Yarksis Vargas Island, Načiks Tofino, BC
June 30 – July 3, 2024
Twelve youth from ’Ya̱lis and surrounding northern Vancouver Island nations embarked on a memorable journey across the island, making several meaningful stops on their way to Tofino. This trip was a fantastic way to kick off their summer break, providing a blend of adventure, learning, and connection to the land with Tofino Adventure Camp, where they learned to surf and spent their time camping.
Their adventure began early in the morning, taking the first ferry from ’Ya̱lis-Alert Bay and arriving in Ucluelet by late afternoon. Their first visit was to Relic Surf Shop, where they were warmly welcomed by Spencer O’Brien, Jake Fine, and the professional surfers on the Relic Surf staff.
After gearing up for their surfing adventures, the group headed to Tofino Resort and Marina. They boarded three boats to Cedar Coast on Vargas Island, accessible only by boat or float plane. Upon arrival, they were warmly greeted by the staff, who assisted them on the trek to the lodge and briefed them on the island’s safety rules.
That evening, the youths crossed the beach to meet Skookum and Marci, who shared their inspiring story of returning home to Vargas Island and becoming stewards of the land. Songs were exchanged, and everyone enjoyed s’mores on the beach before retiring to the lodge for the night.
The next morning, the group was excited for their first day of surfing. After a hearty breakfast, they left the island for Long Beach. For most, it was their first time wearing a wetsuit, leading to much laughter in the changing rooms. As the fog lifted and the sun began to shine, they received warm-up instructions and tips on how to get onto their boards. They spent the majority of the day surfing with the instructors’ help. That evening, back at Cedar Coast, some youth tried their hand at fishing, while others enjoyed indoor sports and relaxed at the lodge.
On the second day of surfing, the confidence grew in the youth. It was inspiring to see them determined to catch every wave that roared past them, fighting the surf, and making every effort to get back on their boards. For many, this trip marked their first visit to Tofino, making it even more special.
As a chaperone, witnessing their joy and progress in the water was immensely rewarding. As a group we also had the chance to go on a wildlife tour, where we saw a line of 30 sea otters swimming and even spotted a bear with its cub in the distance. Exploring the coastal tours was a wonderful experience.
On the last night, we enjoyed an incredible salmon dinner prepared by Chef Jesse, who used a special technique to cook the freshly caught salmon. It was some of the best salmon we’ve ever tasted, a sentiment echoed by the youth who grew up eating salmon.
The trip concluded with a celebration, bringing together everyone who made this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible for the youth. It was a fitting end to a journey filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories, marking a perfect start to their summer break.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who was a part of this incredible journey. Your support and involvement were instrumental in making this experience so memorable. We felt well taken care of throughout the trip, feeling like an extension of your family.