In a time when teenagers may only associate maps with Google or Apple, it’s getting harder and harder to really get back to the basics.
That’s what Beaverlodge Regional High School teacher Ryan McKay is hoping to do with his students, as they took part in a three-day wilderness adventure last weekend at Red Willow Boys and Girls Camp.
“We live in an area where we have a lot of machines that take us out and enjoy the recreation; I want them to learn that they can do it self-propelled, like hiking, mountain biking, things like that or canoeing or kayaking, and they can have a low impact on the environment.”
The youth got a crash course in orienteering and handling emergency situations, as well as survival skills like identifying edible plants and lighting fires.
The training should prep them for an overnight camping trip in June.
“We’ll be heading out to the Grande Cache area where we’ll be doing some hiking: one short hike to Eaton Falls and we’re going to do a longer hike on Mount Stern. They’ll also be doing meals trip planning and preparation for it.”
The wilderness adventure is offered through the Alberta Distance Learning Centre and counts towards the students’ studies.