Yukon High School Journeys: Multi-Day Field Trips
Bring your grade 10-12 class on an immersive trip to the Yukon! Students will develop a deeper understanding of the cultures, peoples, places, and environment found in the territory. Students will also take a closer look at systemic climate and social issues faced in the Yukon, and understand how they differ or relate to challenges that exist back home and across Turtle Island. This experiential opportunity will encourage high school youth to develop a deeper appreciation for new places, peoples and ecosystems.
Howl High Journeys encourage deep learning and create space for youth to connect this back to their understanding of their home communities.
Overview
2027 Dates:
Ages:
Duration:
Cost:
Start/End Point:
Jun 3-10
Jun 10-17
Grades 10-12
8 days
TBD
Calgary
Book a program
We are currently booking trips for Spring/Summer 2027. Please email info@experiencehowl.com if you are interested in getting more information and bringing a group out to experience the Yukon, or by clicking the ‘Request a program’ button above.
Core teachings
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Developed through a focus on learning about Arctic and climate science, participants will leave with an increased awareness of Yukon ecology and climate issues impacting the north. Students will develop their scientific literacy through participation in labs and research projects and through interactions with scientists living and working in the area.
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Youth will take steps toward reconciliation by connecting with local Indigenous community members and learning traditional practices, stories, art forms, language and more. Additionally, youth will learn about Indigenous governance in the north.
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Youth will increase their resiliency and feel accomplishment by testing their personal capabilities and challenging themselves to participate in new activities, overcome adversity, and experience physical challenge. Time spent outdoors will help youth to develop their relationship to the land and build connections to the landscapes and people of the Yukon.
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Through volunteerism and service learning opportunities and connecting with local community members, youth will experience the reward of reciprocal relationships, empowering them to seek out similar opportunities in their home communities and affirming the understanding that you can learn something new from everyone that you meet.
How it works
The season in the Yukon is short and oh so sweet. We offer field trips in the Fall (September to late October) and the Spring (Mid-May to end of June).* Due to the remote nature of our location, we offer 8-day trips exclusively as this length of trip is necessary to accommodate travel. Trips typically run Thursday to Thursday or Friday to Friday.
Our trips are all-inclusive. Once your group has confirmed your booking, we will coordinate flights to and from Calgary and everything in between. The only thing your group needs to do independently is get to the Calgary airport.
To accommodate our available transportation options and fit within the capacity of Kluane Lake Research Station, groups of 20 students are required. We require all groups to bring 2 adult chaperones.
*Note that trips prior to May long and after October long may have access to fewer activities
More information
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The cost of this program varies depending on group size, activities, and time of year. Get in touch with our team by emailing info@experiencehowl.com or by clicking the “Request a program” button above to get a quote.
Included in the price of your program is:
Return airfare from Calgary to Whitehorse
Ground transportation
Meals while on program
Accommodation
Program materials and activities
Elder and Knowledge Holder honoraria
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Howl works with accredited and compliant carriers. This means all of our drivers have undergone rigorous training and are licensed to transport groups in board-approved vehicles.
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Howl partners with Air North to safely transport passengers from Calgary to Whitehorse and back again. As this is a more remote destination, flights are infrequent and flight schedules impact the dates we choose to run programs on.
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Programs predominately run out of the Kluane Lake Research Station (KLRS), operated by the Arctic Institute of North America. This site is a 2.5 hour drive from Whitehorse. There are a number of dormitory style rustic cabins that are heated by wood fireplaces. Cabins are equipped with solar electricity and charging stations. Participants need to bring their own sleeping bags; pillows and cover sheets are provided.
Washroom facilities are located in a separate building and have running water, flush toilets, and electricity. The research station is located on the shore of Kluane Lake and is surrounded by breathtaking views and pristine wilderness.
On the first and last night of the program, groups will stay in a hotel or hostel in the Whitehorse area.
