Led by the Land is for: 

• Any high school student in grade 9-12 who wants to build their leadership skills and capacity to positively contribute to their community. 

• Educators who want to learn how to enhance land, culture, and community-based learning in their practice, and support students in finding their voice.

• The gathering aims to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and educators from across Turtle Island (Canada). 

Supervisors are fully responsible for the students/youth in your group during the conference, and particularly during non-programming hours (mornings & evenings). For field trips, there needs to be a supervising adult with students/youth from each group.

All participant information including medical forms, participant agreements, etc. are due by September 25th. If you need to sub out a student after this, all information for the replacement student must be received by 30 days before the conference start date (October 6, 2026). 

Ideally, both adults are teachers, administrators, or staff from the school. We are providing professional development activities for educators as part of the conference. In special cases, a parent or other adult chaperone may attend but they are expected to participate in the full program.

We are currently unable to provide financial support. We have created a fundraising kit with a few ideas to support school fundraising. However, please get in contact if cost is a major barrier.

Two free shuttles will be provided from the Calgary Airport to the conference on Nov. 6th (times TBC). Participants who are flying to Calgary or who would prefer to meet at the airport and not drive a personal/school vehicle, will be able to opt-in for this shuttle as part of the forms that are due on September 25. A shuttle will also be provided back to the airport after the conference closing on Nov. 9th, for all those who opt-in. Participants are responsible for coordinating their transportation to align with the arrival and departure times.

The Howl Experience will also be providing substantial travel subsidies for groups to get to and from the conference (air travel, or ground transportation for AB schools). When completing your registration, please share your group’s estimated travel costs. Once received, Howl will confirm the subsidy amount available for your group before finalizing your registration. Thank you to Youth Forums Canada for helping ensure the conference is financially accessible for schools across the country.

• Cell phone service - Yes. There will be cell service throughout the majority of the conference, with the main exception being during our time on the Icefields Parkway (hwy 93) which loses service shortly after Lake Louise. 

• Wifi - No. There is no wifi available at Camp Chief Hector.

A full packing list will be distributed before and reviewed during the pre-conference information session on October 15. High-level, here are a few things you should bring:

• Comfortable clothing

• Warm, waterproof outdoor gear (boots, mitts, winter jackets, toque)

• Sleeping bag and pillow (we can provide a limited quantity for those who communicate need)

• Small bag or backpack

• Water bottle

• Personal items (medications, toiletries, etc.)

Deer, elk, moose, grizzly bears, black bears, big horn sheep, coyotes, red foxes, wolves and cougars, in addition to many small mammals, birds and fish, live in and around Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country. In sharing the land with them, we will be staying on trails and ensuring that all garbage is disposed of properly. While at camp, all attendees will have to travel in a group of four (minimum) at all times. If you are renting a vehicle, please be wildlife aware while driving on the highway and into Camp as you will travel through several wildlife corridors. Conference staff will have wildlife safety training and carry bear spray in the case that we do encounter wildlife, but with such a large group during main conference activities, it is relatively unlikely to have a surprise encounter.

We are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all conference participants. All participants will be required to complete an online Participant Agreement with The Howl Experience prior to arriving on site.

Staff of The Howl Experience will have current first aid and CPR certification, mental health first aid supporting youth training, wildlife safety training, and have passed a criminal records background check. Staff and contracted leaders for outdoor activities will also have Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader or Association of Canadian Mountain Guides certification. There will be first aid kits accessible by staff at all times.

Emergency Contacts: The supervising teacher from each school will provide a contact cell phone number and be accessible throughout the conference. For any incidents involving students, The Howl Experience staff will coordinate first aid and any required communication with parents/guardians with the lead teacher. In the event of an emergency please contact 9-1-1. Travel Considerations: Travel to and from the conference is the responsibility of the school. You will submit your travel plans to The Howl Experience, please contact us if you are delayed at any point. Ensure a school administrator also knows your travel plans; tell them when you plan to arrive and check in when you get here. If driving to the conference or the Calgary airport for the shuttle, check the road report and adjust your driving to the road conditions. Stay on main roadways and carry an emergency kit including blankets, shovel, booster cables, snacks, water, and current map. Ensure your vehicle is in good repair and has had a safety inspection.

The Howl Experience will not be providing extended options for accommodation or programming. If you choose to arrive early or stay longer after the conference, accommodations will be the responsibility of the school to organize. If you are interested in opportunities at Camp Chief Hector, please visit their website.