Frequently Asked Questions

Adventuring Into Life (AIL) is an outdoor adventure company based in Kamloops, BC, co-founded by Andrea and Stacey Gagnon. We run youth programs, girls-only adventure camps, women's mountain bike retreats, and international adventures across British Columbia and beyond.

Everything we do is rooted in one belief: time outside builds confidence that carries into every part of life. We started AIL because we watched girls drop out of sport as they got older, and we wanted to change that. That mission still drives everything — from our toddler programs to our Costa Rica retreats.

Our home base is Kamloops, BC. Our youth and afterschool programs run primarily in Kamloops, while our girls adventure camps travel across the province to locations including Vernon, Kelowna, and Cranbrook. Our women's retreats run in Valemount and at other BC destinations, with international retreats in Costa Rica.

Yes. All of our mountain bike coaches hold certification through the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC) or the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA) at Level 1 minimum. Our coaches aren't just strong riders — they're trained educators who know how to break down skills and get real results for every participant.

All coaches also hold current first aid certification and have completed criminal record checks.

AIL was co-founded by Andrea and Stacey, and both are actively involved in program delivery. We also work with a team of trained, background-checked coaches who share our values and are certified in their discipline. You'll meet the team at your program — we're proud of the people we work with.

Yes. Our girls adventure camps run in Vernon, Kelowna, and Cranbrook in addition to Kamloops. Our women's retreats take place in Valemount and other BC destinations. We also run school-based cycling programs across BC through our Everyone Rides initiative. If you're outside Kamloops and interested in what we offer, get in touch — we're always looking to expand.

Our Kamloops summer camps are designed for kids ages 5 to 16. We run ability-grouped sessions so kids are always riding and exploring with peers at a similar level — no one is bored or left behind.

Depending on the session, camps include a mix of mountain biking, bushcraft (fire-starting, shelter-building, nature skills), hiking, multi-sport challenges, and time in nature. Every day looks a little different — and that's intentional. We want kids to build a wide range of outdoor skills, not just get really good at one thing.

Not necessarily — it depends on the camp session. Some of our camps are bike-focused and work best for kids who can already pedal independently. Others are multi-sport and don't require bike skills at all. Check the individual camp page for specifics, or contact us and we'll point you to the right fit for your child.

Campers need to bring their own bike and a properly fitted helmet. If you're unsure whether your child's bike is appropriate for the camp, reach out before registering and we'll help you figure it out.

Our Kamloops camps are based out of various trail networks and outdoor spaces around the city, including Juniper and Dufferin trail systems depending on the session and age group. Specific location details are provided at registration.

We keep our groups small so every kid gets real attention. For bike-focused programs, our ratio is 1 coach to 6 participants. For multi-sport and non-biking programs, it's 1 coach to 8 participants.

A detailed packing list is sent at registration, but generally: bike and helmet (for bike sessions), weather-appropriate clothing in layers, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a packed lunch and snacks. We spend a lot of time outside so dressing for the weather matters.

We run in most weather — getting a bit muddy is part of the experience. Programs are only cancelled in cases of extreme weather, lightning, or conditions that create genuine safety concerns. If a session is cancelled by AIL, you'll be notified as early as possible and offered a credit or refund.

We run afterschool mountain biking and outdoor adventure programs for youth in Kamloops. Programs run on weekday afternoons and focus on skill-building, trail riding, and getting kids outside consistently through the season.

We run two seasons: spring (April through June) and fall (September through October). Spring break camps in March bridge the gap at the start of the outdoor season. There are no afterschool programs running over summer — that's when our summer camps take over.

Registration for the next season isn't open yet, but you can get in touch with us to be added to the waitlist and we'll reach out as soon as spots are available. Spots typically fill quickly so getting on the list early is worth it.

Yes. We run school-based cycling programs through our Everyone Rides initiative, currently in partnership with Grade 4 and 5 classrooms across BC. If you're a school or district interested in bringing cycling programming to your students, reach out and we'd love to talk.

Because research — and our own experience — shows that girls thrive differently in a space where they don't feel like they have to prove themselves. We've watched girls drop out of sport as they move through their teens, and a lot of that comes down to environments where they feel watched, judged, or like they don't belong.

Girls-only spaces with female coaches change that dynamic. Girls take more risks, ask more questions, cheer each other on, and leave with a kind of confidence you just don't see in the same way in mixed environments. It's not about exclusion — it's about giving girls the best possible conditions to grow.

Most of our girls camps are designed for ages 8 to 13. Our Cranbrook camp is specifically for ages 9 to 12. Each camp page lists the exact age range — if your daughter is on the edge of the age range, contact us and we'll let you know if it's a good fit.

