DAWSON CREEK, BC MISSION, BC

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1 BC WILDLIFE FEDERATION DAWSON CREEK, BC MISSION, BC 2017 FUNDED BY: FINAL REPORT PREPARED BY: CHRIS LIM, BCWF YOUTH COORDINATOR

2 Conservation is [the] preservation of natural resources through regulation and laws preventing overuse of them. - Go Wild Participant 2017, on What is conservation in your own words?

The BCWF aims to develop and support comprehensive educational programs to make all British Columbians aware of the value of fish, wildlife, park and outdoor recreational resources, and to arouse in

3 THE BC WILDLIFE FEDERATION The British Columbia Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is BC s oldest and longest lasting Conservation group. Representing 50,000 members province-wide, including over a hundred hunting and angling clubs, BCWF members are on the frontlines of BC s wilderness. Education is a critical value for the BCWF. The BCWF aims to develop and support comprehensive educational programs to make all British Columbians aware of the value of fish, wildlife, park and outdoor recreational resources, and to arouse in the public conscience a recognition of, and a respect for, the place of fish, wildlife and outdoor recreation in the wise integrated use of the province s natural resources. Go Wild! Youth for Conservation (Go Wild) is a program that aims to educate and help develop British Columbia s future leaders of conservation. By providing science/fact-based information through presentations, games, and workshops Go Wild prepares its youth participants to not only understand but also share and use the information they receive in their local community. Go Wild is part of the BCWF s long-term mission to protect, enhance, and promote the wise use of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT HARVEY ANDRUSAK In our already complex world, the advent of social media has on the one hand been a boon for communication amongst young people while on the other hand these communication tools have further distanced youth from the natural environment. Kids and young people today, especially in the urban centers, have few opportunities to connect and learn about fish and wildlife and their habitats. They know how to navigate the electronic world but have few skills in navigating the natural world. The challenge has been to create opportunities for young people to experience on the ground the amazing world of conservation of fish and wildlife. The BCWF realized this 4 years ago, resulting in the establishment of Go Wild! Youth for Conservation. This program is designed for young people to learn about the outdoors. The program is intended to spark curiosity, increase knowledge about the outdoors and develop a lasting relationship with the natural world. Most importantly, the program is designed to have fun in natural settings. Our youth are our natural assets and they represent future conservationists based on what they experience and skills they learn through the Go Wild program.

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Go Wild Overview.. 1 a. History b Camps Dawson Creek a. Overview b. Schedule c. Day 1-5 d. Local Sponsors Mission a. Overview b. Schedule c. Day 1-6 d. Local Sponsors Survey Results Measured Outcomes.. 9 Thank Yous and Sponsors. 10

The goal of the Go Wild is to get youth outdoors and having fun, while learning about conservation and leadership.

5 Go Wild is a 5 to 6 day leadership day camp with a focus on conservation. Aimed at youths aged 13-17, Go Wild incorporates outdoor education programming, but primarily provides workshops on leadership and conservation. The goal of the Go Wild is to get youth outdoors and having fun, while learning about conservation and leadership. The program introduces youth to a variety of outdoor activities that tie into important lessons about wildlife, ecology, ethics and conservation. This combination of fun and education guides youth to discover the importance of conservation work, which will ensure that future generations are able to enjoy British Columbia s wilderness. The youth are given tools and information that will allow them to be leaders in conservation in their communities and to share knowledge with others. Each camp culminates in a conservation project giving participants hands-on experience on conservation work and what impact they can have in their community. HISTORY Go Wild! Youth for Conservation has been running annually since the first 4-day pilot leadership workshop in 2013, held in Surrey, British Columbia. The group visited the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, participating in various activities such as archery and a hatchery tour. The Langley Environmental Partnership gave presentations on gardening and composting. The youth learned about ecology through a presentation and a debate. With the help of Yarrow Ecovillage, the youth built a wetland and listened to a talk by Don Stahl, a local conservation officer. The week wrapped up with an invasive species removal project at Cedar Grove Park and a leadership workshop saw an expansion upon on the pilot program with three workshops being held around in the Lower Mainland, Kelowna, and Courtenay. In 2015, Go Wild transitioned from workshops to 5 to 6 day leadership day-camps CAMPS This year, we reached a total of 37 youth in the communities of Dawson Creek and Mission. Camps were offered for a low cost of $50 for a 5-day camp, which included lunches, to lower any barriers that might prevent youth from being able to attend Go Wild. Each camp included base programs combined with place-based programming. Place-based programming incorporates local attractions and venues in developing a program. By using this design concept, each Go Wild camp was unique and allowed campers to discover local eco attractions that some never knew existed in their community. Examples of place-based programming in 2017 included visits from local experts (e.g. biologists, conservation officers, and other conservationists), local hikes, fishing at local lakes, and visits to First Nations heritage sites. 1

DAWSON CREEK Go Wild Dawson Creek ran from July 10-14 with 25 participants and was hosted by the Dawson Creek Sportsman Club (DCSC).

