Traditional public school wasn't for 18-year-old Zander Melillo. The Quebec native filled his time painting graffiti, hanging out with his girlfriend and working in restaurants. He's now working towards a dream of buying land and running a sustainable living community.

Zander batons his knife to make a pot hook.

Zander ties down the canoes onto the trailer.

Zander practices knot tying.

Zander ties a bundle of gear to his packframe.