In summer 2026 we're running camps in Kelowna (July 21–24), Vernon (July 27–30), and Cranbrook at the College of the Rockies (August 18–21). We also run girls programming in Kamloops. Check our girls programs page for the full list.

Four days of outdoor adventures led entirely by female coaches — biking, hiking, nature exploration, bushcraft, team challenges, and activities that change based on the location and the group. The goal isn't a specific skill set — it's a specific feeling. We want girls to leave camp feeling capable, connected, and a little bit braver than when they arrived.

Absolutely. Some of our most memorable moments happen with kids who show up nervous and leave completely hooked. No experience is required — just a willingness to try. Our coaches are experienced at meeting kids where they are and making the outdoors feel welcoming, not intimidating.

Yes. All coaches at our girls-only camps are women. This is intentional and non-negotiable for us — it's a core part of what makes these camps work.

Our flagship BC retreat is the Valemount Women's Bike Escape — a three-night retreat in Valemount every July with coached riding, shuttles, and small ability-based groups. It's been running for five years and sells out every time. We also run the Chasing Fall retreat at Vedder Mountain in Chilliwack each September or October. Check our BC retreats page for current dates and availability.

Not at all. Our BC retreats welcome all levels — we run ability-based groups so every rider is on trails that suit them and progressing at their own pace. If you can ride a bike and want to get better, you belong here.

Each retreat has slightly different inclusions — check the individual retreat page for the full breakdown. Generally, BC retreats include coaching, shuttle service, and some meals. Accommodation is typically arranged separately unless otherwise noted. The retreat page will spell it all out clearly.

Expect to show up not knowing anyone and leave with people you want to ride with again. That's genuinely what happens. The combination of shared challenge, small groups, and time away from regular life creates the kind of connection that's hard to manufacture anywhere else. Expect great riding, good coaching, and at least one moment where you surprise yourself.

Yes — we run women's MTB clinics in Kamloops through the spring and fall seasons. These are shorter, local programs (evenings or weekends) for women who want coached riding without committing to a full retreat. Get in touch to find out what's coming up next.

We have two Costa Rica retreats planned for 2027. Wild & Slow (January 19–26) is a seven-day adventure retreat in Turrialba for women who want to experience Costa Rica fully — jungle hikes, river adventures, a cacao ceremony, yoga, and food that actually nourishes you. Wild Terrain MTB (February 2–9) is an eight-day mountain biking retreat at Buen Camino Bike Park in San Mateo for intermediate to advanced riders who want coached riding in the jungle. Both waitlists are open now.

Wild & Slow is a multi-activity adventure retreat — think hiking, kayaking, cultural experiences, yoga, and incredible food. You don't need any specific outdoor skills, just a sense of adventure and a willingness to feel things. Wild Terrain is built around mountain biking — it's for women who already ride and want to take their skills somewhere new and seriously exciting. Both retreats are fully organized — you book your flight, we handle every detail from the moment you land.

Both retreats are fully inclusive once you arrive — accommodation, all meals, all activities, ground transportation, and coaching are covered. You arrange your own international flights to Costa Rica. Full inclusions are listed on each retreat's page.

Visit the Wild & Slow page or the Wild Terrain MTB page and fill out the waitlist form. Being on the waitlist gets you first access when spots open and early information about pricing and dates.

Yes — travel insurance including emergency medical and trip cancellation coverage is required for all international retreats. We'll provide full details on what's required when you confirm your spot. We take the safety and preparation of our participants seriously and this is a non-negotiable part of joining us abroad.

Wild & Slow is designed for women who are reasonably active but doesn't require any specific fitness level — the pace is intentionally unhurried and activities can be adjusted. Wild Terrain MTB is for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers who are comfortable on technical trail and ride regularly. If you're unsure whether you're the right fit, reach out and we'll be honest with you.

Everyone — kids and adults, beginners and experienced riders. We work with kids as young as 5 just learning to pedal, adults picking up mountain biking for the first time, and experienced riders who want to nail a specific skill like drops, corners, or jumps. If you want to ride better, there's a lesson format for you.

Yes, and it's one of our most popular offerings. We use a proven, patient approach to help kids build the balance, pedalling, and confidence they need to ride independently. We've had remarkable success — and we're honest that the three-lesson package is where we see the best results. One session is a great start, but three is where it really clicks. Single lessons are $50 (30 min) and the three-lesson package is $120.