The purpose of lowering the minimum age was twofold; (1) to test whether a younger demographic would be interested in a leadership camp focused on conservation, and (2) to counter the low number of

6 DAWSON CREEK Go Wild Dawson Creek ran from July with 25 participants and was hosted by the Dawson Creek Sportsman Club (DCSC). Go Wild Dawson Creek was a pilot project as it was opened to campers aged instead of The purpose of lowering the minimum age was twofold; (1) to test whether a younger demographic would be interested in a leadership camp focused on conservation, and (2) to counter the low number of youth registering for camps in the Dawson Creek area. Lowering the minimum age was a success on both accounts. Younger campers had a memorable experience and Go Wild was sold out! Next year should be I am 10 and really did well and had fun said one camper. Go Wild Dawson Creek was the only camp to have a fire-building session, having missed the provincial fire ban by one day! Dawson Creek campers took part in two conservation projects: building bat houses and planting trees for the DCSC. These projects aimed to increase bat population and reduce noise pollution to benefit the club and local bats. Campers were also given extra conservation lessons by DCSC member, Heinrich, who spoke on water conservation; and local animal biologist, Inge-Jean Hansen. SCHEDULE Time Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 8:30 Sign-in Sign-in Sign-in Sign-in Sign-in 9:00 Introduction Icebreakers 9:30 Icebreakers Outdoor Skills Overview Wind Turbines Field Trip to Swan Lake 10:00 Dawson Creek 10:30 Word Workshop Shelter Building Watershed Stewardship 11:00 Leadership Styles Hunger Games Fire Building 11:30 (No Doze) Fishing Bat, Cougar, and Chronic Wasting Disease Presentation by Inge-Jean Hansen Interpretive Walk with Inge-Jean Hansen 12:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Family Lunch & BBQ 12:30 Goal Setting Fishing Painting Bat 13:00 Journals continued Boxes 13:30 Environmental Range Day 14:00 Economics Break Return to Dawson Creek S. Club Go Wild Cup 14:30 Break Construct 15:00 Water Tree Planting Bat Houses 15:30 Conservation Journals Journals Bat House Installation Awards and Recognition 16:00 Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up 2

DAY 1 The first day was full of fun games and learning.

Day 2 was a very active DAY 2 day. Campers were treated to outdoor skills morning, learning to build various emergency shelters and how to build a fire.

Campers were taught on a one-to-one basis by DCSC volunteers. Campers were given a 45 minute safety brief prior to going on range as well as a quick lesson on firearm and hunting ethics.

Named after the movies and best-selling books, the main principle of the game was to tag other players with paint. Campers decide how to make alliances and make it to the final rounds.

DAY 4 Day 4 was field trip day. Campers were bussed out to Swan Lake.

7 DAY 1 The first day was full of fun games and learning. The day started off with icebreakers and team building games such as huckle-buckle and human knot, but quickly moved onto leadership workshops that looked into leadership traits and different leadership styles. The rest of the day was spent on conservation lessons by BCWF Youth Coordinator, Chris Lim, teaching the group Environmental Economics and DCSC volunteer, Heinrich, explaining Water Conservation. Day 2 was a very active DAY 2 day. Campers were treated to outdoor skills morning, learning to build various emergency shelters and how to build a fire. Some campers even completed a 1 match challenge! But the highlight of the day was Range Day. Campers were taught how to shoot compound and recurve bows (archery) as well as.22 caliber rifles. Campers were taught on a one-to-one basis by DCSC volunteers. Campers were given a 45 minute safety brief prior to going on range as well as a quick lesson on firearm and hunting ethics. The third day was DAY 3 arguably the busiest day of the camp. The main event was a game called The Hunger Games. Named after the movies and best-selling books, the main principle of the game was to tag other players with paint. Campers decide how to make alliances and make it to the final rounds. The game was intended to let campers put their leadership and outdoor skills into practice. Campers then finished the day off doing conservation work: painting bat houses and planting trees. DAY 4 Day 4 was field trip day. Campers were bussed out to Swan Lake. There, they listened to a water quality workshop by the Dawson Creek Watershed Stewardship Society, learning where their water comes from and what affects its quality. Campers then fished along the shore of Swan Lake; one camper catching two pike! The day ended off returning to the DCSC to finish constructing the bat houses that were painted the day before. Go Wild Dawson Creek DAY 5 concluded with a visit from animal biologist, Inge-Jean Hansen. Inge-Jean taught campers about bats, giving background to the impact of bat houses they had constructed. She also spoke on chronic wasting disease in deer as well as brought in a snared cougar for campers to examine. The day was closed off by a BBQ lunch, with family and friends invited, as well as the Go Wild Cup. The Go Wild Cup was a relay race that incorporated most of the lessons campers had learned throughout the week. LOCAL SPONSORS 3

MISSION Go Wild returned for the third year in a row to the Mission District Rod and Gun Club (MDRGC). The camp ran from August 5-13.

