Olivia Richardson is a participant in Group 6 of the Canadian Conservation Corps.

I am very privileged to be part of the CCC program.

The first month has been a whirlwind of adventure and emotions. From meeting the gang in the airport in Toronto to impromptu team bonding in the grocery store (our first group task) to spending five days at camp Kandalore doing leadership training, first aid and team bonding.

It was all fun and exciting. Before we knew it all 10 of us were loaded into the 15- passenger van trading our modern conveniences for our winter gear headed to the bush for 10 days.

Now were back into reality, showered and clean. Back to camp Kandalore for some more training before the pack parts ways and heads home to prepare for stage two.

We’ve become very attached to each other, grown as individuals and as leaders.

I am thrilled and excited to be venturing to the Calgary Zoo for the next stage of my #CCCAdventure.

The opinions expressed are those of the participant and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Canadian Wildlife Federation.