"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Empowering women to make a difference through kindness and adventure
KINDNESS:
Lighthouse restoration. Building painting. Trail Maintenance.
ADVENTURES:
Hiking. Kayaking. Jigging for cod. Whale watching.
Braving some of the harshest weather conditions, these kind adventurers made a BIG difference!
Braving some of the harshest weather conditions, these kind adventurers made a BIG difference!
Testimonials and Media Coverage
A few kind words from those we served
With the goal of assisting in the restoration of the original cast iron light tower constructed in 1911 as well as helping scrape and paint the lightkeeper's residence and three outbuildings, this project, in its totality, was a monumental task for even several days of the best of weather. But the rain, drizzle, and fog that descended upon us for nearly the whole week did nothing to dishearten these incredible women. Even the daily 4 km walk through the soggy boreal forest trail to the site was unable to lower their determination
Armed with chipping hammers, a needle scaler, paint scrapers and pruning shears for the trail, Jax and her team of Kindness Adventurers set out to do as much as possible. By Friday evening, the light tower was another step closer to having its old paint removed, three outbuildings were scraped, and two were actually painted. Also, the annual tree windfalls were removed from the trail and many sections were groomed to facilitate an easier hike.
We are overjoyed with the success of their first project and feel honored that we were chosen for their first project. It's hard to fathom that there are people in the world so kind as to pay to go on a vacation and actually work in these conditions to deliver such an enormous act of kindness. We wish them all the best with their future destinations!
From Paul & Joanne Langdon owners of the Lighthouse on Surgeon Cove on Exploits Island
Hello from Canada!
We had our first interview with CBC!
You can listen to it here or click on image.
Video Stories
DESTINATION: Exploits Island - Day 1 Video
DESTINATION: Exploits Island - Boats, 'Bergs, Whales & Tales Video
DESTINATION: Exploits Island - Helping Hands
Our first Kindness Adventures destination is remote.
So remote we cannot give you an address.
And you may not find it on a map. And it's haunted.
2 June
Friday
Arrive St. John's Newfoundland
We are delighted you will be joining us for our first Kindness Adventure! The theme of our program is RESTORATIVE -- for ourselves and those we will be serving.
St. John's is located on Newfoundland island off Canada's Atlantic coast, and is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador province. Its harbour was settled by the British in the 1600s. Downtown is known for its colourful row houses. We will be located to beautiful walking trails, Cape Spear is the most eastern point in North America.
We will be staying at The Elizabeth Manor Guesthouse for two nights. The Elizabeth Manor Guesthouse is located downtown in the historic East End where local shops, coffee houses and craft stores thrive. The downtown East End is distinctly Old St. John's and a great place to start your Newfoundland experience. Everything is within a minute's walk including, Signal Hill, George Street, The Basilica, Government House, Bannerman Park, The Rooms, Duckworth Street, Water Street and the Harbour Front.
3 June
Saturday
Gather, Hike, Whale Watch & Jigging - St. John's
Welcome to our first official gathering of Kindness Adventures! Over an ample continental breakfast with juices, fresh fruit, local pastries and breads, cereals and an assortment of teas and coffee, we will connect with each other and learn more about the vision and mission of the organization and our project plans for Exploits Island.
We'll head out for a full day of land and sea:
Signal Hill is a hill that rises above the city and offers panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding areas. Signal Hill has a rich history, serving as a strategic military location for various countries, including France, Britain, and Canada. During World War II, it was an important site for monitoring enemy ships and aircraft. Historic Cabot Tower serves as a museum and a lookout point with breathtaking views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
Later in the day, we'll "get jiggy with it"! Jigging is a method of fishing that involves using a jig, a multi-pronged spear, to catch fish. We'll travel out to sea and bring home a fresh catch for our meal.
Downtown St. Johns - A few notable places of interest:
George Street - a lively street with a vibrant nightlife, known for its pubs, bars, and live music.
Water Street - a historic street that is the oldest commercial district in North America, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodations: The Elizabeth Manor Guesthouse
4 June
Sunday
Hike, Flora, Fauna - Petty Harbour & Gander
After breakfast at The Elizabeth Manor Inn, we pack up and checkout to begin our journey west.
We will hike Cape Spear and have lunch in Petty Harbour.
