Tundra Science Camp
A Cross-cultural Environmental Education Program
The Tundra Science Camp is a summer outdoor environmental education program for high school students and teachers in the southern regions of the Northwest Territories. The program includes an orientation in Yellowknife and ten days at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Tundra Ecosystem Research Station. The Tundra Science Camp has been in operation since 1995.
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Who manages the Tundra Science Camp?
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) coordinates the Tundra Science Camp and provides core staff. Other territorial government departments also provide staff. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada helps with logistical support. Local boards of education assist with student recruitment and financial support.
What is the program?
The Tundra Science Camp provides students with a well-rounded exposure to arctic ecology, natural history and human history. Participants work closely with scientists, environmental educators, on-site researchers and Dene elders. The focus is on learning about the land from both scientific and Dene perspectives in a cross-cultural setting. Students learn about wildlife ecology, ornithology, plant ecology, geology, archaeology and human history, and get hands-on experience with field techniques in these disciplines. Elders teach traditional skills and their way of knowing the land. Students also participate in on-going monitoring programs and learn from on-site researchers about their studies. Time is provided for students to conduct their own small-scale research project in an area of special interest. Participants also learn about decision-making, resource management and development issues in this diamond mining region of the Northwest Territories.
There is also lots of opportunity for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, storytelling and games.
Who can participate?
A total of fifteen students are selected annually from high schools in the North Slave, South Slave and Dehcho Regions. Preference is given to students who have completed Science 10 or the equivalent. Three teachers from participating school boards are also given the opportunity to attend.
How do students apply?
Student application forms are distributed to participating high schools in early April. Completed forms are submitted to the school and the school recommends applicants to the program coordinators by May 15. Accepted participants are notified by early June when more information on the camp program is provided.
What does the program cost?
The program is subsidized by grants and contributions from the GNWT Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Education, Culture and Employment, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, participating school boards and industry. The cost to each participant is $250. This includes return air transportation from Yellowknife to Daring Lake and all meals and accommodation at the Tundra Ecosystem Research Station.
What is the Tundra Ecosystem Research Station?
The Tundra Ecosystem Research Station was established in 1994 by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories. The Station is a multi-purpose facility whose primary goal is to facilitate long-term environmental research and monitoring in this region of low arctic tundra. The Station is located 300 km north of Yellowknife on Daring Lake near the headwaters of the Coppermine River system on the central barrens. Click here for more information about the Tundra Ecosystem Research Station.
What does the Daring Lake area offer?
Daring Lake is located on the barrens in the Southern Arctic Ecozone of the NWT. This remote region is home to wildlife such as barren-ground caribou, barren-ground grizzly bear, wolverine, tundra wolves, arctic and red fox, arctic hare, arctic ground squirrels, peregrine falcons and other bird species.
The climate is semi-arid, with short cool summers and long cold winters. Numerous lakes are found in this rolling region of the Canadian Shield. The most recent glaciation occurred about 10,000 years ago, leaving an extensive network of eskers and other landforms on the tundra. Most of the region is treeless and supports typical southern arctic vegetation such as dwarf birch, willow, numerous showy plants, grasses and sedges.
Contact Information
For more information about the Tundra Science Camp contact:
Tasha Stephenson or Brenda Hans at (867)873-7779
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