Paddle In The Park Contest: Coming June 28th To A Portage Near You

We haven't done a contest in a while, but this year we have partnered up with some of the best leaders in the paddle sports industry to get more people "Out There". We have also compiled 9+1 rewards and reasons to spend everyday in the wilderness this summer. Visit the Paddle In The Park Contest website for more information and how to enter to win some great prizes including paddles, repair kit(s), yoke pad(s), map case(s), Hap Wilson print(s) and more!

http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/

"There has never been a greater need for society to unplug and reconnect all at the same time. The PaddleInThePark contest was created to remind people of the many rewards of getting outside, from our health and well being, to supporting our parks and wild places. What better way to do this than with a chance to find a handcrafted (Badger®) paddle, hidden somewhere in parks across Ontario? Hopefully this will encourage more people to get Out There. The contest runs until September 15th or until all the paddles are found – which ever comes first."

Starting on Friday, June 28th, 2013 there are 6 (six) Badger® Canoe Paddles (hidden by Hap Wilson, Kevin Callan, and Preston Ciere) along undisclosed portage trails in Algonquin, Temagami and Killarney

• Clues to their specific location will be offered throughout the summer, becoming increasingly specific
To follow along for the latest hints and clues to paddle locations, visit the Paddle In The Park website or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

• The contest will also include draws to take place each time a paddle is found for those following along at home.

• Once you find a paddle, contact us and we’ll send you the rest of the prize package and pick another lucky winner for our corresponding draw.

• Prizes, besides the hidden paddles, include signed books by authors Kevin Callan, Hap Wilson, and Laurie Ann March along with prizes provided by Portageur.ca, Jeff’s Map, North Water, Swift Canoe, Algonquin Outfitters, Keyak, Hooligan Gear and more!

Paddle In The Park Contest Website: http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/
Paddle In The Park on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PaddleInTheParkContest
Paddle In The Park Contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/PaddleInThePark

THE REWARDS ARE "OUT THERE"!

The Stern Fathers

In today's modern world, a child still looks upon nature as a great mystery but with an immense disconnect. Good fathers put a child in the bow of their canoe and steer the investigation to ensure that immutable link to our natural world is established and understood. These are the "Stern Fathers".

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"Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the stars and the mountains above. Let them look at the waters and the trees and flowers on Earth. Then they will begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education." ~ David Polis

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Daddy-Daughter Canoe Session with Fat Paddler from Fat Paddler on Vimeo.
Awaking in the dark, daddy and his nearly 7 year old daughter head off for a canoe adventure in the nearby Ku-ring-gai National Park. An adventure of discovery, bonding, and of course a hot breakfast out in the bush!

Proudly brought to you by FatPaddler.com and BADGER® Paddles.

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Your deepest roots are in nature.  No matter who you are, where you live, or what kind of life you lead, you remain irrevocably linked with the rest of creation." ~ Charles Cook

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So paddles up in gratitude to all the Fathers (like Poppa Badger!) who took their place at the stern and escorted us to those wild places, and who taught us that Nature is our teacher. A special thanks, also, to Sean Smith (a.k.a. The Fat Paddler) and his adorable daughter Gracie for sharing one of their very special and inspirational adventures, all the way from Australia, in honour of Father's Day. Plus an extra special thanks to our Mike for being Makobe's special friend, his protector, and his teacher - you are an exceptionally kind and loving Father to a boy with many exceptionalities. You, Mike, are truly a hero to me... and to your son.

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day Poppa!

210 NEW REASONS TO SAVE WOLF LAKE

RELEASE                                          June 12, 2013 

Scientists find 210 species at Wolf Lake

recommend moratorium on further industrial disturbance

Sudbury - A team of scientists released a new report today on the findings of an intensive species count conducted last year at Wolf Lake.  210 species were identified including two bird species “At Risk” (special concern) the Canada Warbler and Common Nighthawk.  The report finds that the Wolf Lake old-growth forest is a unique and rich natural laboratory with the potential to provide the answers to many scientific questions relating to the ecology and conservation of endangered forested landscapes.  It warns that planned industrial activity puts this value at risk.

Download the report here: WOLF LAKE - SPECIES REPORT

“We strongly urge that no further industrial disturbance be permitted to this ecosystem. The forest’s sustainable values as a natural classroom, outdoor laboratory and recreation area should not be compromised for short-sighted and speculative mineral exploration” said lead author and old growth expert Peter Quinby.  “Any further industrial disturbance risks degrading the scientific value of this irreplaceable ecosystem before we have uncovered its storehouse of ecological information.”

