PIONEER 14Y-15Y Midcamp or Gray Jay Pioneer campers have many program options to choose from, but all include a chance to make new friends, work as a team, and learn about wilderness camping. All groups review outdoor living basics. Previous experience is not necessary. Basic fitness and a positive attitude are sufficient to make this a great experience. PIONEER 14Y HIKE PROGRAM - Midcamp an enriching 13-day camping experience. Pioneer campers help to plan, prepare for, and participate in a backcountry adventure. They learn teamwork and responsibility while expanding their knowledge of backcountry travel. 7-Day Hiking Trip: After arriving at camp and meeting one another, groups share their mountain backpacking trip goals. They share practical risk management actions and comfortable hiking tips. Some topics of risk management the group will discuss include wildlife concerns, kitchen practices, rock-fall, snowfields, weather systems, creek/river crossings and identifying and avoiding exposure to heights. Groups learn about each other and about their goals during a day hike - preparing them for their longer adventure into the mountains. The group learns more about menu-planning and routeplanning, and they check and pack their group and personal gear. The mountain trips depart by bus, van or truck and travel to hiking trails within Kananaskis Country, Banff National Park, or adjacent lands. The hikes average from 5 to 15 kilometers daily, on trails and off trails, through forests, and beside mountain creeks and lakes. The groups may gain anywhere from 200 to 900 meters in elevation along the way. Camping sites are situated by mountain forests, creeks or lakes. Side trips may include exploration of viewpoints, mountain passes, waterfalls or hike-approached summits. Back at camp, the Pioneer hikers share stories and successes with their fellow Pioneers and experience some of the activities at camp. Staff members for the Pioneer 14Y Hike Program groups have the following experience: 40-Hour Wilderness-oriented First Aid Satellite Telephone & First Aid Treatment and Evacuation Guidelines 10 days of staff training including group leadership and risk management Prior experience in the region AND/OR specific reference to previous trip reports and references Pioneer (Midcamp) Hike Program 13-Day 14Y Female $1275 + GST Pioneer (Midcamp) Hike Program 13-Day 14Y Male $1275 + GST 1 Jul 5-17 98829 1 Jul 5-17 98833 2 Jul 19-31 98830 2 Jul 19-31 98834 3 Aug 2-14 98831 3 Aug 2-14 98835 4 Aug 16-28 98832 4 Aug 16-28 98836
PIONEER 14Y CANOE PROGRAM - Midcamp an enriching 13-day camping experience. Pioneer campers help to plan, prepare for, and participate in backcountry adventures. They learn teamwork and responsibility while expanding their knowledge of backcountry travel. 7-Day Canoe Trip: Pioneers participate in a memorable seven-day canoe trip on the Red Deer River or another age and skill appropriate river. After settling into their tipis and meeting new friends, groups head over to our local Chilver Lake, where they have fun in canoes and review basic paddling and rescue skills. The group's strengths are assessed and they share their goals. Groups discuss river hazards (such as changes in weather, entrapment in shoreline vegetation or equipment, foot entrapment) and ways to reduce these hazards. Groups also spend some time in our pool, where comfort in water can be assessed. The group learns more about menu-planning and route-planning, and they check and pack their group and personal gear. Tipi groups travel by bus or suburban and truck to and from the Red Deer River. The put-in point varies with the goals of the group and with their comfort level. The group launches into the river after having loaded canoes and reviewed their plans, including river signals, strokes, hazards and rescue strategies. The canoe trip typically explores between 10 and 35 kilometers of the river each day. This river runs at a grade 1 to 1+ rate, typically. Groups also explore the badlands that surround the river. The pick-up is typically just upstream from Drumheller. Back at camp, the paddlers share their stories and successes with the other Pioneer campers and enjoy other camp activities. Staff members for the Pioneer 14Y Canoe Program groups have the following experience: Paddle Alberta Tandem River Instructor (or other provincial equivalent) 40-Hour Wilderness-oriented First Aid Canoe River Rescue Workshop Satellite Telephone & First Aid Treatment and Evacuation Guidelines 10 days of pre-camp staff training including group leadership and risk management Prior experience in the region AND/OR specific reference to previous trip reports/resources and Government river basin flow reports Pioneer (Midcamp) Canoe Program 13-Day 14Y Female $1420 + GST Pioneer (Midcamp) Canoe Program 13-Day 14Y Male $1420 + GST 1 Jul 5-17 98823 2 Jul 19-31 98820 3 Aug 2-14 98824 4 Aug 16-28 98821
