Robson Valley x Yukon Youth Exchange

July - August, 2026 (Exact dates TBD)

What is it?

What to expect?

Dates & Cost:

Expression of Interest Survey

Howl has successfully applied to YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada to take the next steps in arranging a Summer 2026 youth exchange program between youth in the Whitehorse area of the Yukon and the Robson Valley, BC. 

As the purpose of the exchange is designed to be collaborative in nature and encourage youth leadership capacity building, successful youth applicants would be expected to be an active part of the trip planning process, including host community itinerary creation, and follow-up engagement with peer mentorship after returning home.   

To help determine dates and the level of youth interest, ideal trip dates and levels of financial need, please complete the Expression of Interest Survey by Feb 26th, 2026.

Interested participants will be contacted by email with more information in March 2026.

Who can apply?

Youth Ages 14-17 (18-year-old applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis, and subject to approval by YMCA Youth Exchanges)

Eligible youth applicants must be local to either a Robson Valley community, including Valemount, McBride, Tete Jaune, Dunster or Simpcw and Lheidli T'enneh First Nations or Whitehorse, Yukon and surrounding areas.

Spots are LIMITED - only 10 spots available each for Robson Valley & Yukon youth!

  • 2 trips, 14 days of travel!

  • Connect with youth from the twinned community in BC or the Yukon 

  • Experience other cultures, communities & landscapes

  • Explore ReconciliACTION, climate science, art, volunteerism & outdoor adventure

  • Youth leadership - youth participants will be a key part of the planning & design process of this exchange program!

  • Build community across Turtle Island

This expression of interest survey will allow Howl to gauge youth interest, determine trip dates & identify potential funding needs or barriers.

Participants will spend 7 days (travel included) in each host community during July and/or August 2026.

Trip dates will be determined based on trip lead availability and participant feedback - please select ALL dates you are available in the survey before February 26th, 2026.

Flights will be generously covered by YMCA Youth Exchanges. We are currently working hard to find additional means of reducing trip costs as much as possible, in order to make this trip accessible to any everyone. If you are interested in participating, but are worried that cost may be a barrier, please fill out the expression of interest form regardless of financial means and indicate your level of cost barrier. 

Sample Itinerary

Our Partners