The report documents initial efforts to create a comprehensive species list at Wolf Lake.  The first season of study has identified 210 species including an abundance of lichens (47), plants (84), aquatic invertebrates (6), reptiles and amphibians (10), breeding birds (60), and incidental observations of mammals (3 species).

Some of the more notable findings of this study include the following:
a high diversity of lichens,
an unusually high abundance of Red Pine regeneration,
observations at the northern range limits of several species of reptiles and amphibians that have helped fill knowledge gaps of species' distributions,
observations of two bird species “At Risk” (special concern) the Canada Warbler and Common Nighthawk.  A high number of mature forest dependent bird species like pine warbler and a high diversity of species/habitats within a small area.

The report makes recommendations for further study and identifies a need to determine the true extent of the Wolf Lake old-growth Red Pine forest, which extends beyond the 1,600 ha suggested by the MNR, and outside of the area protected from logging.

The Wolf Lake ancient forest is the largest remaining ancient red pine forest, an endangered ecosystem that remains on only 1.2% of its former extent.

CONTACT: Peter Quinby:  705-476-2165, Ramsey Hart: 705-476-2165.

Download the report at:  savewolflake.org

Pt 7 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Backcountry or Car/End of the Portage

Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month.  This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona

Interior/Back Country or Car Camping?

Campgrounds are noisy, social places with lots of activity around. Hearing the noises of others outside the tent walls was truly unbearable for Makobe - terrified by the sounds that people were making so close to our tent (i.e. talking, walking on the gravel path, shutting car doors, off-key singing around a neighbour's campfire). We tried to camp in an Algonquin Hwy 60 Corridor campground this past summer and it became a complete nightmare for Makobe. We actually had to leave in the middle of the night to calm our son who was having a full on panic attack - then come back and pack out our belongings in the morning.

This trip was a true disaster once night fell.

Yet camping in the interior is not a problem for our Makobe. With only the sound of the crackling campfire - not neighbours - Makobe is able to settle into sleep in the tent without fear or anxiety. He is much more at home in a more natural camping environment that comes with portaging than he is with driving into a campground and setting up a tent. Another consideration is that there is less chance of autism interfering with a camping neighbour's experience when you are across the lake from them instead of just a few feet away.

By The End Of The Portage...

Nature has a way of returning peace to one's soul. I always knew there was some truth to this as I have felt it myself on the many canoe trips that I have taken since I was a child. But seeing Makobe, who struggles everyday with the noisy, overly busy modern day world, be able to just sit on the edge of a northern shore for a good while, and look out at the sky with a calmness that I don't see very often at home, makes me realize that the best thing we ever did was make room for autism in our canoe. Especially since we now know - it doesn't really take up that much room at all!

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others.  Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.

Pt 6 :: How To Make Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Paddling & Eating

Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month.  This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona

That tastes funny!

Another consideration for bringing children or people with eating sensitivities is how eating and preparing food in the outdoors can affect taste and texture. Especially when cooking over a fire. Makobe had many opportunities to eat meat and other types of food that had been cooked over a fire as we regularly do so as we visit Poppa Badger & Grammama’s land next door to us and camp. He will eat some of the items we cook over a fire but it is important we have a good coal base for cooking when preparing Makobe’s food. We cannot rush a cooking fire when he is around. If there is too much smoke flavor or black soot – he will not ingest it.

It is most important to consider all the aspects of a canoe trip when planning to take a sensory-sensitive person into the interior or backcountry - and practicing anything you think may become an issue at the campsite, before hand at home. Food intolerances can be tricky to deal with when on a canoe trip as space is tight (less choice) and the outdoor elements can alter texture and taste of some foods (food gets cold fast, rain can make everything wet and damp, etc.) But we noticed keeping Makobe physically active on trip (a natural by product of wilderness canoeing) kept him hungry and much more tolerant of what he put in his mouth.

Not just along for the ride:

Depending on the child, you may not wish to introduce the actual physical side of paddling until they are older or have shown they are interested. With Makobe, he liked to dip the canoe paddle in the water to create more of a resistance than to help paddle. He has some difficulty with it still (mainly because it can be hard work!) but has taken rather well to the simplicity of using a kayak paddle on a stand up paddle board. But the key to anything with Makobe (and autism) is motivation. It works much better if we have a destination in mind with a small tangible reward at the end of it for him. As for using a canoe paddle properly - still working on it!