8 MISSION Go Wild returned for the third year in a row to the Mission District Rod and Gun Club (MDRGC). The camp ran from August As typical for Go Wild through the MDRGC, the first 3 days of the camp was a Conservation Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) and Canadian Firearms Safety Course course, where campers had the option of receiving their training at a discounted rate. Eight youth participated and passed with flying colours. The camp officially started on August 8 with a total of 12 youth, including one participant from France. Despite being the smallest camp held this summer, Go Wild Mission was a very effective and efficient camp. Its small number allowed the group to develop into a team very quickly. They participated in many region-based activities including a visit to the Xá:ytem Longhouse, conservation guest speakers including 2 conservation officers, a Department of Fisheries and Oceans officer, and the Region 2 President of the BCWF, Chuck Zuckerman. Go Wild Mission s conservation project was held in the Abbotsford Freshwater Hatchery where they cleared and removed invasive species from a new trail. SCHEDULE Time Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 8:30 Sign-in Sign-in Sign-in Sign-in Sign-in Sign-in 9:00 9:30 Introduction Icebreakers Icebreakers Hunting Ethics Presentation by Chuck 10:00 Orienteering Word Workshop Zuckerman 10:30 11:00 11:30 Leadership Styles (No Doze) Shelter Building Part I Hunger Games Field Trip to Abbotsford Freshwater Hatchery Range Day Group Games Word Workshop II Go Wild Cup 12:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Family 12:30 Goal Setting Lunch & BBQ Presentation by 13:00 Journals CO and DFO Learn-to-Fish Family Games Officers 13:30 Field Trip to the Environmental Xá:ytem 14:00 Economics Longhouse Break Invasive Species Removal 14:30 Shelter Building 15:00 Wind Turbines Return to Part II Mission Club 15:30 Journals Range Day cont d Pick-up 16:00 Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up 4

CORE/PAL Go Wild Mission offered a discounted CORE and PAL course to its participants.

8 of 12 Go Wild Mission campers received their certification.

The outdoor activities were followed by the first of two field trips.

Day 1 in Mission ran similar to Dawson Creek, starting the day bonding and going through leadership

The day differed by adding a conservation workshop, a Wind Turbine Engineering Challenge, early in the

DAY 2 DAY 4 The fourth day was all about fish. Campers were bussed to the Abbotsford Freshwater Hatchery.

Campers also had an opportunity to fish in the hatchery s stocked pond.

Campers were able to sample 6 different classes of firearms: pistols, black powder, cowboy action,

9 CORE/PAL Go Wild Mission offered a discounted CORE and PAL course to its participants. Examiner Mike Bergen (bottom) volunteered his instructing time and put up the course at cost. 8 of 12 Go Wild Mission campers received their certification. DAY 1 The second day started off with outdoor skills: Orienteering and Shelter Building. The outdoor activities were followed by the first of two field trips. Campers visited the Xá:ytem Longhouse where they learned about the area s Aboriginal history. Day 1 in Mission ran similar to Dawson Creek, starting the day bonding and going through leadership workshops. The day differed by adding a conservation workshop, a Wind Turbine Engineering Challenge, early in the week. Participants learned about renewable energy and made their own wind turbines. DAY 2 DAY 4 The fourth day was all about fish. Campers were bussed to the Abbotsford Freshwater Hatchery. There, they learned about all the type of fish BC hatcheries spawn and why. Campers also had an opportunity to fish in the hatchery s stocked pond. Lastly, campers helped remove invasive species along a new trail as part of Go Wild Mission s conservation project. DAY 5 Go Wild Mission s Range Day was the most extensive out of the two Go Wilds this summer. Campers were able to sample 6 different classes of firearms: pistols, black powder, cowboy action, rifles, trap (shotgun), and (compound and recurve) archery. The sixth and final day of Go Wild Mission concluded with the Go Wild Cup and Family BBQ. Visiting parents were given a tour of the MDRGC and were able to participate in some of the activities their children had done throughout the week. DAY 6 LOCAL SPONSORS DAY 3 Day 3 was filled with conservation workshops. Campers were treated to 3 different presentations from the Conservation Office, Department of Oceans and Fisheries, and the BCWF s Region 2 President, Chuck Zuckerman. 5

