A little known fact about Wilderness Tours is that we run the world’s best kayak school program, called Keeners. It attracts teens from all over the world. The teens come for the kayaking, the parents send them for the youth development. Keeners learn leadership, teamwork, public speaking, photo/video skills, first aid, swift water rescue, job skills and more. A side benefit is they become some of the world’s best paddlers. Out of 220 competitors in the last World Championships, 30 came from the Keener program. Our only disappointment is that there are more Keeners from New Zealand than there are from Beachburg and area. That is about to change.
I have never been more bullish on Whitewater Region. I foresee huge growth and want to ensure our local youth have all the employment opportunities they want. We are calling the program Local Keeners. We live in a special place and this is our time. We want your favourite teen to be a part of it. Thank you.
Joe
