Lewis Williams

Scouting Youth

Team Lead, Scouts Canada, Camp Samac SCENES Environmental Committee, (2024-present) Venturer Scouts (aged 14-17), leader, instructor and guide of canoeing, backpacking and snowshoeing hiking trips, Scouts Canada (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 Student Outdoor Adventure Clubs

trainer and guide, Durham District School Board (1975-1991)

Paddling and Hiking Youth

instructor, owner, Wood Smoke and Paddle Song Inc (2001- 2024) certified canoe tripping instructor, Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association (2001-2024) instructor and Program Chair, Hike Ontario, (2014-2024)

Indigenous Youth

outdoor skills trainer in canoeing, hiking, 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 of human rights, leadership training, multi-day, residential program for students Grades 7-12, “STAR”/Students Together Against Racism Programs, Durham District School Board/DDSB (1992-2003) Race Relations Officer, DDSB (1998-2003)

Youth At Risk

canoe trip guide, “Durham Wilderness Adventures”, Durham Police Services (2009- 2013) team lead on alternative justice program committee, Youth Justice Committee, Ontario Attorney General’s Office (2004- 2013)

Underperforming High School Students

Head of English Dept and backpacking trip leader, Harwood (vocational) Secondary School, Durham District School Board (1986- 1989)

LGBTQ+ Youth

leader, Venturer Scouts, Whitby area, Scouts Canada (2022-present)

Duke of Edinburgh Award Youth

Trainer and guide of canoe tripping, camping, backpacking (2000-2011)

Safety Certification

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)

Scholarship Sponsor

Leadership in Human Rights and Peace, Durham District School Board (2004- 2015)

Award Recipient

Greg Mills Environmental Award, Scouts Canada, 2025 Medal of Merit, Scouts Canada, 2015 Volunteer Service Award 2011, Province of Ontario Volunteer of Distinction, Sinclair S.S., Durham District School Board, 2007 YMCA Peace Medallion 2004