Private (1:1) lessons are $110 for one hour. Semi-private lessons for two riders are $155 ($77.50 each). Small group lessons for 3–5 riders start at $195 — contact us for exact pricing based on group size. Training wheels packages are listed separately above. See the full private lessons page for all options.

Most lessons take place at Juniper or Dufferin trail systems in Kamloops — two of the best spots in the city for skill development. The exact location is confirmed when you book based on your goals and ability level.

Whatever you need most. Common focus areas include: learning to ride independently, body position and balance, braking and cornering, drops and jumps, technical trail features, and trail flow. Your coach will do a quick skill assessment at the start of the session and build the lesson around your goals from there.

An outdoor adventure party that kids actually remember. We run guided biking, bushcraft, nature exploration, or multi-activity experiences for birthday groups in Kamloops. Instead of a party room and pizza, your kid gets a real adventure with their friends — and a story worth telling. We take care of the activity; you handle the cake.

We work with a wide range of ages — generally kids 5 and up. The format and activities are adapted to suit the age group. Contact us with your child's age and group size and we'll put together the right experience.

Visit our birthday parties page for more details, then reach out through our contact form to check availability and get a custom quote for your group.

Everything. Instead of a bar crawl or spa day, we take your group into the outdoors for a private guided adventure — biking, hiking, bushcraft, or a combination. It's active, it's memorable, and it's genuinely fun in a way that a night out rarely is. If the bride is the kind of person who'd rather be on a trail than in a club, this is for her.

We can build a custom experience around biking, hiking, bushcraft, or a mix of all three. We'll work with you to design something that fits the bride's vibe — whether she wants a chill nature day or a proper adventure with some challenge to it. Kamloops and the surrounding area has incredible terrain to work with.

Not at all. We design the experience for the group in front of us — no outdoor experience necessary. We've run bachelorette adventures with groups of total beginners and they have just as much fun as anyone else.

Head to our bachelorette adventures page for details and then get in touch to start planning. We recommend reaching out at least 4–6 weeks in advance to make sure we can get your preferred date.

Yes. We design custom outdoor team building experiences for organizations looking for something more meaningful than a conference room activity. Our programs use outdoor adventure — biking, bushcraft, nature challenges — to build the kind of trust and communication that actually translates back to the workplace.

We work with teams of all kinds — corporate offices, non-profits, sports organizations, school staff, and community groups. If your team would benefit from time outside together, we can make it happen. We're also actively building sponsorship partnerships with organizations that share our values around getting people into nature. Reach out if that sounds like your organization.

No experience required. We build every program around the group in front of us — the goal is connection and challenge at the right level, not athletic performance. Everyone is welcome regardless of fitness or outdoor background.

Corporate programs are fully custom so pricing varies based on group size, activities, and duration. Visit our corporate team building page or contact us directly and we'll put together a proposal for your team.

For bike-focused programs the ratio is 1 coach to 6 participants. For multi-sport and non-biking programs it's 1 coach to 8 participants. We keep our groups small intentionally — it means every kid and every participant gets real attention, not just supervision.

Yes. All coaches hold current first aid certification. We also have clear emergency protocols in place for all programs, including incident reporting procedures and medical emergency policies.

Yes. Criminal record checks including vulnerable sector screening are required for all coaches working with youth. This is a non-negotiable part of our hiring process.

Yes. All participants (or their parent or guardian for those under 19) are required to sign a waiver before participating in any AIL program. Waivers are sent at registration and cover all activities involved in your specific program. If you have questions about waiver content, reach out before signing.

A properly fitted helmet is required for all biking activities — no exceptions. Depending on the program and skill level, additional protective gear such as knee and elbow pads may be recommended. Specific gear requirements are communicated at registration for each program.

Each program has a registration link on its individual page. If a program is full you can join the waitlist — we'll contact you if a spot opens up. For programs not yet open for registration, get in touch to be added to the interest list.

Cancellation policies vary by program — the specific policy for each program is outlined on its registration page and in your confirmation email. Generally, cancellations made well in advance may be eligible for a full or partial refund, while late cancellations may forfeit the deposit. We recommend reading the policy for your specific program before registering. If you have a specific situation, talk to us — we're people, not a policy machine.

For some programs, yes. If the cost of a program is a barrier for your family, reach out before registration closes and we'll do our best to find a solution. We never want cost to be the reason a kid misses out.

Join the waitlist through the program page. If a registered participant cancels, we work through the waitlist in order and reach out by email. Waitlist spots are first-come, first-served so it's worth joining even if a program looks full — spots do open up.

Just send us a message — we're happy to help. We respond to all inquiries personally and we'd rather you ask than wonder.