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Conservation Action Team

The Conservation Action Team is a summer camp program for Yukon students in Grades 6-9. It offers outdoor adventure, learning about the environment, and hands-on conservation work. The CAT program features participants travelling to different parts of the Yukon for 8-12 days.

Past destinations have included Fort Selkirk, the Dempster Highway region, the Burwash Uplands, Stewart River, and Frances Lake and the Coal River Springs in the southeast.

To see this year's camp dates, please consult the current CAT application form below.

Application Process

• How do I apply?
• How are team members selected?
• Downloadable Application Packages

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can be on the team?
• What will I be doing if I join the team?
• How long are the camps and when are they?
• Is there a camp fee?
• Do I need lots of fancy equipment?
• I live in a rural community, can I be in the program?
• Who leads the Team?
• Contact Us

Application Process

How do I apply?

• Application forms are available on our website (pdf below), at any Environment Yukon office.
• You will need to fill in general information, and a Statement of Interest in which you outline why you want to be in the program.
• Your parents will also sign a permission form.
• You will also have to ask a prominent member of your community to "nominate" you through a Nomination Form.

How are team members selected?

• All applications are screened by a special committee of teachers and Environment Yukon employees.
• Selection is based on a Statement of Interest and the content of the Nomination Form.
• Before final confirmation of acceptance into the Action Team, applicants will have to submit a medical form. This is to ensure that Team leaders are aware of any medical concerns that may affect the program activities.
  
  

Application:

CAT Application Form 404 KB

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Who can be in the Team?

• Any Yukon student going into Grade 7-10 in September 2017 (i.e. in Grade 6-9 this spring) may apply.
• You also have to be willing and physically capable of doing strenuous outdoor activity.

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What will I be doing if I join the team?

• Adventure: Since Team activities will be all outdoors, you'll be learning how to camp safely and comfortably. You'll also learn and use outdoor skills like canoeing, leave no trace hiking, bear awareness, and firearms safety. Each Team will do a wilderness trip in a remote area of the Yukon. 

• Through fun, hands-on activities, you may be learning about: ecology, wildlife management, plants and animals, mining, agriculture, forestry, hunting, fishing, trapping and First Nations views of the environment.

• Conservation Work: Each team may take on a service project such as assisting biologists with field work, doing cleanup or helping a farmer.

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How long are the camps and when are they?

• There are two levels and program lengths for the CAT program.
• Each team has 10 participants (with a balance of boys and girls) and three qualified instructors.  
  • Cheechako I (going into Grade 7-8) June 21-28
• Cheechako II (going into Grade 7-8) July 11-18
• Sourdough (going into Grade 9-10) August 1 - August 10

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Is there a camp fee?

• Participants are required to pay a fee to help cover expenses.
• The cost is $100 for Cheechako camps and $150 for the Sourdough session.
• If you and your parents are unable to pay this amount, subsidies may be available. Call for more information.

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Do I need lots of fancy equipment?

• No.
• We supply tents.
• Rain coats, rain pants, backpacks and other equipment can be supplied if you don't have your own.
• All you'll need is warm, durable clothes, a few personal items, and some sturdy footwear. (We'll send you a list.)
  

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I live in a rural community, can I be in the program?

• Of course.
• All eligible Yukon youth are encouraged to apply, from Old Crow to Watson Lake.
• In fact, some spaces on the Team are reserved for students outside Whitehorse.
• Sessions usually start in Whitehorse. Depending on our trip route, we may be able to pick you up along the way, or if the cost to get you to Whitehorse is especially high (e.g. Old Crow) we may be able to help cover your travel costs.

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Who leads the team?

• Each Team has one experienced leader and two summer student assistant instructors.
• They have considerable outdoor experience and are fully certified in first aid and emergency rescue techniques.
• Instructors are chosen for their ability to lead a safe, fun and educational adventure program.
• Guest resource people are also on hand from time-to-time to give instruction in their field of expertise.

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