With a lack of quality snow conditions in the region, young winter outdoor enthusiasts in the Columbia Basin may find themselves with little to do this spring break.

Fortunately, Blue Lake Centre is offering youth a final chance to embrace the fading winter season with their popular annual Winter Outdoor Youth Leadership program.

Scheduled from March 15-22, this experiential adventure program invites youth aged 14 to 18 to unplug and become a part of a tightly knit team of outdoor leaders while working together through challenging winter outdoor expeditions. Students do not require any previous outdoor experience and can expect to receive hands on winter outdoor training in cross country skiing, snowshoeing, trip preparation, winter safety, snow shelter building, and avalanche awareness skills. Ski and snowshoe equipment rentals will be included.

Youth will receive more than just outdoor skills training. While participating in engaging workshops, they will have the opportunity to develop essential leadership and teamwork skills.

Led by coordinator Nick Haberman, this newly updated program now also aspires to teach students practical career path development. Students will be provided with the resources they need to continue their growth as future leaders in their hometowns.

“We are very excited about this new approach to our Winter Outdoor Youth Leadership program,” says Haberman. “We want to equip youth with skills that are not only useful in winter outdoor settings, but skills that can also be applied as future leaders in their communities. With the new program direction, we hope to see youth exit Winter Outdoor Youth Leadership empowered with a new sense of self confidence and inspired with a plan of voluntary action to get engaged in their home communities.”

Youth who are interested in joining the Winter Outdoor Youth Leadership program are encouraged to register as soon as possible as space is limited. Registration information is available online at www.bluelakecentre.com or by calling 250-426-3676.

Blue Lake Centre is an outdoor education centre located in the Purcell Mountains just 45 minutes south of Fairmont Hot Springs, and 90 minutes north of Cranbrook.

For over 35 years, its wilderness location and outstanding education staff have made Blue Lake Centre a top destination in the Columbia Basin for youth environment education programming, school programs, summer camp, and Outdoor Youth Leadership school.

Blue Lake Centre gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Columbia Basin Trust, which supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin.

Blue Lake Centre

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