Coming next: Backcountry or Car Camping?/Conclusion

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others.  Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.

Pt 5 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe :: Meltdowns & Communication

Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month.  This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona

Paddling & Planning For A Meltdown

Meltdowns can come at the most unexpected time and in the most unfavourable places. Plan for the worst and stay closer to the shoreline when you paddle with someone with autism, especially if the person does not have much experience in a canoe. If you are out in the middle of a large lake and a meltdown occurs - there is a possibility of tipping the canoe and it's cargo into the depths, ending in a very serious life-threatening situation. If you paddle closer to shore, not only will the trip become more visually interesting (along with an increased chance of spotting wildlife), but you will be safer as well. If you stick closer to shore, a meltdown situation can be steered towards the shallows or shore edge - protecting the person who is out of control, you and your gear from a potentially dangerous situation. Similarly, precautions must be used if the person is an escapist - or runner. Tying the zipper ends together with a short length of rope with a small bear bell attached, can give you enough time to wake-up and hear if someone is trying to escape from the tent at night. Making sure there is one person, at all times, who is watching the camp throughout the day is also a good strategy. Mike and I would frequently make sure that one of us was aware of Makobe's movements at all times and that he always remained within sight and on site.

Electronics can serve a real need in the wilderness with autism.

Accessibility & Communication in the Great Outdoors

Many families would agree one of the greatest technological advancements for special needs learning and communication came with the iPad. Even more so with an iPad2 (which includes a camera). For those who have come to rely on an electronic device (like an iPad/iTouch/iPhone) for their communication needs or visual aids, a canoe trip may seem like an impossibility. However, with the multitude of choices that are now available for charging devices by way of solar, battery packs, or even the new Biolite stove, plus the availability of waterproof protective covers, the portage has been opened to us all! The great thing about being able to bring along a device that takes pictures (paired with an app that allows you to create visual aids and social stories on the fly) is that you can customize your visual aids as needed on trip. Also, if the device also carries apps used in their autism intervention programs, you can continue schooling right at the campsite without having to cart around any heavy materials or supplies - thus keep some of the same routine as at home. Being able to bring along a much needed device like this, allows for greater communication and much longer trips. So while we are advocates for the special needs of our son and the increased quality of life that an iPad brings to our family, we do not use the internet while on a canoe trip. After all, we want our son to connect with Nature while we are in the bush, not Youtube!

Coming next: Paddling and Eating

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others.  Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.

Pt 4: How To Make Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Practice Portaging & Gear

Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month.  This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona

Practicing for the portage at home.

Portaging at Home:

Just like practicing in the canoe, we also had to practice carrying packs around. Makobe is not always happy to carry things in his hands or have weight on his back, so this was a skill we needed to make sure he was able to partake in without much complaint before we expected him to pull it off on the trail after a long day of physical demands. Starting with lighter packs, Makobe would practice carrying gear on some of our walks and around our backyard trail. In the photo above, Makobe is carrying small pack filled with some gear for a day trip and our Wind Paddle for sailing in the canoe.

Appropriate Gear Makes For An Appropriate Experience:

It is very important to bring proper rain gear for everyone on a canoe trip, but it is especially wise to invest in a good breathable waterproof outerwear for any child or person with sensory sensitivities like those found with an autism diagnosis. Some people with autism are more sensitive to their environment and temperatures while others may not be able to communicate that they are feeling chilly. Sometimes a weather system can come in and catch you by surprise - things can get soaking wet and people can get cold really fast. Dressing in layers, including a fleece under a waterproof and breathable shell jacket/pants with waterproof boots can make for a very happy camper in wet conditions. The breathability factor is important as otherwise you really perspire, which can make you cold as well as your cloths remain damp from perspiration. 

Bug coats are also a really good investment. Deet is not at all good for you and for people with a sensitive olfactory system, the mere smell of it can make for a horrible experience. Not to mention the fact that many people with autism have an oral fixation and like to put many things, including their own hands and sleeves, in their mouths. It is also a difficult concept to teach a delayed child not to breath in the bug spray if they can help it!

For our first family back country canoe trip, Makobe had a bug coat, a youth shell jacket and pants from MEC and a pair of CROCS boots (he has a thing for CROCS, what can we say?!). Please note: Tarps are also a must for shelter or wind blocker in harsh conditions or heavy downpours, and bug nets can also help during the bug season if the child expresses major discomfort and frustration over the biting and buzzing insects. 

Coming next: Meltdowns & Communication in the Outdoors

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others.  Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.