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While in Whitehorse, Carcross or Haines Junction, groups will eat meals at restaurants pre-booked by Howl. KLRS has a Red Seal chef on site and full commercial kitchen so all meals during our stay there will be prepared by them. For days off-site, KLRS is able to support with making bagged lunches for the group.
What will we do?
Program itineraries are designed to focus on our four core teachings. There is flexibility for groups to cater program design to their specific needs and interests. The full selection of options (at this time) for activities is listed below. Some activities are considered core to Howl programming and are included in all programs; those activities are highlighted below.
Activities can be seasonal and availability will vary. The list below is continually under review as more activities become available or are rotated out. Once you’ve confirmed your group’s attendance, Howl staff will request your activity preferences and build them into a once in a lifetime trip plan! Click here to view a sample itinerary.
Core program activities
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2 hours
Visit the Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction in the traditional territory of the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations Peoples. Meet with a Champagne & Aishihik Knowledge Holder, and be introduced to this new place and the land through incredible stories. Following time with the Knowledge Holder, students will have time to explore the Cultural Centre and the neighbouring Parks Canada Visitor Centre and interact with traditional artwork, artifacts, study a 3-D topographic model of the icefields of the St. Elias Mountains and learn about the ecology of this new and exciting place!
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3 hours
Students will walk from Kluane Lake Research Station along Kluane Lake to Silver City with Kluane First Nation Knowledge Holder, Pauly Sias and Jady Hurlburt. Students will experience a “walk and talk” with Pauly and Jady, focused on reconnecting to nature and learning about the culture and history of the Kluane Lake Region. Upon arrival to Silver City, students will learn about the history of this once bustling town, and the implications of development on landscapes and people of the North.
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2 hours
Students will meet the incredible leaders behind the First Nations Initiative (FNI) at Yukon University. They will all gather at Roddy’s Camp around a fire, learn how to introduce themselves in the circle tradition, learn about Indigenous governance in the North and what role Yukon University is playing in Truth and Reconciliation.
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5 hours
Level of hike: Moderate
Distance: 5.8 km
Elevation gain: 430 mLocated in Kluane National Park, this hike provides students with an incredible view of Slims River Valley as it opens up into the sub alpine. This mountain is also home to the Dall sheep, and depending on season, can be viewed on the hike. Throughout this hike, students will learn about the unique geology of this area, and discuss the implications of climate change and changing geology on northern landscapes.
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1.5 hours
This presentation is a great introduction to the geology of Kluane National Park! Students will meet with Kluane Lake Research Station’s very own Station Manager and Geologist - Kim. They will learn about the basic geology of the area they are in, the important role of glaciers of the St. Elias Mountain Range in Yukon’s environment and the many different scientific and community studies happening out of the station. Kim does a wonderful job incorporating the concept of two-eyed seeing and will help students expand their knowledge of this important topic.
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2 hours
Meet with Parks Canada staff from Kluane National Park and discuss the history of the park, learn about the Parks Canada’s role in Truth and Reconciliation and discuss how it may be different from what you see at home. Dive deeper into the ecology of Kluane Lake National Park, and listen to stories of the many creatures that call this park home. Talk about eco-anxiety and the pressures of climate change on our youth. Students will leave this workshop feeling inspired!
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Situated in traditional territory of the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, about an hour drive from Whitehorse, you will find Kwäday Dän Kenji/Long Ago People’s Place. At this beautiful camp, students will have the opportunity to explore Southern Tutchone First Nations culture and connect to the land through various workshops.
Truth & Reconciliation
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1 hour
Students will have an hour long language lesson with a Southern Tutchone speaking member of Champagne & Aishihik First Nations at the Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction. Here they will be able to connect more to place through language.
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Overlooking Christmas Bay on Kluane Lake in the traditional territory of the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, students will meet and learn from the Allen Family. Shakat Tun Wilderness Camp began as a family trap line, and they now welcome visitors from all over to learn and share stories.
Half day
Spend the day with former Chief and citizen of the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, Elder James Allen. Students will spend time with James and look at cultural artifacts belonging to James and his family. They will then go on a guided walk along the trap line, learning about James’s family practices and life in the North.
