Educo History
The Roots
Educo was founded in 1969 by Geoff Tisch, a New Zealander living in British Columbia, Canada. Geoff felt the youth of the day needed some real challenges in their lives so Educo was created as an outdoor program designed to challenge the character and stamina of young men.
Educo Founder Geoff Tisch
The organization was established in 1969 and legally incorporated as a society and as a registered charity on May 6, 1970. The name of incorporation was “Educo School” which remains as the legal name of the organization to this day. The name “Educo” was taken from the latin, meaning “to draw forth.” The school focussed on boys for the first 15 years, with girls programs beginning in the early 1980’s. In the mid-seventies, a Welsh mountaineer on staff began including mountain hikes, rappelling and caving in the Educo activities.
The original purpose of our school, as written on the original constitution was:
“to develop and promote the qualities and values of the true character of manhood. i.e. honesty, integrity, fortitude, tenacity, nobility, and honour. To develop mental alertness. To develop physical fitness.”
One of the first prorgams for girls - mid 1980's
From 1969 – 2008, we have done business as Educo Adventure School and were primarily based in 100 Mile House with operations out at our Educo basecamp 20km west of town. In 2008, the name Educo Canada, which was how we were known in international circles, was adopted for the official name of our organization. We felt that this name better reflected our involvement in, and vision for, programming beyond adventure-based activities, and to represent in a clearer way our international reach. The name Educo Adventure School was retained for the 100 Mile House school and its summer and school programs. In late 2009, new logos were developed for Educo Canada and Educo Adventure School and featured on the launch of a new website in late 2010.
Educo Around the World
2006 Educo International Gathering in South Africa
Educo International began the late 1980’s. Word spread of Canada’s motivational programs and, in 1988, Educo Colorado was formed. With a global focus at the outset, Educo Colorado conducted leadership programs for youth in the US, Brazil, South Africa, Botswana, India, Russia, Tajikistan, Australia, France, and Bulgaria. With support from the established schools, alumnae of these programs introduced Educo Schools in their home countries. The election of Nelson Mandela paved the way for the birth of Educo Africa in 1994. In quick succession, Educo programs were established in Brazil and Bulgaria. In 2003, the EIA warmly welcomed the German non-governmental organization, ‘GFE Erlebnistage e.V.’
Educo Today
Leadership course about to run the Thompson River, July 2011
Today, Educo Canada aims to make meaningful contributions to youth and community develoment. Our primary work is to offer transformational wilderness-based experiences for young people through our Educo Adventure School program. We also offer transformational learning programs through community-based workshops and initiatives, as well as through international opportunities.
Educo Adventure School is loosely informed by Rites of Passage philosophy. The core processes of Educo Adventure School are designed to give its students opportunities for deep self-reflection, increased external awareness, a more profound connection to the natural world, and a sense of purpose or direction for their lives. Along with these processes, the Educo Adventure School facility is designed as a “village,” allowing for the staff to live and work together, develop community agreements, steward our land and facilities, and support each other in the delivery of our work. This community experience for our staff allows for a collaborative approach to student support and program design that is nurturing and holistic.
For staff, we have discovered the importance of how a compelling shared common purpose can continue to inspire a team to excellence even when performing tiring and challenging work. As students, we know that Educo Adventure School has brought significant positive changes to our lives and helped us develop a more powerful sense of self.
Staff photo, Educo Adventure School, July 2011