Pt 3 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Visual First-Aid

Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month.  This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona

Visual First-Aid

Many people with autism learn and are able to understand their world better when they are given visual examples and verbal warnings of what may come. Visual aids can be like first-aid when anxiety is an issue. Similar to the idea of using the canoe seat as a visual marker in the canoe, we also relied on other visual aids as well.

Our visual aids included information about where to go to the bathroom (i.e. the “Thrones” which are covered wooden boxes (with a opening for a toilet hole) placed over a dug hole that are used for going to the bathroom in Algonquin Park’s interior. Other parks, like Quetico, it is possible there will be no facilities available - where you are to dig a 6 inch hole in the ground instead). We had Makobe use the “Throne” when we were there as he has used an outhouse before. But as we know they aren’t pretty and usually present a very unpleasant odor, we also brought a back up toilet bucket for him to use in case he was unable to use the “Throne” due to sensory reasons and to prevent any health concerns or issues.

For our visual aids we used photos from our past trips (from before Makobe came into our lives), hand drawn pictures (including some of Makobe's own art) and even borrowed a few from the internet too. At first we used paper visuals but now rely more on the iPad* for a quick catalog of visual aids on the go.

Another visual and verbal strategy is the "FIRST-THEN" concept. It is a strategy that we, like many other families, use to help Makobe cope in certain situations.  At first used in a visual aid, we now use it verbally( or sometimes bring out visual aids for newer concepts).  For a verbal example, we used "FIRST paddle to the campsite THEN swim in the lake.” Note: when we returned from our trip we updated Makobe's Canoe Trip "picture story" with actual photos of Makobe and events that will be repeated on future trips as an updated visual aid and to help build his episodic memory.

*More about the iPad in the outdoors coming in the next post.

Coming next: Practice Portaging & Gear 

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others.  Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.

Pt 2 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Paddling At Home

Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month.  This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona

The Journey Begins, Paddling at Home:

The first time we put Makobe in a canoe - he was moving everywhere and not happy with the demand to sit in one area for any period of time. So we started with pretending to canoe in our living room using our paddles and our ottoman. Then in a real canoe with very small 10 to 15 minute paddling trips at first, working up to longer trips until we were able to spend a few hours in a canoe with a bit of motivation (usually a swimming spot for Makobe), a number of favourite fidget toys, and some edible reinforcement (gluten-free gummy bears or crackers). Using the principles of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), we would praise Makobe for the behaviours we wanted to see. "I like how nice you are sitting!" and "Good job sitting quietly!" helped to let him know what we wanted from him by giving attention to those things. We allowed stims** that did not affect the balance of the canoe. And we always tried to end the paddling experience on a positive note so that his last memory of canoeing with us would be a reinforcing one.

Fidget toys can be a very helpful tool in a canoe!

Later, once he had learned how to sit balanced nicely,  it became naturally reinforcing for Makobe to be out in the canoe, especially when he could drag his hand in the water as we paddled along. We also provided Makobe with a camp seat (a soft folding chair, also known as a stadium chair, that can be strapped to a canoe seat to keep it in place) so that he was aware visually where he was supposed to sit and to help maintain balance in the canoe. Mike and I have many years experience paddling in canoes and we both lean our boats when soloing so we are aware of a canoe’s balance points, therefore we are both comfortable with Makobe leaning over to trail his hand in the water as we paddle along. Although in some conditions like rough weather, large waves, or with a heavily loaded canoe, this wouldn’t be possible - that is where the small fidget toys take over. (Fidget toys can be anything small that a child favours to help keep their hands and minds occupied - for example, some of Makobe's favourites are: Tangle Therapy, Spaghetti Balls, Stretchy Frogs, Koosh Balls, etc., see above photo)

We found the best place to sit Makobe (especially in the beginning) was within easy reach of the stern paddler. It is much easier to physically control a child just in front of you than if you had to reach around behind you in a canoe. (This is also an important consideration in a meltdown situation, but more on that in a bit.) Later, once Makobe began to understand the balance of the boat better and his concept of canoeing had matured a bit, we moved him more to the middle of the canoe to allow room for gear and more leg space.

When we all felt comfortable with the progress made, the next step was paddling with large amounts of gear in the canoe - as this affects the feel and balance of the canoe considerably. It also gets a bit more crowded once all the packs and drybags are filing up the space. Thus, it is important to make sure that the child is comfortable and has some room to move around and shift to get comfortable on a longer paddle. We found that Makobe sometimes preferred to be packed in a bit but usually would sit up on a small pack for part of the journey for a better view and position.

