Course Overview

Mental Health First Aid

 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides you with the skills needed to extend crucial support to individuals navigating mental health crises or challenges. Much like traditional first aid, MHFA fosters the ability to identify common signs of distress and deliver immediate aid until professional assistance is accessible.

By learning Mental Health First Aid, we reduce stigma, develop the skills required to assist others experiencing mental health problems and learn strategies for managing our own mental health and wellbeing.

Learning mental health first aid increases the confidence a person has in their ability to help someone in crisis. When we know what to say or do to help, we are more likely to take that step… which can save a life.

Upon completion of the two-day MHFA course, participants receive certification in Mental Health First Aid from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Meet Your Instructor

Jessi Lamorre

 

Reducing the stigma associated with mental health is my passion. I have worked in the mental health field for over fifteen years as a Behavioural Therapist, mostly within the criminal justice system. In 2019, I was certified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to facilitate Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses. Since that time, I have travelled around Ontario offering the MHFA courses to colleges, workplaces, and individuals. As a helper, I understand the importance of self care. My favourite self care activities include hiking, paddle boarding, photography, and yoga. Nature is my happy place 😊

You can follow Jessi on Instagram @mellowkaliwellness

Itinerary

Course Location

Our wilderness resort along the beautiful Middle Madawaska River is perfect for group learning programs. We have a variety of indoor and outdoor gathering areas that accommodate varying needs for classes and weather. Madawaska Kanu Centre is just south of the town of Barry’s Bay, Ontario.

Cost

Instruction Fee

$475

Accommodation + Meals

From $80-$370. See below for various accommodation & meal packages

Accommodation + Meal Packages

Cozy Lodge rooms, off-the-grid Cabanas, budget-friendly Dorms or wooded Campsites. Our Wilderness Resort offers something for everyone.

Shared Lodge and Meal Plan* | $370

Our rustic Lodge rooms have everything you need! Choose either a queen bed or 2 twin beds. Rooms are at ground level with nearby washroom facilities (en suite not available). Meals included.

Shared Cabana and Meal Plan* | $370

Enjoy our off-the-grid Cabanas tucked in the woods! Choose either a queen bed or 2 twin beds. Washroom facilities are a short walk away. Meals included. No electricity.

Shared Glamping and Meal Plan* | $370

Come glamp in MKC's forest! Our newest accommodation options are cozy, comfortable, canvas tents. Two twin beds with bedding can be converted into a single queen bed. Washroom facilities are a short walk away. Meals included. No electricity.

Dormitory and Meal Plan* | $310

Dorm room accommodation sleep up to six per room. Dorms are on the second floor with nearby washroom facilities. Meals included. Bring your own bedding.

Camping and Meal Plan | $280

MKC's wooded campsites are great for tents, trailers and campervans. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, onsite parking, and access to nearby washroom facilities. Meals included. No electricity.

Camping No Meals | $80

MKC's wooded campsites are great for tents, trailers and campervans. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, onsite parking, and access to nearby washroom facilities. Bring your own camping and cooking equipment to enjoy meals at your site. Dishwashing station available. No electricity.

Check In

Friday evening before your course between 7 & 10pm

Check Out

Sunday after the course at about 4pm

*For those booking for one for Glamping, Cabana, Lodge or Dorm: it is likely you will stay with other students of the same gender. As a wilderness resort we have chosen to not expand too far into our surrounding forest and therefore have limited indoor accommodations. To book a private room as an individual is an additional cost.

About our Meals

We take pride in serving healthy, hearty and delicious meals. As a proud member of FeastON, we source locally when possible and add our special touch with herbs and edible flowers from our own garden. Meals start with breakfast the first day of the course and include: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner plus an après-paddling snack. Coffee, tea and juice are complimentary. BYOB.

Locally roasted specialty coffee and homemade snacks can be purchased from our Riverside Shop & Café.

  

Group Discounts

We welcome groups of 4 or more at a discounted rate (conditions apply)

Who is this Course for?

This course is for anyone (aged 16+) interested in learning more about mental health.

Learn more about providing support for those facing mental health challenges

 

May 10-11, 2025

August 23-24, 2025

Book Now

We’re so happy to host this course at MKC!

Weekend

Weekend Whitewater

MKC’s Weekend Canoe or Kayak Clinic is an introduction to the exciting world of whitewater paddling.

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

$500 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS
Weekend

Creekside Riverside Yoga Retreat

Need some re-balancing? Come enjoy a weekend full of yoga learning by the river!

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

$815 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS
5 Days

Pack Raft on the Madawaska

NEW! Pack Raft the Madawaska River with Theresa Landman

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

$1075 / Per person

COURSE DETAILS

Reviews

5 star ratingWhite water canoe course I took a 5 day tandem white water canoe course with MKC. I went from learning on flat water to running grade 3 rapids!
What an amazing experience! Wonderful place beside the river. I camped. Very good facilities and comfortable lodge to relax in with open fire. Delicious food (I had vegetarian options). The staff were lovely- from domestic staff to instructors. Everyone mixed together with the guests. I went by myself and really enjoyed everyone I met. They all had an interesting story and were there for the love of the river.
My instructor was Regan. She was superb- lovely person, very patient and adjusted her teaching to individual needs. I learned so much- thanks Regan.
Would highly recommend MKC to anyone interested in canoeing, kayaking or rafting!
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foggieparks Avatar
foggieparks
7/17/2024
5 star ratingAwesome Awesome fun - great guides. Ralph made us all share his love for white water! Highly recommended for anyone- and do jump off the bridge 😉
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Camper434674 Avatar
Camper434674
7/30/2024
5 star ratingWonderful time at Madawaska Family Rafting Wednesday, July 31 2024 @ 12:30pm - 2:30pm We went rafting with our 10 year old twin granddaughters and friends Andy, Dianne, Maggie and Abbie. Our guide Alix was excellent. Alix explained every detail of the trip before we entered the rapids. It is very safe for all ages. We had a great time and will not forget our memories. We plan on making this a yearly event. Thank you to Madawaska Family Rafting for the wonderful time! Andrew and Marlene
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Marlene S Avatar
Marlene S
8/08/2024
Wednesday November 27th

Early bird sale.

20% OFF

KAYAK AND CANOE PROGRAMS AT MKC

Please get in touch with us prior, so we can prepare your quote in advance.

early bird sale heron

Must place deposit between 9am and 6pm EST November 27th to receive discount.

We cannot combine discounts.

March 4th - 8th 2024

10% off

5 day kayak + canoe courses

5% of all revenue from this week is donated to your choice of three organizations

We are forever grateful for the support we continually receive from our communities. To say a small thanks, we want to give back.