Cape Spear is the easternmost point in North America. It is known for its stunning coastal scenery, rugged cliffs, and lighthouse, which is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and the second oldest in Canada. The lighthouse, built in 1836, stands on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and provides a unique perspective on the powerful waves and the wild beauty of the coast.
Newfoundland is known for its rich marine life, including humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas, as well as dolphins and porpoises. We'll be there during one of the best times for whale watching. With any luck, it will be an amazing experience to witness the majesty and beauty of these magnificent creatures.
Petty Harbour is a small fishing village located on the eastern coast of the Avalon Peninsula. Here we will see the traditional Newfoundland way of life, learn about the unique culture and history of the region, and have a FANTASTIC hike.
After a late lunch, we'll travel to Gander to visit this historical site and museum. Along the way we will stop to enjoy the summer bounty of nature in Newfoundland.
Gander is known for its role in history as a major airport for transatlantic air travel and as a refueling stop for transatlantic flights during the mid-20th century. On September 11, 2001, as a result of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, all civilian air traffic in North America was grounded. This meant that 38 airliners en route to the United States and Canada were forced to make unscheduled landings in Gander and other nearby communities. Gander, with a population of just over 10,000 people, found itself hosting more than 6,500 passengers and crew from around the world. Despite the sudden influx of people and the challenges they presented, the residents of Gander and surrounding communities rallied to provide support, food, and shelter to the stranded travelers. This outpouring of kindness and generosity, in the face of adversity, became known as the "Gander miracle" and has been widely celebrated as a shining example of human kindness. You MUST watch or see the play "Come From Away"!
Flora & Fauna Walk - Newfoundland is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including many unique species found only in this region. During our walk, we'll observe different species of plants and animals, including wildflowers, birds, and marine life, and learn about their significance to the ecosystem.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodations: Hill Road Manor Bed & Breakfast
5 June
Monday
Exploits Island Bound!
Get excited! We depart early for Exploits Island and our Kindness Adventures service project!
We'll load up and head to a boat docking location known only by its longitude and latitude address on Google maps, we board our motor boat with our host and boat captain, Paul, for a stunning & windy ride to Exploits Island. Over lunch, we'll learn more about our surroundings and our project plans.
Exploits Island is famous for its scenic beauty, including rugged coastline and stunning landscapes, and is known for its rich fishing grounds.
Exclusive Exploits Island Homestay offers a stunning, panoramic view of some of the world's most beautiful scenery. Our hosts are creative, knowledgeable and worthy of our generosity and kindness! All of our meals will be divine and time together fruitful!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodations: Exclusive Exploits Island Homestay
6 - 9 June
Tuesday - Friday
Work, Play, Give Back - Exploits Island
Upon arrival on Exploits Island, we merge work, play and give back! We will accomplish a great deal together AND have fun doing it!
The full details of our service project will be provided at the start of our trip and updated along the way. Your heartfelt generosity is much needed and appreciated as we each bring our skills together to accomplish our inaugural service project. We will be restoring the lighthouse, painting the out buildings some incredible colors (similar to the St. John's style), painting the lightkeepers house and trail work. Although we won't be able to accomplish everything, we will help this little community start fulfilling their dream.
Activities we will enjoy along the way:
Hiking - There will be ample opportunity to trek through the beautiful woods on Exploits Island. Exposure to nature and the restorative value of fresh air is right on our doorstep.
Kayaking -Kayaking with this group of adventurous women on Exploits Island, Paddling through the island's clear waters, you'll witness breathtaking views of rocky cliffs, forests, and marine wildlife while enjoying the camaraderie of your companions. There is a good change to see a lot of wildlife - whales, seals, sea creatures and more. It's an adventure that will leave you feeling energized and inspired.
Yoga - Superwoman Jacqueline will have some super fun and easy moves to keep us limber and well-stretched. Our yoga "studio" is the heli-pad located out back.
Lobsterfest -The North Coast of Newfoundland is the perfect setting for a lobsterfest. Catching the lobsters in the rugged and windswept coastline is an exciting experience, and cooking them over a roaring fire fills the air with a sweet and succulent aroma. As you crack open the shells and savor the delicate, flavorful meat, you feel a sense of connection to the natural world around you. It's a memory that will always be treasured.
Relaxation & Whale Spouting - From the handmade Adirondack chairs on the deck, relax and you may hear the spouting of whales nearby.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodations: Exclusive Exploits Island Homestay
10 June
Saturday
Job Well Done! Return to St. John's
Our Kindness Adventures community will leave together after successfully finishing our first project.
