A story published yesterday by the Elliot Lake Standard recounts a camping nightmare that could have ended in disaster had it not been for a Blind River teacher and his students.



Sharon Lachance and Valmont Fournier spent Friday fishing the Mississagi River, deciding to head back towards Blind River that afternoon.



However, due to the numerous tributaries leading away in multiple directions from the Mississagi River, the couple got mixed up, turned around and were unable to find their way home.



They spent Friday night sleeping in the woods, and after unsuccessfully attempting to find their way out the next day, spent Saturday night in an unlocked cabin they found near Rocky Island Lake.



“It was really scary. You can’t panic, but it was hard to relax. I was afraid I’d never see my family again,” Lachance told Jordan Allard of the Elliot Lake Standard.



Luckily for Lachance and Fournier, Blind River WC Eaket Secondary School teacher, Ryan Forsyth, was in the area with his New Trails students, an outdoor educational program that teaches Grade 11 and 12 student how survive in the wilderness.



A sign requesting assistance erected by Fournier near the river drew the attention of Forsyth and his nine students.



They were able to follow the trail, locate the couple, and lead them to safety.



“I was flooded with relief. I don’t know what would have happened to us without their help,” Lachance said.



To read the full Elliot Lake Standard article, please click here.