About

Lewis Williams

Outdoor Adventure Youth Leader

For over five decades, Lewis Williams has dedicated himself to connecting young people with the natural world. What began as a backpacking club in a Durham secondary school has grown into a lifetime of guiding — scouts, school programs, at-risk youth, indigenous communities, and everything in between.

Certified through ORCKA, Hike Ontario, and as a Wilderness First Responder, Lewis brings rigorous safety standards and genuine warmth to every expedition. He operates from Whitby, Ontario, and has run programs as far north as the Great Slave Lake.

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Greg Mills Environmental Award
Scouts Canada, 2025
🛶
ORCKA Certified Canoe Tripping Instructor
Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association, 2001–2024
🏕️
Wilderness Advanced First Aid
Current certification, 2022–present
🥾
Hike Ontario Wilderness Backpacking Instructor
2014–2024
Lewis Williams

Years in the Field

Scouting Youth
Team Lead, Scouts Canada, Camp Samac SCENES Environmental Committee 2024–present
Venturer Scouts (ages 14–17) — leader, instructor and guide of canoeing, backpacking and snowshoeing trips 2005–present
Outdoor skills trainer 2008–present
National Program Advisor / Outdoors 2014–2017
Camp Samac Program Committee 2021–present
Students
Outdoor Education Instructor and Faculty Advisor, Faculty of Education, Ontario Tech University 2006–2015
Vice Principal and teacher in secondary and elementary schools, Durham District School Board 1973–2004
High School Outdoor Adventure Clubs
Trainer and guide, Durham District School Board 1975–1991
Paddling & Hiking Youth
Instructor, owner — Wood Smoke and Paddle Song Inc. 2001–2024
Certified canoe tripping instructor, ORCKA 2001–2024
Instructor and Program Chair, Hike Ontario 2014–2024
Indigenous Youth
Outdoor skills trainer in canoeing, hiking, and survival — Serpent River Reserve, Ontario 2016–2019
Head guide of adolescent female canoe trip on Great Slave Lake, Ayalik Foundation 2022
Unhoused Youth
Outdoor camping activities leader, "Wilderness Rocks" program, The Refuge youth organization, Oshawa 2002–2012
Racialized Youth
Designer, coordinator, instructor — "STAR" / Students Together Against Racism, Durham District School Board, Grades 7–12 1992–2003
Race Relations Officer, Durham District School Board 1998–2003
Youth At Risk
Canoe trip guide, "Durham Wilderness Adventures," Durham Police Services 2009–2013
Team lead, alternative justice program, Youth Justice Committee, Ontario Attorney General's Office 2004–2013
LGBTQ+ & Duke of Edinburgh Youth
Leader, Venturer Scouts, Whitby area, Scouts Canada 2022–present
Trainer and guide of canoe tripping, camping, backpacking — Duke of Edinburgh Award 2000–2011
Safety Certifications
Wilderness First Responder First Aid (80-hour course) 2004–2025
Wilderness Advanced First Aid 2022–present
Red Cross Society First Aid Instructor 2006–2015
National Lifeguard Service 2000–2013

Awards & Recognition

Greg Mills Environmental Award
Scouts Canada
2025
Medal of Merit
Scouts Canada
2015
Volunteer Service Award
Province of Ontario
2011
Volunteer of Distinction
Durham District School Board
2007
YMCA Peace Medallion
YMCA
2004
Leadership in Human Rights & Peace Scholarship
Durham District School Board — Sponsor
2004–2015