Full day
Following a delicious lunch, students will work with Elder Barbara Allen of Champagne & Aishihik First Nations and make medicine bags together.
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1 hour
Visit the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse in the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nations. Students will be guided through a tour of the centre where they will learn about the heritage and contemporary way of life of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. This is a great intro to place upon arrival to Whitehorse!
Outdoor Adventure
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6 hours
Level of hike: Difficult
Distance: 10 km out and back
Elevation: 548 mThis hike will take students through the forest along Kathleen Lake and then a switchback up the rock glacier in Kluane National Park. Students will hike to the “seat” of King’s Throne. Along the way, students will learn about local boreal forest ecology, Kathleen Lake ecology and continue discussions on the St. Elias Icefield and mountain range. The hike is challenging but the view from the cirque is spectacular.
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3 hours
Level of hike: Moderate
Distance: 7.7 km out and back
Elevation gain: 120 mLocated in Kluane National Park, students will walk through beautiful Yukon forests and meadows and end up at the perfect lunch spot - Saint Elias alpine lake. Here students can take the time to reflect on new connections to place and explore the subalpine birch and willow. Often a great place to identify and study the wildflower species abundant in the area as well as the local birds of the area.
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1-2 hours
Level of hike: Easy
Distance: 1.6 km out and back
Elevation gain: 90 mLocated south of Kathleen Lake along the Haines Road, this trail is part boardwalk and part stone path along the toe of a rock glacier. An excellent hike to access some of the glaciology knowledge from earlier discussions. Many interpretive panels to glean new knowledge as you climb to a central area and look back over Lake Dezadeash (Tit’at Man).
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2-4 hours
Level of hike: Easy to moderate
Distance: Out and back distance can be determined by group
Elevation gain: 100 mStarting from the boardwalks on Kathleen Lake, this hike is the beginning of an 85 km long loop trail that takes 4-6 days to complete. We do a small portion of the beginning of this trail from Kathleen Lake to the trailhead that splits the Cottonwood trail from the Kings Throne trail. This is an undulating trail in and out of the tree line along Kathleen Lake with beautiful views and an abundance of discussion sites on lake, Boreal forest ecology and wildlife conversations.
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Half Day (4 hours)
More information available here.
Working with a local service provider, (Terra Riders) with local instructors/guides, mountain bikes and helmets and a selection of different biking options depending on the skill levels of the group. It is possible to split the groups into different smaller groups by skill level. These excursions can be provided in the Whitehorse or Carcross area.
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Half Day (3-4 hours)
Come on a paddling adventure down the Whitehorse River with the Kanoe People - the longest established wilderness outfitter operating in the Yukon. This trip will be guided and is a great introduction to paddling for all students and skill levels. Groups will usually use voyageur canoes and this trip starts in Whitehorse and ends at the confluence of the Takini river.
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Half Day
Explore another amazing location in your trip to the Yukon, just an hour outside Whitehorse. Visit Bennett Lake, have lunch/dinner at the Carcross Bistro, explore the town and market, visit Emerald Lake and the Carcross Desert.
Arctic & Climate Science
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3 hours
This lab is designed to help students understand the many factors that contribute to the health of a freshwater ecosystem. Students will conduct a variety of chemical tests to learn about the nutrient quality of the water in Kluane Lake and will practice using a dichotomous key to identify freshwater invertebrates while learning what each species presence tells us about water quality.
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3 hours
An introduction to the areas wildlife, habits and tracks will be pursued in the field.
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Half Day
Visit the site of a field experiment that has been gathering data for over 30 years! Designed to test the importance of food abundance to the ecology and evolution of red squirrels, this site has led to significant increases in our understanding of this species and how it interacts with the ecosystem around it.
Students will experience the life of a field researcher, learn their strategies for data collection, and leave knowing more about red squirrels than they thought possible!
