International student volunteers join international participants at JNP鈥檚 Learn to Camp
On the weekend of Sept. 6, Parks Canada hosted approximately 40 new Canadians in Jasper National Park for the annual Learn to Camp event. Since 2011, Jasper National Park鈥檚 Learn to Camp program has been offering new immigrants from Edmonton鈥攎ost of whom have been in Canada for less than a year鈥攖he opportunity to connect with nature, experience one of Canada鈥檚 iconic national parks and try out camping in a hassle-free environment.
Jasper National Park鈥檚 Learn to Camp program is made possible through the generosity of several key partners, including Brewster Travel Canada, Mountain Equipment Co-op, the Friends of Jasper National Park, Scouts Canada and Edmonton Catholic Social Services. In addition, nine international students from the University of Alberta volunteered to assist with this year鈥檚 program.
All nine of the volunteers participated in Elk Island National Park鈥檚 Learn to Camp program earlier this summer. The students travelled to Jasper, mainly on their own time and expense, to share their newly-learned Canadian camping skills with the group. The student volunteers welcomed the Canadian newcomers, assisted with programs, helped set-up and take down tents and explored Jasper National Park with some of their free time.
The support of these nine international students was greatly appreciated. Their participation demonstrated to many Canadian newcomers that camping and connections with nature through visiting a national park are universal and accessible.
Learn to Camp programs are held at numerous national parks across Canada, including Elk Island and Jasper. Similar programs are also organized by Alberta provincial parks and by Ontario provincial parks in the east.
Interested students can inquire about volunteering in Jasper National Park by emailing [email protected].
