Boy, 10, aims to be youngest Canadian to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

WATCH ABOVE: A 10-year old boy from Mississauga could be the youngest Canadian to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

TORONTO – At only 10 years old, Gavin Monsour has set his goals high, aiming to become the youngest Canadian to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

“I actually decided from a Geronimo Stilton book.  In one of his adventures he goes on a trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro,” said Monsour. “I told my dad I wanted to do this someday.”

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“He wasn’t quite eight yet at the time when he first came to us and he said ‘I wanna climb Mount Kilimanjaro one day’,” said Kevin Monsour, Gavin’s dad. “Karen and I turned and said, ‘sure bud, no problem, when you’re like 19 or something. That sounds like a good idea.'”

However, Monsour’s persistence paid off, as only three years later he prepares to climb Africa’s highest mountain and one of the world’s most iconic peaks.  His climb is scheduled to start June 26, with both his parents by his side.

“I wanted to be part of it,” said Karen Monsour, Gavin’s mom. “It’s a journey that he’s chosen to go on and I wanted to join him and celebrate in his successes and trials and tribulations of preparing for it.”

It’s an adventure that will involve five days of climbing up the mountain and two days coming down. The Monsours have made sure to get the proper physical and mental training for the journey.

“With my personal trainer Jeff, we train once a week, but with all the extra sports that I do, like martial arts, hockey, baseball, I’m basically training everyday.” said Monsour.

Gavin and his parents have been training for the last two years with two goals in mind: to reach the top of the mountain and to raise funds for Camp Oochigeas, a camp for kids with cancer.

“It’s kids like Gavin that allow us to keep the doors open and provide camp free of charge,” said Sarah Nalles, Director of Programs for Camp Oochigeas.

Monsour is hoping to raise $50,000 for Camp Oochigeas and is filled with optimism about his future journey.

“I don’t want to say ‘if’. I am going to be on top of Mount Kilimanjaro!” said Monsour.