Episode X:
Wilderness, Wonder, and the Wisdom of Slowing Down

This episode revolves around the theme of reconnecting with nature, the challenges of modern life, and how nature-based experiences, like camping, can foster personal growth, relaxation, and connection.

Anne and Colleen underscore the value of nature in promoting mental well-being, the importance of flexibility and presence in our experiences, and how even small, accessible outdoor activities can provide significant moments of growth and relaxation. It’s a reminder to be adaptable, enjoy the journey, and embrace nature as a way to recharge and reset in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Important Messages

Nature as a learning experience: Camping and outdoor trips offer valuable lessons in adaptability, flexibility, and presence. Small moments of discomfort, such as dealing with unexpected wildlife, can become fond memories and learning opportunities.

Progressive engagement with nature: Nature experiences don’t have to be extreme right away. Starting with smaller activities like car camping can be an accessible way for people (especially families) to gradually build up their comfort and skills with outdoor experiences.

The importance of presence: Success in outdoor experiences isn’t about achieving a specific outcome but about being present and tuning into the needs of the moment is emphasized. Pushing too hard for a set goal can cause more stress, and the real value comes from adapting to the situation.Outdoor experiences offer the opportunity to disconnect from the speed and demands of everyday life.

The joy in the simple moments: The small, often unexpected moments can become the highlights of outdoor trips, which help to emphasize the importance of embracing spontaneity and the unpredictable nature of life.

Resources Mentioned

• Ontario Parks

Anne Tong (MSW, RSW)

Anne has over a decade of experience working with youth in multiple capacities. She brings her experience working in adventure-based therapeutic summer camps, coaching competitive rock climbers, and working within the children and youth mental health sector at Pine River Institute. Anne has also felt privileged to be a part of the Sound Youth Counselling team for the past few years supporting in a virtual capacity. She is passionate in supporting individuals to tap into their own resources, to find the strength in their voice, and to take self-responsibility in living a whole and authentic life. Anne’s diverse academic background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation from Brock University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCAD University.

Colleen McLean (MSW, RSW)

Colleen grew up in Waterloo and spent her summers attending an overnight camp in Huntsville (which she credits as being one of the most significant influences on her life). After completing her undergrad degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, Colleen decided to try and find a full-time job in camping and for 10 years was the General Manager of a wilderness-based leadership program for at-risk youth. Seeing the challenges these young people faced and the systemic cracks they were so susceptible to led her to pursue her Master of Social Work degree (also from WLU) so she could try and do more to help. Now, with over 25-years of experience working with children and youth, she continues to dedicate her career to supporting young people. She is the owner and clinical director of Sound Youth Counselling in Parry Sound, Ontario.