We'll retrace our journey by boat back to the mainland, and drive to St. John's arriving by dinnertime.
After enjoying a special dinner we will join be joined by Tina Pomroy (Pomroy Wellness), Joan Dohey (Time to Heal), and Nadine Emberley (Reiki on the Rock). Together they will guide us through an evening of releasing tensions, distractions, and limiting thoughts, while cultivating joy, passion, presence, and love ❤
We begin with a centering meditation led by Tina, followed by somatic releasing movements and continue with freestyle movement and dance - however you feel with soul filled and fun music.
With an awareness of your heart pumping, your journey continues with breath work guided by Nadine to activate your calming, parasympathetic nervous system.
Our closing evening will end with Joan's soothing sound healing with crystal bowls. Allowing your body, mind, and spirit to melt while surrounded in a Reiki Healing Space.
We will rest well knowing we have done our best in kindness and generosity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodations: Best Western near airport
11 June
Sunday
Carry On & Departure YYT
Potential Outcomes? We'll each leave with a sense of pride and joy from working, playing and giving back together. Carrying the feeling of accomplishment from a job well done and knowing there is a lasting impact and a priceless gift to those we served.
"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." ~ Meister Ekert
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
The Story of Our Hostess Ghost
Meet Seeme, our hostess ghost at the Lighthouse on Exploits Island. Seeme either Livie or Lavita Seymour (nee Ball). stayed with Gus and Ruby Jefferies after her husband passed away. Gus was the lighthouse keeper at Surgeon's Cove on Exploits Island, and they all lived in the residence there. Gus's youngest daughter could not pronounce Seymour, so she said Seeme. After a long feisty and adventurous life, Seeme eventually passed away in her bedroom one New Year's Eve.
Many years later, Barry Porter slept in this same room at the lighthouse. On his very first shift, he overslept. His clock had stopped and the lights were out. He bolted down the stairs, put on his boots and ran out to climb the tower and reset the light. Fortunately, after throwing a few switches, the lights came back on, and began to flash. He was embarrassed he had overslept and did not mention it to anyone.
Months later, Barry was talking to another light keeper who had worked at Surgeon's Cove. The man recalled five years earlier the EXACT same thing had happened to him! Like Barry, it had occurred on his very first shift. His clock stopped and the main light went out. AND if that wasn't enough of a coincidence, a THIRD light keeper who had worked at Surgeon's Cove recounted the same experience.
"Well, I cannot explain it, but it happened to me and these other guys, too," said Barry. "She is a good ghost, yet likes to give keepers her unique welcome to the Lighthouse."
Over the years, many have shared stories of Seeme making her presence known. We're excited to bring her a crew of kindness adventurers to add a fresh bit of color to her special place. Join us on this adventure as we pay kind tribute to Seeme, our hostess ghost.
Learn more about the story of the property from current owners, Paul and Joanne.
Joanne and Paul came into possession of the Surgeon Cove Lighthouse property in 2008. Some years before that various Coast Guard Agencies all over North America decided it was time to automate lighthouse stations all around the coast. This meant there would no longer be a requirement for Lightkeepers, who for hundreds or years, attended and maintained the lighthouses on a daily basis, ensuring as best they could, the safe passage of mariners in dangerous coastal environments. The story of taking over the property is a long one and much of our time is spent on constant upkeep against the relentless elements that the North Atlantic throws at it each season. However, we think it's important to keep plugging away at it. Besides remaining as an historical icon that can be seen for many miles, the whole property brings us a sense of nostalgia. When there, we can’t help but think of the history or Exploits, the construction of the lighthouse in 1911, the succession of light keepers and how they raised their families in such an isolated location, the important role they played in maintaining the lantern room and guiding countless paper carriers, ore carriers and tankers to and from the busy seaport town of Botwood for nearly 100 years. There are stories of lives being saved but also of shipwrecks. This site is a part of our regional heritage and it so important it be restored and maintained.
You may also support Kindness Adventures by becoming a Kindness Ambassador. Information on becoming a Kindness Ambassador may be found in our Kindness Community
Kindness Adventures is a non-profit. Proceeds are used to fund the non-profit work selected and to provide scholarships for women to travel to Kindness Destinations.