Apply for a conservation summer camp (CAT)

We learned a lot in 2020 about how to navigate the risks and challenges of COVID-19 and we are excited about incoming applications for camp this year.

We are constantly updating our COVID-19 protocols to meet the Yukon’s Covid-19 situation and will continue to follow direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health as the situation evolves.

Please reach out for more details.

What is CAT?

The Conservation Action Team is an environmental summer camp for Yukon students in grades 6 to 9. Campers experience over a week of away-from-home outdoor adventure, experiential education and fun including:

• camping skills;
• canoeing, swimming and water safety;
• learning about nature through activities and games;
• conservation work;
• making new friends;
• and more!

Who can apply?

You can apply to this summer camp in 2021 if you are:

• a Yukon student currently in grades 6 to 9;
• self-motivated to participate; and
• willing and capable of doing strenuous outdoor activity.

Summer 2021 camps

We are excited to offer 3 camps for this summer!

Going into Grade 7 or 8 in Fall 2021?  One of our junior camps is for you!

This year’s junior camp will spend a few day at Tatchun Lake learning about canoeing, camping and the environment. The campers will then embark on a multi-day canoe trip down the Yukon River from Tatchun Creek to Fort Selkirk and eventually the Pelly farm.

• Junior camp 1 (June 23 to 30)
• Junior Camp 2 (July 13 to 20)

Moving into Grade 9 or 10 in Fall 2021?  Apply to our senior camp!

This year, the senior camp will head north to Tombstone and the Arctic Circle. Participants will spend time exploring on foot some of the spectacular landscapes off the Dempster Highway, while learning about the eco-systems they are travelling in from hands on experience and special guests.

• Senior camp (August 2 to 10)

You can apply following the procedure below. The application deadline was Monday May 10, 2021.

1. Download and print the full application package. Applications are also available at any Department of Environment office.
2. Complete the application. This includes the personal information, parent/guardian form, a short statement of interest written by the student, and a nominator form completed by an adult non-family member.
3. Submit all forms by the application deadline.
   In person: at the Department of Environment office at 10 Burns Road in Whitehorse. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Email: catcamp@yukon.ca
Mail:
Government of Yukon
Habitat Programs (V-5R)
c/o Youth Programs Coordinator
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

We will notify you if you're selected for the camp in early June.

Camp fees

Camp fees are due after you're accepted. Don't send payment with your application. We may make alternate arrangements for families unable to pay the full fee.

We often have more students apply than available camp spaces. Our staff screen all applications.

They base their selection on:

• applicant’s statement of interest;
• the content of the nomination form, completed by an adult non-family member;
• an optional personal interview; and
• the applicant clearly showing they genuinely wish to attend and were not just sent by their parents or guardian.

We also try to make the composition of our camps reflect Yukon demographics as much as possible.

One experienced leader and 2 summer student assistant instructors lead each camp.

These leaders have considerable outdoor and leadership experience. They are fully certified in First Aid and emergency rescue techniques.

Guest resource people are often part of camps to give instruction in their field of expertise.

We will send you an equipment list if you are selected for a camp.

You should bring:

• warm, durable clothes;
• a few personal items, and
• some sturdy footwear.

We supply tents.

We also supply rain coats, rain paints, backpacks and other equipment if you don't have your own.