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2 hours
Have you ever wondered where that famous predator prey graph came from in your textbooks? The data for this continues to be collected in the Kluane area by seasonal researchers from Trent University. Have a conversation and maybe an opportunity to meet in the field with the researchers to discuss their ongoing work with the local snowshoe hare and lynx populations.
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1 hour
While staying at Kluane Lake Research Station (KLRS), students will have many opportunities to interact with many different researchers who are working on their own fieldwork in the area. Many of these researchers enjoy the opportunity to present their research to those interested, and we can arrange for these presentations to happen in the evening. Topics usually are related to geology, glaciology, climate change, wildlife studies, vegetation, etc.
Subject to availability of researchers on station
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2 hours
Delve into the Ice Age history of the North with a self guided or guided trip to this small but well designed interpretive centre. Study the peoples and animals that lived during this glacial period.
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2 hours
Food security has always been a concern in Northern communities and this topic will open up this conversation by looking at the challenges and solutions that come with this issue. This workshop will introduce students to the CropBox technology and greenhouse/gardens utilized at the Kluane Lake Research Station and may involve some hands-on programming depending on the season and demand.
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2 hours
How much do you know about the Boreal Forest, still one of the most pristine ecosystems remaining on the planet? This workshop will get you to reflect on the time you are spending in the midst of this amazing forest and get you to connect in a real and timely manner by looking at the challenges that resource development and climate change are having on this ecosystem.
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2 hours
This workshop would provide an opportunity to talk with local conservation officers in Haines Junction to discuss current wildlife concerns, projects and management practices in this northern community.
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2-3 hours
Work with local experts in a discussion and presentation surrounding the emergence of the A’Aychu Grassland ecosystem as a result of changes to the Kaskawulsh Glacier flow patterns down the Slims River Valley. This workshop ties in nicely with a visit to Soldiers Summit - a small hike up above Kluane Lake. A discussion of the new ecosystem and a historical moment in time around the building of the Alaska Highway provides excellent connection to place even as it undergoes change.
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1 hour
A 45 minute drive out of Whitehorse along the Alaska Highway, students will visit a permafrost slump with researchers from Yukon University. They will learn all about the science of a slump, what is causing these slumps in Northern landscapes, adaptation, mitigation and how scientists are working with northern communities to help address this complex issue.
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1 hour
Students will visit the graduate research centre at Yukon University. Explore different labs and learn from a variety of researchers who are studying topics ranging from industry to wildlife to glacial melt in the north.
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2 hours
Established in 1967, this area is home to a number of species for viewing by bus, bike or hike. The preserve runs a series of educational opportunities and has a vibrant animal rescue and welfare program. An opportunity to see and photograph some iconic northern wildlife.
Community Connections & Volunteerism
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3 hours
Students will learn from experts in the field of ecology about invasive species in the Yukon and techniques people are using to address invasives. A part of this learning will include hands-on work in invasive species identification and removal! Students will see first-hand how difficult it can be to remove invasive species from an ecosystem, what future plans are for addressing invasive species in the north and the role climate change plays in species distribution.
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3 hours
Students will experience science in action by visiting an active research site to learn about the scientific process and experimental design. Students will get their hands dirty by participating in data collection and learning creative strategies for communicating their results in the field. Working with Yukon Y2C2, Yukon Invasives Council or Yukon CPAWS.
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3 hours
Students will visit the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations Community Garden. Here students will meet the caretakers of the garden, and learn how this garden started and how they can start one back home. Students will have hands-on experiential learning by participating in community service. Depending on the needs of the garden, students will help pull weeds, move dirt, plant, harvest, etc all while learning about food sovereignty in the north!
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2 hours
It is possible to make connections with some of the schools in the area, in Whitehorse or Haines Junction, for opportunities for groups of students to get together and share an experience.
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2 hours
Varied volunteer opportunities within the community of Whitehorse, Carcross and Haines Junction. These projects vary in their focus but all focus on community volunteerism.
