On the Yukon trip, Grade 8 and 9 students had the opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty, immerse themselves in local culture and challenge themselves with new outdoor adventures.
The trip began with a creative glassblowing workshop at Lumel Studios in Whitehorse, where students made their own glass creations to take home with them. They then explored the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, learning about the native species of the area and were lucky enough to see a lot of them! Later, they visited Long Ago People’s Place to hear about the connection between the Crow and Wolf clans and the deep relationship between First Nations people and the land.
At McClintock Bay Resort, students participated in a workshop with a herbal medicine maker, learning about the medicinal properties of Juniper Berries and making body scrubs to take home. After a day of learning, the group enjoyed time playing in the snow and roasting marshmallows around a campfire.
The outdoor activities continued with dog mushing and snowshoeing, where the students learned how to navigate the snow-covered landscape. They also competed in a fire-building challenge to boil water over a campfire, followed by plenty of free play in the snow. Throughout the trip, students all contributed to meal preparation and cleaning, further bonding as a group.
In Dawson City, the students explored the history of the Gold Rush at the Dawson City Museum and took part in an interactive Murder Mystery before learning further about some real people who inhabited the town many years ago. They also learned from a local trapper about the role of fur and traplines in the region. On the Yukon River, they enjoyed snow play under the starry sky, although sadly there were no northern lights to be seen.
A visit to Tombstone Territorial Park was one of the highlights of the trip. Despite very cold weather and high winds, students snowshoed through the park, experiencing the rugged terrain firsthand. They also had the chance to reflect on the area’s natural beauty and enjoyed hot chocolate and soup to warm up in a cook shack.
The trip concluded with a walking tour of Dawson City’s heritage-restored buildings and a final visit to the top of Midnight Dome for some closing remarks and one last play in the snow.
This journey was not just about exploring the Yukon’s wilderness, but also about learning, trying new things, and building memories that will last a lifetime. The students returned home with a deeper understanding of the region’s history, culture and natural environment, and stronger bonds with one another.
