Horizon Program
A program with great potential on the horizon !
The idea to start such a program came from the fact that managers and employees were already motivating each other to participate in outdoor activities and push themselves mentally and physically. Alex Léveillée, our Vice President, therefore took the initiative to contact adventurer Frédéric Dion to discuss the possibilities that his experience could bring to a workplace made up of individuals from all backgrounds but who are highly motivated. So many ideas came out of the discussion that they decided to keep them all (or almost). That's how the Horizon Program was born.
But what is it exactly ?
Basically :
- A discovery portion offering a variety of moderate-intensity activities to introduce people who are less familiar with this vast open-air playground, and;
- An expedition portion consisting of a group of seasoned hikers who undergo several training sessions throughout the year, culminating in a major achievement over several days in a location chosen by the team at the beginning of the season.
The goal?
Getting employees to connect by committing to a healthy lifestyle through sport and achieving personal bests as a team. Because every participant has a role to play in creating a perfectly balanced team. This even includes (and especially) each and every one of those who cheer us on before we leave and welcome us back to the office with pride, eager to hear all about our exploits.
It all began in 2022 when the first delegation of 10 employees trained and prepared throughout the year under the mentorship of Frédéric Dion, culminating in a 50km self-sufficient hiking expedition over three days on the Caps Trail in the Charlevoix region.
2022 - Sentier des Caps
The first edition of the program was already guided by a very clear vision of the aspirations and the potential that could be found in a team in full swing. Several activities were organized to introduce employees to this vision, starting with a thrilling outing on the Via Ferrata at Batiscan River Park, followed by Frédéric's training on the essentials to consider when planning an expedition. The colleagues also had the opportunity to practice their survival skills in the forest when they were divided into teams and had to build the best makeshift shelter using only materials found in nature. Finally, in October, the first expedition team of 10 motivated individuals ventured to Charlevoix to complete the Sentier des Caps. The journey included a 50 km hike, three nights of complete self-sufficiency, five summits, 345 sing-alongs, 1,874 stories to tell, and a team bonded by a unique bond.
2023 - Adirondacks
As the saying goes, “Alone we go fast, together we go far.” Well, fast or not, the Ambra Solutions team sure went far! Last October, the Trois-Rivières-based company ventured out onto the trails of the Adirondacks.
The 15 companions climbed more than 50 km, 1,900 m of elevation gain, and conquered the two highest peaks in the mountain range over four days in complete autonomy.
Eager to push the collective limits of the team, and inspired by the success of their first expedition, the colleagues got together to select a challenge that matched their ambition.
Their compass pointed beyond borders to the American mountain range and its 46 peaks. Armed with their 40-pound backpacks containing everything they needed for the next four days, each hiker set off for the summit of Mount Marcy and Algonquin Peak across rocky, steep, and extremely technical terrain. The adventures began with no campsites available, leaving the 15 individuals in the dark with nowhere to sleep.
Problem-solving skills were put to the test, and the search was successful, turning up a campsite that became the group's base camp and a place for laughter, stories, line dancing, and comforting rehydrated meals. With sore calves and much lighter backpacks, the 15 employees returned from the trails in one piece, without injuries or disasters, but with many stories that unite them, recounting all they accomplished.
Horizon 2024 was a memorable event for all participants, offering everyone the opportunity to surpass themselves, reconnect with nature, and strengthen bonds with their colleagues. This gathering allowed for a genuine reconnection, not only with the environment, but also with oneself and others, in a spirit of openness and kindness.
For many, this immersion in nature was a breath of fresh air, encouraging personal challenges and a return to simple pleasures. For others, it was an opportunity to try new things and get to know their colleagues better. The program also encouraged mutual support, with everyone respecting each other's pace and limits in an atmosphere of support and respect.
Testimonials are unanimous regarding the human qualities that the event brought out: solidarity, self-transcendence, and gratitude. Many will cherish lasting memories, ranging from enriching discussions to laughter over unexpected culinary discoveries. This spirit of sharing and acceptance gave the event a unique atmosphere.
To sum up, Horizon 2024 gave everyone a memorable adventure full of kindness, discovery, and solidarity.