SPFGA Outdoor Youth Program - Overnight Camping

The Sherwood Park Fish and Game Association Outdoor Youth Program is grounded in the understanding that children and youth play a crucial role as future stewards of our planet.

Through outdoor education initiatives, the program aims to nurture responsible environmental stewardship. Research indicates that engaging in outdoor activities significantly improves the mental well-being and happiness of young people, enriching their overall quality of life, and that outdoor experiences bolster physical, mental, and cognitive health, as well as enhancing problem-solving abilities. By fostering a deeper connection between youth and nature, our Youth program seeks to enhance ecological literacy and cultivate conservation-oriented values and actions, essential for addressing current environmental and conservation challenges. Recognizing the declining trend of outdoor engagement, especially in urban settings, this program offers structured outdoor experiences to counteract this shift. These experiences not only foster a meaningful connection with nature but also facilitate the development of outdoor skills and competencies, empowering youth to better engage with, and appreciate the natural world.

Through a safe and supportive learning environment, this will be comprised of six sessions throughout 2024.

Our July session, Overnight Camping, will be led by Grace and James Phelan. Grace and James will introduce session participants to knife skills and safety, ropes and knots, shelter building, camp gadgets, and fishing. If there isn’t a fire ban, participants will be taught fire lighting methods and campfire cooking.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own survival kits, cool gadgets, and favourite survival kit items. SPFGA will lend participants knives and ferro rods. Participants will stay in tents behind the clubhouse that are provided by the SPFGA but you can bring your own tent if you prefer.

Attendance Age

This session is intended for youth 12 to 17 years of age.

Session Leader Biographies

Grace grew up on Vancouver Island, where hiking boots and a raincoat are the standard uniform. As a child, she learned to love camping and hiking as a Girl Guide. She grew up sailing with her grandparents throughout Gulf Islands, which spurred her love of the ocean. As a teen, exploring the outdoors with her best friend was where she felt most at home. After moving to Alberta, she sought more opportunities to connect with others who were like her. She became a Girl Guide leader and met many amazing women. Her involvement with Girl Guides is one of her greatest joys. She loves that she gets to pass on her knowledge and experiences to youth and providing a safe space for youth to explore their own passions. She currently works as an Analytical Technologist with Natural Resources Canada. She studies oil spills and the use of renewable energy sources such as biofuel in refinery processes.

James grew up fishing with his uncle and photographing birds with his grandpa. His love of the outdoors began early. He loves to camp and used every opportunity throughout high school and university to explore Alberta with his friends. He has made many of his fondest memories hiking around Jasper, Banff and Kananaskis. One of his favourite spots is Waterton Lakes National Park. A true-blue Albertan, the cold doesn't stop him from getting out there. Winter activities like snowshoeing and ice fishing are some of his favourites. James is also a hunting enthusiast and enjoys target practice at the gun range.

What items/equipment should be brought?

Attendees should bring the following:

• Warm clothing for expected weather. Extra warm clothing for evening and raingear.
• Personal items and toiletries
• Water bottle
• Sleeping bag, sleeping clothes, pillow, therma-rest/air mattress or cot to sleep on
• We have 4-6 person tents for registrants to camp in, however if you want to sleep in your own tent, you are welcome to bring your own tent to sleep in

Optional outdoor items to bring: survival kit items, campfire gadgets, etc.

Will meals be provided?

Yes, meals are included in the course fee. You are also welcome to bring your favourite snacks or drinks. If you have food intolerances, please ensure you bring food items for yourself.

What happens if there's bad weather?

Unless the weather poses safety conditions, this event will proceed.

Is an SPFGA membership required in order to register?

No, these sessions are open to both members and non-members.

We will refund registration fees if an event is cancelled. Outside of that, individual refunds will not be provided. Please ensure your availability prior to booking. Individuals who cannot make the event may transfer their registration to another individual.

Host or Publisher Sherwood Park Fish & Game Association Board