Additional Activities
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2 hours
Our world is in a constant state of flux and the control and protection of Northern Territories in Canada continues to be a topic of discussion. These conversations around sovereignty include resource development, Indigenous consultation and territorial changes as climate change continues to have an impact. These conversations can be tailored to specific outcomes and often can incorporate guest speakers or knowledge keepers.
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2 hours
Visit the MacBride Museum in Whitehorse and receive a guided tour exploring Yukon’s rich history. Students will learn about the history of the people who have called these lands home for millenia, the gold rush and more!
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1.5 hours
Students will travel along the Alaska Highway to Burwash Landing to visit this Natural History Museum. Here they can learn about Yukon animals in their different habitats, and see many displays of First Nations tools and clothing. There is also a small theater showing different films of the history of the area. Students can also take photos with the world’s largest gold pan!
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1.5 hours
Complete a busy day in Kluane with an evening presentation by a variety of local individuals or researchers willing to share their work with groups. If not a presentation, then why not a screening of a variety of local films including Paddling the North (Peel Watershed Education and Protection or SHIFT (Building Mountain Biking Trails in Carcross)
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3 hours
Open since 2016, Lumel Studios gives students an opportunity to work with a local glassblower to create a glass object to bring home with them in memory of their visit. An excellent opportunity to go behind the scenes of a local artisan!
What to expect from Howl High School Journeys
Howl High programming is designed to take students out of their everyday learning environments, and immerses them in real life examples of their curriculum in action. We believe:
The outdoors is the best classroom
Impactful learning comes from moving, doing and exploring through personal experience
Hearing diverse perspectives provides more holistic understanding
Howl provides young people with safer spaces to build meaningful relationships, find their voice as changemakers in their own communities, learn from local Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Holders, scientists in the fields of climate and ecological systems, industry experts and community leaders and empowers youth to proactively take ownership of their wellbeing.
At Howl High, stories and studies carry equal weight and value. Learning takes place through action, immersed outdoors in the breathtaking landscapes of the Yukon.
Howl High offers multi-day, overnight experiences focused on creating opportunities for community building, personal wellness and resiliency. Howl High brings important concepts like climate and reconciliation – which are studied, but not often truly learned at school – to life through living connection to curricular concepts.
Howl High School Journeys are designed and delivered with consideration of these guiding principles:
All my Relations: Howl programs provide youth with an immersive introduction to the ecosystems and Peoples, who now, and ancestrally, call the Yukon and these sacred places home, with the intention to help them to see the interconnectedness of all elements and build their personal relationship with the land and those who steward it.
Two-eyed seeing: Howl programs braid narratives - connecting stories and views students understand with ones they may not have heard before. Students will learn about scientific concepts through both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, developing their ability to understand the world and appreciate diverse perspectives.
Wise Practices: Wise practices are locally appropriate actions, tools, principles or decisions that help to ensure programming meets the needs of participants and communicates to them in culturally appropriate ways.
Frequently asked questions
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Our Yukon high school programming is divided into two seasons. Programs are based on availability.:
Fall (September-October): Bookings must be made by March 31st of the same calendar year.
Spring (May - June): Bookings must be made by January 15th of the same calendar year.
If you miss these booking deadlines and still want to apply we encourage you to reach out. If calendar space allows, we will attempt to add a booking. Bookings can not be made fewer than 4 months prior to the start date of the Program.
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Submit a booking inquiry by emailing info@experiencehowl.com. A member of our team will be in touch with you to learn more about your program needs and to answer any questions.
Submit a signed copy of our booking agreement.
Submit a non-refundable deposit of $5,000. If paying this deposit in full presents a barrier to your school’s participation in the program, please contact us directly ahead of the booking deadline.
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Once your booking is confirmed, we will generate an invoice for the program, less the deposit fee. One half of this amount is due 120 days before the start of the program, the other half is due within 30 days of the Program ending. Schools can choose to pay in full prior to these deadlines.
In the event that schools do not pay 50% of their program costs by 120 days prior to the program, their program will be cancelled.
