What Our Participants Have to Say
A Weekend of Kayaking and Camping at Rivière-Batiscan Park
“Finding Plein air interculturel was a wonderful gift for me.”
In a world that seems increasingly divided and complex, meeting people like Adrienne, who, through their foundation, are willing to offer their time, knowledge, and all the resources necessary to help an immigrant like me reconnect with nature in Quebec is a true reminder that diversity is not a barrier. It also demonstrates that Quebecers have a deep love for their land and open arms to share all the wonderful things life in Quebec has to offer.
Immigration brings both a rupture and a new beginning. Personally, I have always loved nature, but since my arrival, I wasn’t really sure where to start. I didn’t know how to access the parks, what the requirements were, or what equipment I needed. I also didn’t have complete confidence in myself when it came to facing the challenges that the Canadian climate can present, with all its majesty, but also all its strength.
Added to this were the economic and logistical challenges, language and cultural barriers, and many other obstacles. I felt a little lost when it came to reconnecting with the part of myself that loves adventure and nature.
And then Plein air interculturel came into my life like a gift from God. Thanks to the information shared by the Association récréative Milton-Parc, I signed up, even though I wasn’t yet sure whether I would actually be able to take part in this kayaking adventure.
Adrienne contacted me almost immediately. From the very beginning, she welcomed me with extraordinary warmth, kindness, and openness. She made me feel part of the group and quickly put all my worries at ease. She provided me with all the equipment I needed to take part in the adventure. The other participants also welcomed us into their vehicles so that we could travel from Montreal to Rivière-Batiscan Park.
Then, thanks to the advice, care, and love that Adrienne and her husband put into preparing each activity, a group of people from very different backgrounds was able to come together, learn, and challenge themselves.
They were there for us every step of the way and gave us the feeling that we were capable of navigating the currents of the Batiscan River. But for me, this experience represented something much deeper: the ability to navigate the sometimes difficult journey of integration.
Thanks to Plein air interculturel, we are reminded that so many things become possible when someone gives us the tools, confidence, and opportunity to try.
This experience also reminded me of a beautiful lesson that kayaking illustrates perfectly: we must keep looking in the direction we want to go in order to eventually get there, without giving up, no matter how strong the current may be.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to Plein air interculturel, Adrienne, her husband, and everyone who made this experience possible. You did more than simply allow me to discover kayaking, camping, and Quebec’s beautiful natural environment; you also helped me rediscover a part of myself and feel a little more at home in Quebec.
— Newcomer
A First Kayaking Experience
“I took part in the kayaking festival even though I had no previous experience.”
I took part in the kayaking festival even though I had no previous experience, but thanks to the training provided by the instructors, I was able to overcome several of my fears. I learned a lot, and the experience was truly wonderful. A huge thank you to the whole team, and I highly recommend joining the club.
— Newcomer
Building Confidence Every Step of the Way
“A perfect progression for someone discovering these sports.”
A wonderful weekend with incredible and passionate people. I was able to try kayaking in both calm and whitewater, take part in the whitewater safety workshop, and then go down rapids in a sportyak — my heart beating a little faster, but carried by complete confidence in the team.
A perfect progression for someone discovering these sports. At every stage, I felt safe thanks to competent, attentive, and reassuring guidance, in a warm and festive atmosphere from beginning to end.
I ended the weekend soaking wet, a little sore, but truly happy that I had taken the chance to try the experience.
— Newcomer