Coming next: Visual First Aid

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others.  Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.

Pt 1 :: Making Room For Autism In Our Canoe - We Used To Canoe Too

Legendary environmentalist, author, artist and cartographer
Hap Wilson wearing the Six Degree Project scarf for
Autism Awareness and Acceptance - WAAD 2013
(April 2) in snowy Muskoka, Canada.
(Abbey supports autism too! Ruff ruff!)
photo credit: Andrea Turner-Wilson

Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month.  This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. Thanks to our family and friends who have shown their support and a special thank you to Hap Wilson for showing his support for autism awareness and acceptance. ~Fiona

Hey, we USED to canoe too!

When our son, Makobe, received his diagnosis of autism at the age of two, we really didn't realize just how much our lives were going to change. My husband and I had met and it didn't take us long to find that a mutual love and passion for paddling and the outdoors were not the only things we had in common. Soon, after an extended travelling trip to B.C., we were married. Two years later we had our beautiful son. Even still, our relationship and careers were built and shaped by the paddle sports industry. We lived for paddling. However we soon realized Makobe's autism, with his over-hyperactive behaviours and inability to self-regulate, had made it nearly impossible for us to continue our regular paddling and wilderness canoe trips as a family.

Indeed, we were not alone. Mike and I have met many families along our autism journey that had given up a beloved pursuit because it didn't fit in very easily with the demands and difficult behavioural issues that autism brought to the child and family. "Oh we used to canoe too!" was a statement I grew weary of hearing. I knew why, of course - it is difficult enough to get thru a normal autism day let alone try to take on the extra challenge of a wilderness canoe trip! Unable to plan for a paddling trip, we knew we were well on our way to saying something similar to our friends and family ourselves until we discovered the principles of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) and decided we were going to be a family of paddlers - even if it took us years to get there.

And it did. Eight years, in fact. Eight years before our son was ready for his real first wilderness canoe trip. There were many tears and meltdowns along the way but each struggle and hand-drawn visual aid was worth every minute when we walked across that first portage - a huge transition for Makobe - with great success, a little giggle, and a big smile. The smile was his Dad's. The giggle was mine but the great success all belonged to Makobe.

So after years of practicing and planning, we had finally made it! Yet there was more to this journey than we realized. Yes, we had learned how to make room for autism in our canoe; but by doing so, we had also learned how to better make room for autism in our lives. With the help of visual aids, the proper teaching techniques, breaking the big skills down into individual skills before being taught as a whole, Dr. Vince Carbone's Verbal Behaviour (VB) protocols, plus lots of patience and creativity - we realized that our son could do anything he put his mind too with our support and encouragement. Not to mention the principles of ABA (and VB) can be applied anywhere - yes, even on a portage!


Start'em Young
So while much of the tactics we used and will be sharing are for families of children with autism or special needs, much of this approach could also be applied to paddling with any child, really. It is important to remember that how our parents spent time with us as children influenced our idea of comfort when we later became adults. The more positive time you spend outdoors, in nature, with your children (at any age) - the greater chance they will seek out the wilderness later in life and with their own children as their chosen pastime. Getting young children to feel comfortable and enjoy spending time in the the outdoors is important; and remembering our connection with Nature is paramount for our survival on this planet. Besides, getting your hands filthy with camp dirt and feeling your feet get wet in the warm summer waters of a fresh water lake - or the salty sea - is something that everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing in their lifetime. And when children see their parents enjoying an outdoor experience and simpler life-style, they do too. It is also important to remember whether the child has autism or not - there is always room in a canoe for fun!

Coming NEXT: The Journey Begins, Paddling at Home

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others.  Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.

Of Badgers and Portageurs :: Canoecopia 2013

Badger® WaterColours at Canoecopia 2013
Photo by attendee Stephanie Rochon

Our second year at Canoecopia was another whirlwind of sales and smiles. Mike was happy to see all the familiar faces as well as many new ones too. Without Fiona, who stays home with Makobe (but really hopes to be able to attend next year if Badger is invited back again!), Mike is all alone in the booth for the entirety of the show. Thankfully, both this year and last, popular blogger Preston (from Portageur.ca) attended as well - offering to help out so that Mike was able to catch a break here and there while Preston closed sales and made himself otherwise available to people for questions and conversation (about canoeing and portaging, what else?!).

The calm before the storm -
the booth is ready for Canoecopia 2013.