PIONEER 15Y MAINSITE CANOE PROGRAM - Midcamp an enriching 13-day camping experience. Pioneer campers help to plan, prepare for, and participate in backcountry adventures. They learn teamwork and responsibility while expanding their knowledge of backcountry travel. Moving Water Canoeing - Preparation: The groups will spend a morning of learning strokes with their counsellors at Chilver Lake. Groups also spend some time in our pool, where comfort in water can be assessed. On the second day of the course, the group will likely be driven to Seebe Dam, where they continue to work on strokes and can paddle upstream to feel the difference that some current will make. Participants learn and practice canoe rescue techniques. The third day will take place along the Bow River, where the group canoe in and around islands in the Bow River, enjoying the day and experiencing conditions similar to the conditions on their 5-day canoe trip. 5-Day Canoe Trip: The group's strengths are assessed from their paddling on Chilver Lake and on the Bow River. They share their goals and they discuss river hazards (such as changes in weather, entrapment in shoreline vegetation or equipment, foot entrapment) and ways to reduce these hazards. The group learns more about menu-planning and route-planning, and they check and pack their group and personal gear. Tipi groups travel by bus or suburban and truck to and from the North Saskatchewan River. The put-in point varies with the goals of the group and with their comfort level -- they may put in near the town of Nordegg, or further downstream. The group launches into the river after having loaded canoes and reviewed their plans, including river signals, strokes, hazards and rescue strategies. Typically, the group explores between 10 and 35 kilometers of the river each day. This river usually runs at a grade 1 to 2+ rate. Groups scout rapids wherever necessary, in order to decide best how to proceed. The pick-up is normally in Rocky Mountain House. Back at camp, the paddlers share their stories and successes with the other Pioneer campers and experience some of the activities at camp. Staff members for the Pioneer 15Y Canoe Program groups have the following experience: Paddle Alberta Tandem River Instructor (or other provincial equivalent) 40-Hour Wilderness-oriented First Aid Canoe River Rescue Workshop Satellite Telephone & First Aid Treatment and Evacuation Guidelines 10 days of pre-camp staff training including group leadership and risk management Prior experience in the region AND/OR specific reference to previous trip reports/resources & Government river basin flow reports Pioneer (Midcamp) Canoe Program 13-Day 15Y Female $1420 + GST Pioneer (Midcamp) Canoe Program 13-Day 15Y Male $1420 + GST 1 Jul 5-17 98825 3 Aug 2-14 98826 2 Jul 19-31 98827 4 Aug 16-28 98828
PIONEER 15Y MAINSITE HIKE PROGRAM - Midcamp an enriching 13-day camping experience. Pioneer campers help to plan, prepare for, and participate in backcountry adventures. They learn teamwork and responsibility while expanding their knowledge of backcountry travel. 8-Day Hiking Trip: After arriving at camp and meeting one another, groups share their mountain backpacking trip goals. They share practical risk management actions and comfortable hiking tips. Some topics of risk management the group will discuss include wildlife concerns, kitchen practices, identifying and avoiding exposure to heights, rockfall, snowfields, weather systems and creek/river crossings. Groups learn about each other and about their goals during a day hike - preparing them for their longer adventure into the mountains. The group learns more about menu-planning and route-planning, and they check and pack their group and personal gear. The mountain trips depart Camp Chief Hector YMCA by bus or van and travel to hiking trails within Kananaskis Country, Banff National Park or adjacent lands. The hikes average from 5 to 15 kilometers daily, on trails and off trails, through forests, and beside mountain creeks and lakes. The groups may gain anywhere from 200 to 900 meters in elevation along the way. Camping sites are situated by mountain forests, creeks or lakes. Side trips may include exploration of viewpoints, mountain passes, waterfalls or hike-approached summits. Back at camp, the Pioneer hikers share stories and successes with their fellow Pioneers and enjoy other camp activities. Staff members for the Pioneer 15Y Hike Program groups have the following experience: 40-Hour Wilderness-oriented First Aid Satellite Telephone & First Aid Treatment and Evacuation Guidelines 10 days of staff training including group leadership and risk management Prior experience in the region AND/OR specific reference to previous trip reports and references Pioneer (Midcamp) Hike Program 13-Day 15Y Female $1275 + GST Pioneer (Midcamp) Hike Program 13-Day 15Y Male $1275 + GST 2 Jul 19-31 98837 4 Aug 16-28 98838 1 Jul 5-17 98839 3 Aug 2-14 98840
PIONEER 15Y HIKE PROGRAM Gray Jay site The experience for Pioneers is one of making new friends, being a positive member of a group, and learning new skills through wilderness travel. Pioneer campers will find wonderful opportunities for growth in this 13-day camping experience. Based out of our Gray Jay site, Pioneer campers help to plan, prepare for, and participate in backcountry adventures. Pioneer campers learn teamwork and responsibility while hiking through mountain passes and valleys. Travel to the Gray Jay site is by bus or truck or suburban directly from the Crowfoot YMCA in Calgary. Campers and staff travel back to 's mainsite to spend their last night there for the final banquet and Grand Council ceremony. 's Gray Jay site is located in the Yaha Tinda region of the Rocky Mountains, about an hour and a half drive west of Sundre, AB. The Gray Jay site is along the upper Red Deer River where grasslands support elk, bighorn sheep, wolves and grizzly bears. Co-operation, responsibility, and teamwork are integral to the success of this small community. Pioneers learn these skills through helping to run the site and sharing in tipi living. Campers develop their initiative as they help with packing, campfires, evening sharing circles, kitchen assistance, and horse care. Campers help to plan, prepare for, and participate in backcountry adventures. 