“Trish, did you climb anything cool? Did you take any jumps? Did you hit any trees?” Forty-two little eyes stared at me, waiting for the week’s stories of my sledding adventures on the Salmo-Creston pass in B.C. in the winter of 2011. I laughed at how my new bruises and stories of stucks and trees made me 10 feet tall in their eyes. So many of them shared an intense passion for the outdoors. Some had the opportunity to enjoy it with their families; others weren’t so fortunate but they wanted desperately to experience what they were missing.
These kids were my senior physical education students from the Homelinks Learning Program in Creston, B.C. Ages 12 to 15, these kids were unique and amazing. The vice-principal had approached me one day, putting forth a specific requirement for the students' learning outcome: they needed to have some sort of outdoor education and she wondered if I had had any ideas. I showed her some pictures of my kids at our local snowmobile club beacon practice, and suggested a winter survival program. And there it began.
The Canadian Avalanche Centre provided a wealth of knowledge and resources. I honestly cannot thank Bridgette enough. In the blink of an eye she sent stickers, handouts, a video, avalanche avaluators and more to aid in this education project. I was able to develop a curriculum for the seniors and the little elementary students.
The curriculum encompassed many topics, including frostbite and frostnip, hypothermia, dressing in layers, safety equipment and how to use it effectively, avalanche awareness, how to pack a daypack for winter sports, winter shelters and how to light a fire in the winter. Wow, did they learn. They thanked me for teaching them, and shared stories of family members of friends who hadn’t been so winter smart. Some had never seen a beacon let alone been taught to use one. With the Salmo-Creston pass being a winter wonderland of activities, these kids absolutely needed this awareness.
Knowledge is the key
One young man asked if he could share his 4-H speech with the class. We were in our third week of classes at this point and he was very motivated to learn all he could about survival. On his own, he purchased Les Stroud’s book, Will To Live. There was no way this kid was going to perish in the outdoors. His speech was awesome, and it really inspired me.
These kids need us. They are so open to learn from the ones who share the same passion for the sports they crave. While they may idolize the air we catch on our sleds, or the climb we execute, they need us to teach them how to be responsible, educated outdoor enthusiasts. Not only must we practise what we preach but we must also be aware that we have the opportunity to make a difference. These kids are the sledders of tomorrow. Take the time to reach out to the youth in your community. It really does make a difference.