At first, there was some confusion about our paddle shapes. Mike hadn't had a chance to review the Canoecopia Gazette/Show Guide but realized something was up when people were coming into the booth looking for the bigger bladed paddles. Thankfully Mike had brought some Diggers with him so those really hoping for the larger blade surface, over our more traditional shapes, were satisfied and left with an ash or cherry paddle of their preference. He later realized that the mention of a paddle that was a "tad larger" (in the show guide) had gotten everyone a bit confused but he was able to match up paddles to people's preferences without a problem once he knew what they were.

Mike, as it happens, was really excited for this show as both the Badger-Tripper and the BadgerTail were NEWLY redesigned this year for a more fluid paddling experience.

BadgerTail (top)
Badger-Tripper (bottom)

The BADGER-TRIPPER, a very effective and popular canoe tripping paddle, is based on our "slicy" modified ottertails. A hybrid paddle, we have taken our favourite aspects from the original BadgerPaw and Tripper designs and combined them into one. The result is an extremely fluid, quiet, and aesthetically pleasing paddle. This design is definitely a top choice for trippers - or those who spend most of their day in the canoe.

The BADGERTAIL paddle has a deep and wide blade with a lot of surface area to move large amounts of water but still sits deep enough to be a very effective rudder. Based on a traditional beavertail, the Tail is also great for prying strokes. By redistributing the volume of the blade, we have created a smoother paddling experience. With the bulk of the blade’s volume pulling in the deeper, more still waters - instead of higher up where the water is bubbling and gurgling from your stroke - the paddler's energy is conserved.

Mike was also excited to meet and see everyone again and to talk paddles and paddling. But there was another subject on his mind as well this year as he had brought with him a blue scarf from The Six Degree Project - which aims to get celebrities to wear their scarves in the name of autism awareness. We had already approached Kevin Callan - The Happy Camper (and Hap Wilson!) who (both!) agreed to help bring awareness and attention to autism for the next little while as totally willing participants.

Author and popular outdoor celebrity Kevin Callan wearing
a Six Degree Project Scarf in the name of Autism Awareness
in honour of Makobe & people living with autism every where!
photo credit: Portageur.ca

So this is where Portageur.ca comes in again as he was asked in an *urgent* message pleading with him to photograph Kevin wearing the scarf as he was running around the show. Preston, always a trooper, came thru with a flying spectrum of colours and tracked Kevin down for a shot and included Mike (Kevin's connection to autism is through Makobe) in a great photo. Thanks to Kevin Callan (The Happy Camper) and to our portage loving friend, for helping to bring autism awareness to Canoecopia this year!

A happy portageur and a happy paddler too.
Thanks for being such a great salesman Preston!

On Sunday, Mike was excited again to be able to present our Maple Pancake Pitch to those he shared breakfast with. Last year Mike brought down some Bow Jam with him but this year, the Canoe Trippers' Syrup proved to be really popular with the pancake eating paddlers.

Prepared by Yummies in a Jar located right here in Muskoka, we were more than delighted with the flavour of our specially made "pancake glue".

Our Maple Syrup was a favourite
at breakfast this year!

We only made up a few bottles of this novel, but very delicious Canadian pure maple syrup, however we are definitely going to be getting more soon due to it's deliciousness and popular demand (we got a more than a few private inquiries from family and friends who would like to try it after seeing it posted on Facebook and those who did try it want MORE!).

If you are are wanting to try some yourself, send us an email or drop us a line via our Facebook page.

At the end of the breakfast, full of pancakes, Mike was ready to greet the last day of the show and was soon on his way home. But not before he made lots of new friends and made sure that many of his Badgers had found new paddling families.

Copy of the label on our (imaginative) Maple Pancake Pitch.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make Canoecopia 2013 another great success for Mike and Badger Paddles. We were even honoured by Canoe & Kayak Magazine by being picked for their Best In Show list (we just found out ourselves!). So thanks to you all for helping us become the Badgers we are today. Paws up to everyone! And paddles up to everyone too!

Badger® WaterColours make Canoe & Kayak's Best In Show list!

Special thanks to Preston (Portageur), Stephanie, Kevin Callan, Darren & family, Roch, Scott, David, Seaward Kayaks,  Jerry Vandiver, Jeff Fitch and his very lovely wife, the very happy lady paddlers Donna and Joan, as well as Lou,  and the Kayak Sailors, and the nice lady who let Preston make a sale -  plus many more who helped to make Canoecopia so much fun for Mike again this year. Hope to see you all next year (when I hope to be able to come too)! ~ Fiona