7-day Hiking Trip: Campers and staff meet at the bussing drop-off in NW Calgary. There, campers and staff are introduced to each other and depart for the Gray Jay site. After arriving, campers have a welcome tour, community meeting and move in to their tipis. The group meets to share their mountain exploration plans and goals, practical risk management actions, and comfortable hiking tips. Some topics of risk management that the group will discuss include wildlife concerns, kitchen practices, identifying and avoiding exposure to heights, rockfall, snowfields, weather systems and creek/river crossings. On a day-hike, the group learns more about each other and their strengths and goals. The group learns more about menu-planning and route-planning, and they check and pack their group and personal gear. Soon, it is off to the majestic mountains for seven days of discovery, wonder, and learning. The hikes average from 5 to 15 kilometers daily, on trails and off trails, through forests, and beside mountain creeks and lakes. The groups may gain anywhere from 200 to 900 meters in elevation along the way. Camping sites are situated by mountain forests, creeks or lakes. Side trips while on the hike may include exploration of viewpoints, mountain passes, waterfalls or hike-approached summits. On the last day of the backpacking trip, the group returns to the Gray Jay site, where they share stories of their explorations and successes. Before heading back to Mainsite, all groups at Gray Jay share a banquet, games and songs. Staff members for the Pioneer 15Y Hike Program groups have the following experience: 40-Hour Wilderness-oriented First Aid Satellite Telephone & First Aid Treatment and Evacuation Guidelines 10 days of staff training including group leadership and risk management Prior experience in the region AND/OR specific reference to previous trip reports and references Pioneer (Gray Jay) Hike Program 13-Day 15Y Female $1335 + GST Pioneer (Gray Jay) Hike Program 13-Day 15Y Male $1335 + GST 1 Jul 5-17 98841 1 Jul 5-17 98843 3 Aug 2-14 98842 3 Aug 2-14 98844
PIONEER 15Y HIKE/HORSE PROGRAM - Gray Jay YMCA Calgary The experience for Pioneers is one of making new friends, being a positive member of a group, and learning new skills through wilderness travel. Pioneer campers help to plan, prepare for, and participate in backcountry adventures. They learn teamwork and responsibility while hiking through mountain passes and challenging themselves on horseback and learning new horsemanship skills. Campers and staff meet directly at the Crowfoot YMCA in Calgary and travel to the Gray Jay site is by bus or truck or suburban. They travel back to 's mainsite to spend their last night there for the final banquet and Grand Council ceremony. 's Gray Jay site is located in the Yaha Tinda region of the Rocky Mountains, about an hour and a half drive west of Sundre, AB. The Gray Jay site is along the upper Red Deer River where grasslands support elk, bighorn sheep, wolves and grizzly bears. Co-operation, responsibility, and teamwork are integral to the success of this small community. Campers help with packing, campfires, evening sharing circles, kitchen assistance, and horse care. 6-Day Hiking Trip: After arriving and having a welcome tour at the Gray Jay site, campers move their gear into their tipi. The group then meets to share their hiking plans and goals, practical risk management actions, and comfortable hiking tips. Some topics of risk management the group will discuss include wildlife concerns, kitchen practices, identifying and avoiding exposure to heights, rockfall, snowfields, weather systems and creek/river crossings. The group learns more about menu-planning and route-planning, and they check and pack their group and personal gear. Later, it is off to the mountains of the Bighorn Wildland for six days of discovery, wonder, and learning. The hikes average from 5 to 15 kilometers daily, on trails and off trails, through forests, and beside mountain creeks and lakes. The groups may gain anywhere from 200 to 900 meters in elevation along the way. Camping sites are situated by mountain forests, creeks or lakes. Side trips may include exploration of viewpoints, mountain passes, waterfalls or hike-approached summits. On the last day of the backpacking trip, the group returns to the Gray Jay site, where they share stories of their explorations and successes. 3-Day Horse Experience: Groups are met by a member of the Horse staff who learns about their levels of experience with horses. Campers and staff discuss their goals for the week. At the corrals, the group meets their horses. The Horse staff helps each member of the group to learn to manage the risks associated with horsemanship. The group then learns and reviews how to groom and saddle a horse. The group heads to a riding arena where they mount their horses and ride, learning the basics of horsemanship and getting to know their horses. The campers may play mounted games in the arena, learning more about the various gaits of horses. When the group has demonstrated a level of comfort with the fundamentals of riding, they ride out to explore on horseback the local mountain trails. In the evenings, the group feeds their horses and cares for the stables. Learning responsibility and having fun, the campers help to care for their horses and learn about equine risk management, training, feeding, and first aid. Staff members for the Pioneer 15Y Hike/Horse Program groups have the following experience: 40-Hour Wilderness-oriented First Aid Satellite Telephone & First Aid Treatment and Evacuation Guidelines 10 days of staff training including group leadership and risk management Prior experience in the region AND/OR specific reference to previous trip reports and references Pioneer (Gray Jay) Hike/Horse Program 13-Day 15Y Female $1335 + GST Pioneer (Gray Jay) Hike/Horse Program 13-Day 15Y Male $1335 + GST 2 Jul 19-31 99578 2 Jul 19-31 98845 4 Aug 16-28 99579 4 Aug 16-28 98846