Youth On Water

EDUCATION. Participants are introduced to swift water rescue training and they get to practice their new skills on every raft trip. The youth learn river and rafting skills that not only teach them how to be safe in moving water, but also help them build their skills to gain employment in the rafting or swiftwater industry. Local experts, elders or conservationists occasionally join the crew to teach youth about salmon, their habitat, and their importance to our ecosystem. Experienced guides and facilitators capitalize on the many learning opportunities out on the water!

CULTURE. The YOW program is developed in partnership with local communities and First Nations. Participants learn about the history and culture of this region and how we connect to the watershed and to each other.

LEADERSHIP. Our goal is that each participant makes new friends, connects with positive role models, learns new skills and becomes empowered as leaders! Can you imagine just how incredible it would feel to learn all the skills that would allow you to safely master a raft of your peers through a whitewater canyon?

CONNECTION. Learning, failing, succeeding and reflecting together to build connection to land, culture and each other. Healthy recreational opportunities help participants make lasting connections to the watershed. Some of the inspiring connections made through YOW have brought youth into other SWCC projects, such as CLAW (Conservation Leadership Action Workshops) and youth mentoring. 

STEWARDSHIP. With the help of local fish biologists, YOW participants gain a rare glimpse into the life cycle of Skeena salmon and trout. They learn how to identify and sample fish and understand the role of salmon and wildlife in the watershed. SWCC also educates participants about ecosystem management and how we all play a role in stewardship.

FUN! It’s exciting to learn and connect with tons of fun in one of North America’s most extraordinary regions while rocking on the river!