Peel Summer Academy | FAR NORTH Expedition
Grades 10, 11 & 12
Peel Summer Academy's Far North Expedition has been designed for grades 10, 11 & 12 secondary school students who are interested in global climate change and related areas. The program offers a unique opportunity to stay and study at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC), a world renowned research facility, in Churchill, Manitoba located on Hudson Bay. While traveling to, and staying at the facility, the students will have the opportunity to take part in interactive workshops, lectures, various research initiatives, as well as trips along the river and into the tundra, excursions in and around town, and engaging volunteer experiences within the Churchill community.
Churchill is best known as the "polar bear capital of the world" and sees thousands of tourists during peak polar bear season in October and November each year. The Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC) is an independent and non-profit facility that offers a number of courses and is home to many research initiatives. The research facility is located on what used to be the Churchill Rocket Research Range, which fell under the responsibility of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). In 1985, the Rocket Range facility seized operation and became the new home of the CNSC. Whilst the main facility has seen some renovations and remains somewhat rustic, the new addition is a beautiful state-of-the-art facility that houses additional accommodations, lab and classroom space, cafeteria, and office space.
One Session:
- August 5th to 16th, 2012
Courses
This unique experience offers students the opportunity to learn, and interact with researchers from around the world, concerning different facets related to global climate change. The program is not specific to one area of study, rather includes aspects of science, geography, writing, communication, and skill development. There is no formal evaluation, and a challenge-by-choice approach will be used to build on existing skill and knowledge while working independently and in groups. In addition, the students will work towards obtaining a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer service in the community they can use towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirements.
Staff
Two staff (1 male and 1 female) will accompany the group of students from Toronto to Churchill (return) and will be responsible for 24-hour supervision of the students. The staff will be responsible for facilitating the program while traveling to, and during their stay in Churchill. We are very fortunate to have our dear Doug return for another season as Program Director with the Far North Expedition. Doug is currently a Science teacher and Guidance Counselor with the Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board and in his earlier years called Churchill home for over 7 years. He knows the town quite well and is a welcome face among the locals.
Travel/Accommodation
The group of students will depart early in the morning on day 1 of the trip from Toronto, ON and fly to Winnipeg, MB. From there, a 2-day train with Via rail will take them from Winnipeg to Churchill and offer the opportunity to take in the sites of the Boreal forest and Arctic tundra. The group will arrive in Churchill on day 3 and stay at the CNSC facility for 9 nights. On the last day of the trip, the group will fly home to Toronto, ON (yes, fly the entire way).
How to Apply
In the spirit of going "green", we have moved (most) of our application and registration processes on-line. You may register on-line as of January 2012 (exact date TBD). However, in addition to registering for this program, each student will be required to submit a letter of interest, outlining why they are interested in the program, what they hope to again from the experience, and some current activities they are involved with that might relate to the course. This document should be no more than 500 words. Each applicant must sign the letter and submit directly to our office (psa@tcet.com).
*Please keep in mind that there are a limited number of students that we can accommodate for this program. The sooner you get your application to us, the better your chance is of securing a spot for this program.
Fee for 2012:
$3565.00 + HST
The fee includes registration, return air transportation from Toronto Pearson International Airport, train from Winnipeg to Churchill, accommodation, daily meals, instruction, supervision, and all scheduled excursions. Students may require some personal spending money for meals on the train, souvenirs and free time.
For more information, please contact:
Courtney Clayton at 905.949.0049 x 3225 or cclayton@tcet.com
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