Rockies Summer 2026 Teen Programs
CALM Peaks
2026 Program Dates:
June 28 - July 3
July 12-17 - Fully Booked
July 19-24 - Fully Booked
August 9-14 - Fully Booked
Cost: $965
In partnership with…
In partnership with Connect Charter School, The Howl Experience’s summer CALM Peaks program creates a space for students entering grades 10-12 to connect to the land, connect with each other, and deepen their understanding of themselves while learning the content of Career and Life Management 20 and four (4) CTS courses.
CALM Peaks provides the opportunity for Alberta students to earn 7 credits through land-based and hands-on learning. Students spend time outside developing an understanding of the history of the land and the interconnections of the ecosystems we recreate in. They analyze how nature impacts personal wellness while evaluating their personal skills and developing a plan for personal growth. Through CALM Peaks, students will:
Develop tools useful to understanding and maintaining personal wellness as well as recognizing, creating and nurturing quality relationships
Learn and apply strategies to find and understand financial success
Engage with a variety of careers and pathways and take opportunities to reflect on how these relate to their personal goals, interests, and talents.
Learn more and apply below or by visiting Connect Charter School’s website.
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This is a 6 day / 5 night field-based program designed to provide rich and immersive experiences to help youth engage with High School curriculum through an experiential lens. Our days will be packed with lots of curricular experiences, outdoor activities, storytelling, reflection, and a focus on fostering effective relationships and developing skills that help us better understand ourselves and our sense of place in the world. This program is open to students entering grades 10-12.
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Students will be given the opportunity to earn 7 credits during this weeklong immersive course. The credits included in this program are:
Career and Life Management 20: (3 credits) Mandatory for high school graduation, focusing on developing personal skills in finance, lifestyle and career.
WLD1010: Introduction to Wildlife: (1 credit) Students develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge related to wildlife and ecosystems, and an understanding of the need to manage wildlife.
HSS1080: Leadership Fundamentals: (1 credit) Students explore basic principles of leadership and evaluate their personal leadership characteristics and qualities. Students develop a plan for their personal growth as a member of a leadership team and examine the various behaviours, skills and roles of team members that contribute to team effectiveness.
HSS1100: Nature and Wellness: (1 credit) Students explore the benefits of relationships between plants, animals, and the environment as applied to the health and wellness of people. Students evaluate how nature affects wellness in individuals and communities. Students plan and modify public and personal spaces to enhance personal wellness using elements of nature. Students reflect on the personal implications for wellness in relation to their environment.
CCS1080 Community Volunteerism 1 (1 credit) Students examine the role of volunteers in a community, perform as volunteers and evaluate their volunteering experience.
YMCA Camp Chief Hector & The Howl Experience Discovery Summer Camp
2026 Program Dates:
August 9 - 21, 2026
Cost: $2,415 (Funding of up to 50% off available*)
*At YMCA Calgary, we remove financial barriers so everyone can play. If you require financial assistance to register for a program at Camp Chief Hector YMCA, please email (camp@ymcacalgary.org)
YMCA Camp Chief Hector and Howl have teamed up to create the ultimate summer camp of discovery! Campers will embark on a transformative adventure that spans the stunning Bow Valley region, including Kananaskis, Canmore, and Banff, Alberta. Blending outdoor adventure, cultural education, and hands-on community service, campers will have a fun, interactive, and immersive summer camp experience they surely won’t forget! Topics that will be explored include:
Land-Based Learning: Campers will deepen their connection to nature and place through immersive experiences guided by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, outdoor educators, and scientists.
Community & Culture: Campers will gain real-life insight into community-based Reconciliation and visit various sites and communities in the Kananaskis area.
Action & Leadership: Youth will participate in volunteer projects that directly support local communities, providing a tangible way to make a difference.
Diverse Mentorship: Campers will learn from a powerful roster of mentors, including Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, scientists, and community leaders, who are changemakers in their fields.
Personal Growth: Youth will have time to reflect, grow, and forge strong connections with peers who are passionate about the land and their communities.
For more information on Camp Chief Hector YMCA’s summer camps, please download this guide.
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This gender inclusive program is open to all youth ages 14 to 17.
*Participants must turn 14 by December 31st, 2026
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Campers will stay at Camp Chief Hector YMCA, located in Bow Valley Provincial Park in Exshaw, Alberta. Campers will sleep in comfortable yurts.
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The Howl Experience believes every young person possesses the power to contribute meaningfully. This program offers learning that respects your identity, culture, and potential, helping you see the world through a wider lens and discover new pathways for leadership and action.
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This experience is designed for youth who are ready to embrace challenge and growth. Participants should be:
Open-minded and Curious: Ready to learn from diverse perspectives, including Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, scientists, and community leaders.
Collaborative: Comfortable working with others from different backgrounds and communities.
Adventurous: Willing to step outside their comfort zone for outdoor activities, community work, and personal development.
