Junior Canadian Rangers conduct summer training on Vancouver Island

Over 70 Junior Canadian Rangers from across Western Canada took part in this year’s Enhanced Training Sessions (ETS) hosted by 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group’s a Junior Canadian Ranger Company on Vancouver Island, held July 5 to 20. The participants took part in variety of outdoor adventure activities where they worked on their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Photo submitted.

Captain Natasha Tersigni, 
4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group

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Seventy-eight Junior Canadian Rangers (JCRs) from Western Canada travelled to Vancouver Island to participate in this year’s Enhanced Training Sessions (ETS), held July 5–20 in Victoria and Strathcona Provincial Park.

“While it is an opportunity for youth to come to beautiful Vancouver Island and take part in outdoor adventure activities they normally may not have had the chance to do, it is really about building those soft skills that we are focused on,” said Captain (Capt) Brandon McAuley, JCR Coy Training and Development Officer for 4 CRPG.

The JCR program is a community-based program offered in remote, isolated, and coastal communities to youth aged 12-18. It is supported by local Canadian Rangers, JCR leaders, and program volunteers. The youth program promotes traditional cultures and lifestyles in the communities and teaches life, traditional, and Canadian Ranger skills.

Capt McAuley said JCRs are tested regarding interpersonal and life skills.

“They must work in small groups, take part in activities outside of their comfort zone and really push their physical and mental limits,” he said.

ETS had been on hiatus for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Usually, it is held annually in the summer as an opportunity for the JCRs to come together, meet new people, participate in new activities, and learn valuable life skills.

This year, most ETS was held at the Strathcona Park Lodge near Campbell River. The JCRs participated in physical activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, and camping. At the same time, the youth worked on their communication, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking skills.

“It is pretty amazing to see how much the youth can grow in just a week,” Capt McAuley said. “A majority of the JCRs come from smaller communities, and for some this is the first time they have been on an airplane or even away from home. In just a short period of time they can build their self-confidence and self-esteem, and it is great to see that firsthand.”