Today was the most emotionally charged day—one of festivities, celebration, but also sadness and heartbreak.
Just four days ago, no one knew each other, yet it felt as though there was an instant and natural connection between all the participants. Not because of striking similarities or shared interests, but because of the sense of belonging that this adventure brought. Each person felt they belonged, felt seen, accepted, heard—if only for a moment. The solidarity that was woven in such a short time reached deep into everyone’s soul, softening the solitude that is often felt too intensely, yet so hard to express.
The return to camp happened in a rabaska filled only with youth, led by Captain Julien. As if this entire adventure had nurtured their confidence in steering their own boat — perhaps a metaphor for the confidence they regained to navigate life?
The bus ride back was filled with joy, animated by games of Werewolf with DJs Loïs and Mo, ukulele songs of Riptide and Hawkesbury, and the shared wish to prolong this profound sense of comfort.
Everyone now held a certificate honoring their unique qualities: Julien’s humility, Morgan’s inner strength, Holly’s sensitivity, Mya’s quiet power, Élisabeth’s gentleness, Loïs’s incredible positive leadership, Ludo’s unifying spirit, David’s wisdom—all accompanied by the pure devotion and cheerful hearts of Catherine and Ève-Marie.
Each person felt stronger, more joyful, more grateful… as if the best of each had left a mark on the others. The departure wasn’t a rupture, not a real goodbye, but rather a new beginning—where we were transformed by the beauty others had sown within us. A human butterfly effect?
But it took an active effort not to get swept away by the fear of emptiness, the shock of returning to reality, the loss of such beautiful emotions. We had to switch into gratitude mode—to be thankful for all the beautiful moments lived, rather than get carried away by sadness and the ache of farewells.
“If we cry because the sun is gone, our tears will keep us from seeing the stars.”
I am, and always will be, endlessly grateful for the beauty this adventure created. During these four days, I felt my soul soar, a connection with a wonderful part of myself, touched and in awe of the connections with others. As if Nature had set our minds to ‘travel mode’, where curiosity towards others, openness to difference, wonder, and inner peace became essential parts of who we are. The laughter of the youth, the songs, the perseverance, and the sharing we experienced were emotions that danced like a bow on the strings of my soul.
A heartfelt thank you to the beautiful people who made up this journey, this expedition—without whom this adventure would never have left such a profound mark. The human butterfly effect is truly at the heart of what we lived.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
“The greatest departures are never preceded by words.”
Annus mirabilis,
Amélie-Ann, spreader of smiles
P.S.: Quotes taken from the wonderful novel All the Blue in the Sky by Mélissa Da Costa.
