Grow as a leader while exploring the Yukon’s mountains and rivers
Leave the conventional classroom behind and explore the vast wilderness of Canada’s Yukon territory. On this course, you’ll focus on developing two main wilderness skills, mountaineering and canoeing, as you learn leadership and how to live comfortably in the outdoors. Start off learning the basics of backcountry living, such as cooking on a camp stove and bear risk management. During the mountaineering section, you’ll develop the technical skills needed to travel across ice, snow, and rock. As you make your way through forests and high peaks, keep an eye out for wildlife ranging from caribou to moose and wolves. During the canoeing section, you’ll navigate whitewater rapids and fly fish in clear alpine lakes. Starting with basic paddling techniques, you’ll move on to more advanced topics like portaging and river rescue. As you climb and paddle, you’ll also learn about land management in the Yukon and earn a Leave No Trace trainer certification.
Throughout the semester, you’ll work on developing your leadership skills. Each day you’ll put your leadership training into practice in real-life situations. Discover your leadership style as you and your coursemates take on more responsibility for route finding and decision making. Learn effective communication as you manage group dynamics and resolve conflicts. Build lasting friendships with your coursemates as you work together to tackle off-trail navigation and challenging stretches of whitewater. After a semester in the Yukon, you’ll be ready to lead your next adventure, whether it’s at home, at school, or in the backcountry.