assist with boat maintenance, supporting on the water as part of the rescue boat or helping people learn hands on skills, and eventually leading training and adventures.
Volunteers will be required to pass a Police Information Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check. From there, additional certification will be required as you advance in the volunteer program.
Your support is essential for us to be able to provide real life adventures and training to those young people who need it most. We are a registered charity in Canada (BN 13359 3939 RR 0001).
If you have any questions about making a donation, please get in touch with us directly.
If you have sailing equipment, boats, or other material that you think might be helpful for our mission, please get in touch with us directly.

Our programs rely on the generosity of those who believe in what we do. Whether it's safety equipment, training materials, or fuel for the safety boat—your donation helps keep young people safe, supported, and moving forward.
For personal flotation device
For 2 days of sailing lesson (level I and II)
Full scholarship for one youth (Levels I-IV plus Hike/Sail Adventure)
Covers one young person going through the full graduated volunteer program