INAUGURAL SWANY’S CHALLENGE PROVIDES WILDERNESS THERAPY FOR NOVA SCOTIANS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
It’s been a year and a half since Scott McCormack said goodbye to his cousin, Jon. Jonathan David Cosman, affectionately known as Swany, was just 26 years old when he lost his battle with mental illness and addiction. More than anything, Jon loved spending time outdoors, and in his memory, Swany’s Challenge was born.
“I’d been meaning to go on a paddling trip with Jon but devastatingly, it was too late,” reflects Scott, Co-Founder of Cape LaHave Adventures. “For me, Swany’s Challenge is a way of going on that paddling journey with Jon while simultaneously providing therapeutic support to young men in Jon’s memory.”
On September 24th, Scott led more than half a dozen participants on an adventure-based experience near the South Shore’s beautiful LaHave Islands. The program aims to support male-identified young adults living with mental illness and addiction in their recovery. The four-day excursion, facilitated in partnership with Free Range Therapy’s Nick Cardone, provides an alternative form of counselling that is particularly effective for male-identified youth.
LaHave Islands, Nova Scotia: The Site of Swany’s Challenge 2020
“Men and boys respond well to therapy that is outside of the traditional four-walls of an office,” says Nick Cardone, Registered Counselling Therapist. “When we use natural spaces, physical movement, and adventure experiences, guys tend to show up and access those difficult inner spaces. Sure, men have poor help-seeking behaviours, but we seldom ask whether the therapy offered resonates with how guys are wired. So with Swany’s Challenge, a kayak adventure becomes the perfect metaphor for what young men are struggling with in their lives.”
Swany’s Challenge incorporates a series of nature and trip-based activities to support behavioral change. The multi-day therapeutic wilderness paddling expedition enables participants to reconnect with themselves and the natural world while bonding with others over similar life challenges. Participants have the opportunity to hear the stories of others, recognize they are not alone in their struggles, and support each other in meaningful ways.
‘These young men literally experience the ocean swells, have to navigate safely and manage obstacles, and then make connections to their lives all while in the community of other men, where they can feel both safe and vulnerable,” says Cardone. “It’s the perfect mix of therapeutic elements that cannot be replicated in an office setting!”
In the coming weeks, Scott, Nick and Swany’s Challenge participants will reconnect for another outdoor adventure. The follow-up hike will allow everyone the opportunity to reconnect and reflect on the impact of their shared experience.
“There is no one-size fits all form of treatment for mental illness and addiction,” says Starr Cunningham, President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “Swany’s Challenge is a beautiful example of how the Foundation is supporting Nova Scotians living with mental disorders with unique, innovative initiatives. We know Swany’s Challenge will change lives while providing hope and eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.”
To learn more about Swany’s Challenge or to donate visit mentalhealthns.ca/swanys-challenge.