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Payments can be made through Interac e-Transfer (finance@experiencehowl.com) or by credit card through our secure online payment system.
Payment by EFT can be made by contacting our finance team to discuss.
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All programs are based around a student group of 20 with 2 accompanying chaperones. It is the school’s responsibility to secure this group size. If schools choose to bring a smaller group, per student prices will be adjusted to reflect shared costs that are unchanged depending on group size (e.g., vehicle fees, honoraria to speakers).
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If a school cancels a Program more than 120 days prior to the Program start date, all program fee payments less the non-refundable deposit will be refunded.
If a school cancels the Program less than 120 days prior to the Program start date, Howl will not refund the program fees.In the unlikely event that Howl has to cancel the Program for any reason (e.g., due to pandemic, unforeseen circumstances, etc.), we will reimburse the entirety of the program fee payments already made, including the deposit.
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In the event that a participant withdraws from the Program with short notice, after payment for their spot has already been accounted for, Howl will retain the non-refundable deposit and all program fees paid. The School should do their best to replace the participant and maintain numbers.
No refund will be made if a participant is asked to leave the Program for violating school conduct regulations or for any other reason determined by the School, acting reasonably. In the event of withdrawal or dismissal from the Program, any remaining unpaid fees will be payable within 30 days of the participant’s departure from the Program.
We understand that special circumstances may arise. In exceptional cases, fees may be refunded (e.g., serious injury, medical situation, death of a family member, etc.). Howl retains the right to waive any part of this policy at its sole discretion. We will assess these circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
In all cases, we will work closely with Schools to identify any reasonable solutions or accommodations to overcome challenges that they may be facing and to help them navigate the Program successfully within the limits of our capacity.
Program team
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Warren (he/him) has lived his entire life in Calgary on Treaty 7 land and considers himself to be an educator always in transition: he is searching for ways to reconnect young adults and educators to the natural world. He started his career in 1995 with the Canadian Rockies School Division teaching at Canmore Collegiate High School for 18 years. His focus was to find ways to help students find a passion for the study of biological sciences. During his time in Canmore, Warren looked to pursue ocean studies by taking groups of interested students on Marine Biology trips to Bamfield Marine Science Station. This allowed the opportunity to introduce students to an ocean ecosystem not often discussed in the curricular setting in Alberta. Warren pursued an opportunity to move back into Calgary and helped open a new high school in Calgary, Robert Thirsk High School, and taught there until his retirement in June 2025. The enticement back to the city was to envision and create a Natural Science program that would reignite the awe, wonder and excitement of nature in high school students and show them the future these reconnections can create. As a part of this program, Warren Lake established a trip to Kluane Lake in the Yukon with the Arctic Institute of North America to highlight northern science, indigenous knowledge and adventure travel.
It is in this aspect that Warren joined the Howl Experiences full time in July 2025 and continues to develop a burgeoning experiential land based journey in the North for High School students, young adults and educators. The journey to shine a light on unique and important ecosystems will continue to be a challenge that shifts and flows with the topics that abound in environmental education, reconciliation, outdoor adventure and in the need to build a greater sense of nature literacy with participants.
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Amélie (she/they/elle) grew up on the territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council (Whitehorse) and has had the privilege of living, playing and learning in Châ Ûpchîchîyen Kudebi (Canmore) since 2021.
Throughout her BA in Gender and Sexuality Studies and afterwards, Amélie has had the opportunity of working with a variety of community-centred organizations and charities, such as the Community-Based Research Center, the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, and Rocky Mountain Adaptive. Through these experiences, Amélie has found a passion for community building and meaningful connection as resistance. As a Huron-Wendat First Nation, Amélie connects with anything and everything that centers Land, being outside and the lessons we can learn from it all!
In their free time, Amélie seeks out type 2 fun: skiing (all kinds!), running, hiking, biking (and of course, the snacks that come with it)! She also enjoys crafting, painting, and all sorts of other artsy things!
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