When philosophies align, a partnership is born

What originated as a program to protect the BC’s coastline during World War II has today transformed into a program for youth in remote communities, known as the Canadian Rangers.  

Words by Lynsey Burke 

A partnership between the regional Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) and SPL blossomed years ago, with parallel values and a place for youth to feel safe and empowered and maybe even inspired to try the next hard thing – truly a united goal that has left a wide-reaching positive imprint.

Meet Dan 

Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Dan Hryhoryshen is a committed JCR instructor and says it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

Today, I met Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Dan Hryhoryshen. He has been in the army for 42 years and has since been a Company Sergeant Major for over a decade with the JCR.

Walking around the lodge site in their distinguishable camouflage attire and red hats, there’s an essence of purpose. As a soldier by training with a military career in Afghanistan, Dan has seen difficult scenarios and has navigated the challenges of being a foreigner in a war-torn part of the world.  

While the uniform can look intimidating upon first glance, a quick conversation with the empathetic soul has me realizing how lucky the group is to have him on their side.

Roughly a decade ago Dan returned home from Afghanistan and was told he needed a change after a year of being back. “So they put me in charge of 750 youth across Western Canada,” he says with a laugh thinking back to the start of his time with the JCR.

PHASE – Promoting Healthy And Safe Experiences 

The Basic JCR program includes 2 nights camping in their week at SPL.  The JCR organization is built around the philosophy of acceptance and providing opportunity for youth in isolated communities.

When groups come to the SPL, there are minimal distractions. It’s an environment where youth can thrive and leaders can concentrate on positive interactions — rather than being pulled away by programming. It’s a time when they can focus on the JCR’s philosophy, the acronym that is PHASE, an ideology that is to Promote Healthy and Safe Experiences.    

Up on the high ropes course a 14-year-old student was struggling both physically and with her level of confidence. She was receiving unkind remarks from her peer who was spotting her during the drill. As it turned out, the dispute was resolved without conflict; a scenario that had the leadership team feeling a sense of sincere accomplishment. 

Seeing these youth work through social problems with maturity and confidence and working together is one of the primary goals. 

“It’s really a success story when youth leave the program with higher emotional intelligence and confidence in themselves,” says Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) Victor Pullen, whose background lies in naval logistics and is today the Officer Commanding of the 4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group JCRs (which encompasses each individual patrol over the four western provinces).

Many of these youth have experienced trauma and abuse. To be a part of JCR allows these individuals from isolated communities to understand that they can be a part of something bigger. To experience the world outside of those constraints is life changing.

Three circles of learning

Being close to nature and navigating adventures as a group provides a safe space and a sense of connectivity.  The Advanced JCR program includes multi nights out sea kayaking or hiking in the mountains.

Having a deep understanding of the human condition during hardship has helped Dan in his role with the JCR. The organization is built around the philosophy of acceptance and providing opportunity for youth in isolated communities. 

By attaining a growth mindset, these youth can inspire others in their community. Presenting new ideas while honouring tradition has a ripple effect and a lifelong impact.

While the organization is a part of the Canadian Cadet Organization and funded by the Department of National Defence, it is much more fluid in how it’s structured. Instead of having a strict hierarchal youth development program, there is room for individual communities to tailor their patrol to whatever they want and need. 

Akin to the SPL’s six core values, JCR embodies three circles of learning: ranger skills, life skills and traditional skills. 

Victor feels strongly about the circles of learning – and giving these youth the power to choose just what it is they want to take away from the program. 

“We are helping youth grow emotionally with developing their skillsets and future employability. If it [programming] doesn’t align with those things, I don’t want to fund it,” he says of the importance of the program’s ability to help youth transition successfully into adulthood. 

Similar to the the SPL WYLD camps, youth programming begins at 12 and goes all the way up to 18, when in turn they can become leaders in the program to help inspire their fellow youth. 

The Canoe trippers appear tiny against the backdrop of the majestic mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park.

What once was

Built on a foundation and a historically important era for our coastline, the Canadian Rangers are today carrying the torch in our history, which the JCR’s are an active part of.

In the 40’s the coastlines were more heavily populated with mining camps, fish canneries, logging operations and whaling stations – all essential services.

The military was taking people to England during the time of war, leaving the coastline vulnerable to attack. The government had the idea to hire locals as coastal watchers – referred to as Pacific Coast Militia Rangers. They were there to help protect the coast until the military could step in. 

At the end of the war there were 15,000 coastal watchers who eventually became the Canadian Rangers and were utilized to be observers of Canada’s three coastlines.

Community and support for youth

Making a lasting impact in the lives of youth, especially those in isolated communities, has been the cornerstone of the JCR program.

Today, Canada is divided up into five different Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups with approximately five to eight thousand men and women acting as Canadian Rangers, ranging from ages 17 to 80-years-old. In the early 90’s there was an apparent lack of youth programming in these remote areas, and from that notion they came up with the invaluable JCR program that we see on site today. 

As the longest serving Canadian Ranger instructor in Canada, Dan has a long-vested history in the organization and says that the strengthened relationships with remote indigenous communities have helped to promote the preservation of traditional skillsets.

Going into small and isolated communities has taught them how to collaborate with people – to meet with the Village Elder or the town mayor, it’s a partnership and one that Victor says is a community program, lead by community members. 

“If you come in as an outsider, you’re not going to understand the community as well as those within the community,” say Victor. “Having the locals lead their patrol allows for them to tell us what their youth need.”

At times, a tap on the shoulder and a “Hey do you remember me?” from a proud former JCR is what Dan says “has been one of the most important aspects of my life.”

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