Apply for an EnviroWild summer camp

After many years of success as CAT (Conservation Action Team) camp, we've updated our camp name to EnviroWild to match our school and outreach program. Same great program, new name!

The EnviroWild camp is an environmental summer program for Yukon students going into Grades 7 to 10 in the fall. Campers experience a week of outdoor adventure, experiential education and fun including:

• camping and expedition skills;
• canoeing, swimming and water safety;
• learning about nature through activities and games;
• conservation work;
• making new friends;
• and more!

Last summer, we ran 2 Junior expeditions and had 20 youth participate. On the June expedition we explored the Mayo and Keno areas on foot, learned about local wildlife, swam in many lakes and played a lot of games. In July we explored the Snafu lakes by canoe where we learned to cook over the fire, picked berries and learned about plant identification.

In August we ran 1 Senior expedition for 10 youth on the Dena Cho trail who hiked 51 kilometres, picked Cloudberries, learned how to cook on camp stoves and learned about the natural history of the area.

Who can apply?

You can apply to this summer camp in 2023 if you're:

• a Yukon student currently in Grades 6 to 9 (going into Grade 7 to 10 in fall 2023);
• self-motivated to participate; and
• willing and capable of doing strenuous outdoor activity.

Camps and COVID-19

We learned a lot over the past few years about running programs during COVID-19 and we were able to run outdoor programs that felt safe and meaningful. 

We're constantly updating our COVID-19 protocols to meet the Yukon’s COVID-19 situation and will continue to follow direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health as the situation evolves.

Please reach out for more details.

Summer 2023 camps

We're looking forward to offering camps for summer 2023.

Junior camp

If you're going into Grade 7 or 8 in fall 2023, then 1 of our Junior camps is for you!

Junior June Camp: June 23 to 29

Junior July Camp: July 19 to 25

Senior camp

If you're going into Grade 9 or 10 in fall 2023, then you can apply to our Senior camp that takes place from August 1 to 9.

You can apply following the steps below:

1. Fill out the online EnviroWild summer application (this includes your statement of interest).
2. Get your nominator to fill out the online EnviroWild applicant nomination form.
3. Submit both forms by the application deadline of March 31, 2023.

We'll notify you if you're selected for the camp by mid-April.

Reach out with any questions during the application process. We're happy to chat.

Camp fees

Camp fees are due after you're accepted. Do not send payment with your application. We may make alternate arrangements for families not able to pay the full fee.

We often have more students apply than available camp spaces. Our staff screen all applications.

They base their selection on:

• the applicant’s statement of interest;
• the content of the nomination form, completed by an adult non-family member; and
• the applicant clearly showing they genuinely wish to attend and were not just sent by their parents or guardian.

We also try to make the composition of our camps reflect Yukon demographics as much as possible.

Is this the same as CAT camp?  

Yes, this is the same format as CAT camp, we just changed the name to bring our summer and school programs under one name. 

What will I do at camp? 

You can plan to make new friends, play environment themed games, help make meals for the group, learn to paddle a canoe, sleep in a tent and learn a variety of outdoor skills. 

Who will the leaders be? 

The Youth Programs Coordinator runs the camps with the help of 2 post-secondary students. All the leaders are trained in wilderness first aid, paddling, dealing with emergencies and have considerable outdoors experience. They love the natural world and are excited to have adventures with campers.  

What do I need to bring? 

We'll send you a specific gear list before your trip. We provide all the group gear such as tents and PFDs (personal flotation devices). If you do not have your own sleeping bag, sleeping mat or rain gear, let us know as we have gear to lend. 

Where will we go? 

One of the great things about our program is that it's rarely the same from trip to trip.         The Junior camps are variations on a theme but the Senior trip is different every year, so we explore different places. Last year, we went to the Mayo and Keno area for one Junior camp, then to Snafu Lake for the other. Senior campers hiked the Dena Cho trail between Faro and Ross River.  

What if I do not have any outdoor experience? 

You do not need any experience to participate in the program. All you need is a desire to learn and a willingness to try new things. Our leaders are here to support you as you become a proficient camper. If this is your first canoe trip or your 40th canoe trip, this program is a great fit. 

What does the camping accommodation look like? 

We place campers in tent groups of 2 to 3 people. You'll share a tent for the duration of the camp. We set up our tents close together so we can supervise and be nearby if someone needs something overnight.

Is there always access to an outhouse? 

Often yes but when we travel into the backcountry, we bring a “Porta-Loo” with us so we can lessen our impact on the land by carrying out our waste. If you want more information about this, feel free to reach out and we’re happy to chat. 

How many kids are in each program? 

We accept 10 youth into each program. It keeps our ratio of instructor to camper high and makes for the most space in the canoes. 

What kind of food do we eat? 

We try to cook meals that are simple, delicious and nutritious. We also try to offer opportunities for campers to learn some fireside cooking skills as we prep meals. Some examples of meals we love are pesto pasta, veggie burgers, breakfast for dinner and lasagna. 

How come you do not have a set schedule? 

We have a framework of where we plan to be day-to-day but feel it is important to be flexible depending on our group needs and what the weather allows. We change plans on the fly if it’s cold and rainy or if the group needs a quiet afternoon rather than a raucous game in the woods. We get input from the group and try to build each day together as a team. When we get to see wildlife from our canoes or a great swim spot, it’s important that we can stop and watch rather than feel like we must keep to an itinerary. 

Can I bring a phone? Can I call home? 

We ask campers not to bring any electronics (cameras are okay!). It disrupts the building of our team and takes away from the outdoor experience. We carry satellite phones for emergency use only. While it can be tough to not communicate with our loved ones during the camp, we've found that being present brings better outcomes for campers.

How much does camp cost?

Junior camps cost $100 while the senior camp costs $150. If this is a barrier, reach out to us for alternate arrangements.

We'll send you an equipment list if you're selected for a camp.

You should plan to bring:

• warm, durable clothes;
• a few personal items, and
• some sturdy footwear.

We can supply sleeping bags, sleeping mats and raingear if needed. Just let us know.

We supply all tents and group gear.