2024 Northern Indigenous Youth Summer Science Camp
The University of Northern British Columbia is excited to announce the return of the Northern
Indigenous Youth Summer Science Camp!
BACKGROUND
In 2019, the First Nations Health Authority approached the Health Arts Research Centre (HARC) team and requested they lead and host the very first Northern Indigenous Youth Summer Science Camp in Prince George, BC. HARC happily took on this task, and went on to successfully facilitate the 2019 Northern Indigenous Youth Summer Science Camp, which aimed to inspire youth to pursue post-secondary education, healthcare/health-related careers, and learn more about culture and their own health and well-being.
After the success of the 2019 camp, the HARC team and its’ collaborators prepared to host a 2020 camp however, with the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, HARC was required to pivot. As a result, the nature of camp has taken different forms following the 2019 camp, including sponsoring five Indigenous communities across the northern Province to host their own science and culture camps (2021), and a hybrid model sponsoring three communities to host their own camps while bringing a handful of students into Prince George for a three-day camp (2022).
WHAT WE’RE DOING IN 2024
Returning back to our roots, this year we are excited to sponsor 20 Indigenous youth aged 13-16 across northern BC to join us at the UNBC Prince George Campus, located on the unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, for a week of science, culture and adventure during the week of July 14th-20th, 2024.
Each day, youth will have the opportunity to participate in science-based workshops and activities, cultural teaching from various Elders and knowledge holders, and a fun recreational/adventure-based activity.
HOW TO COMPLETE THIS PACKAGE
- Included in this Application Package are a set of Registration and Safety Forms that need to be fully completed and submitted with your youths’ application. Youth cannot join us for camp without these forms completed, in detail. This is to ensure the safety of your and the other youth attending, and to ensure that we are able to support any unique needs your youth may have in order to participate fully in camp.
- Because spaces are limited, we are asking that youth applying tell us in a few detailed paragraphs why they are interested in joining us for camp this year in the space provided.
- Submit your completed application form to activeminds@unbc.ca by April 30th, 2024. If you need assistance with completion of your application, please contact Laura McNab-Coombs at 250-231-4422 or lauramcnabcoombs@gmail.com. Please note, applications are still being accepted passed this date.
NOTIFYING SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Once your application has been received, you will receive a confirmation email from our team. You will be notified by mid-May regarding your youths’ acceptance. At this time, a member of our team will work with you to plan your youths’ travel to campus. If your youth is no longer able to attend camp, please notify our team immediately.
A few weeks prior to camp, you will receive a “Preparing for Camp” package that details what to pack and how to prepare for camp and camp activities.
PARENT, GUARDIAN OR COMMUNITY CHAPERONES
As with every year, we would love to have chaperones join us for camp! If you’re interested, please reach out to lauramcnabcoombs@gmail.com for more information. Criminal record checks are required.
Please complete the application form provided below.