10 Introduction SURVEY RESULTS The following survey results come from an end-of-camp survey. The survey contained 26 questions that ranged from binary, yes or no questions, to short answer responses. The total number of participants in the 2017 Go Wild program was 37. Of the 37, 19 (or 51%) participated in this survey. A consideration in assessing the following survey data is that the first round of surveys conducted (in Dawson Creek) was done in collaboration with the participants parents. This has skewed the data in that a single entry may represent 2 or more participants. There are 2 entries, for certain, that represent 2 participants each. Adding this to our calculations, the real number of survey respondents is closer to 21 (56%) than 19 (51%). Nevertheless, the following analysis has been conducted assuming the total number of respondents is 19. Please note the following data analysis is raw statistical data. Standard deviations and standard error of the results have not been calculated. These are the overall results from both Go Wild camps (Dawson Creek and Mission). Results from each camp can be provided upon request. Results How much did you enjoy Go Wild? Based on a 5-point scale. 1 being not enjoyable and 5 being very enjoyable. Value Scale Level of Enjoyment Frequency % of Responses 5 Very Enjoyable 15 79% 4 Enjoyable 4 21% Total Responses % Very Enjoyable Enjoyable CONCLUSIONS 15 out of 19 (79%) of particpants who took the survey claimed they found Go Wild very enjoyable 4 out of 19 (21%) of participants who took the survey claimed they found Go Wild enjoyable All 19 (100%)survey participants claim that they found Go Wild enjoyable to very enjoyable Bathouses Riddles Hatchery Field Trip Shelter Building Fire Building Archery Fishing Hunger Games Games Range Day What part of Go Wild did you enjoy the most? Top 5 Activities Range Day [Camp] Games Hunger Games Fishing Archery Activity Mentions % Range Day 11 31% Games 7 19% Hunger Games 6 17% Fishing 3 8% Archery 2 6% Fire Building 2 6% Shelter Building 2 6% Hatchery Field Trip 1 3% Riddles 1 3% Bathouses 1 3% Total % N=19 6

11 SURVEY RESULTS Would you say you learned a lot from Go Wild? Yes No Value Scale Response Frequency % 1 Yes 16 84% 0 No 3 16% Total Responses % Top 5 things learned Shelter Building Shooting How to build a bathouse Archery How to be a good leader How to be brave Fishing English How long people can survive without food Regulations Gun Procedures Laws Economics You can have fun outside Bats Teamwork How to use a GPS How to use a compass Conservation is important N/A Wind Turbines How to plant a tree Games How to be a good leader Archery Fire Building How to build a bathouse How to shoot Shelter Building What are the top 3 things you learned? Activity Mentions % Activity Mentions % Shelter Building 6 13% How to use a GPS 1 2% How to shoot 6 13% Teamwork 1 2% How to build a bathouse 4 8% Bats 1 2% Fire Building 3 6% You can have fun outside 1 2% Archery 3 6% Economics 1 2% How to be a good leader 3 6% Laws 1 2% Games 2 4% Gun Procedures 1 2% How to plant a tree 2 4% Regulations 1 2% Wind Turbines 2 4% How long people can survive without food 1 2% N/A 2 4% English 1 2% Conservation is important 2 4% Fishing 1 2% How to use a compass 1 2% How to be brave 1 2% Subtotal 36 75% 12 25% Total % N=19 7

12 SURVEY RESULTS Were there any activities you did for the first time at Go Wild? Yes No Value Scale Response Frequency % 1 Yes 17 89% 0 No 2 11% Top 5 Learned Activities [Camp] Games Hunger Games Shelter Building Shooting Archery Total Responses % What activities did you do for the first time? "Most of them" Range Day Bubble Ball Fishing None Wind turbine Archery Shooting Shelter Building Hunger Games N/A Games Activity Mentions % Games 8 29% N/A 3 11% Hunger Games 3 11% Shelter Building 3 11% Shooting 2 7% Archery 2 7% Wind turbine 2 7% None 1 4% Fishing 1 4% Bubble Ball 1 4% Range Day 1 4% "Most of them" 1 4% Total % N = Are you now more interested in a career in conservation after Go Wild? Value Scale Response Frequency % 1 Yes 8 42% 0 No 11 58% Total Responses % Yes No Top 3 Careers Conservation Officer Biologist "Something to do with animals" What careers are you thinking of? Veterinarian Zoologist Guided Fisherman Guided Hunter Something to do with animals or the Biologist Conservation Officer N/A Careers Mentions % N/A 12 48% Conservation Officer 5 20% Biologist 2 8% Something to do with animals or 2 the environment 8% Guided Hunter 1 4% Guided Fisherman 1 4% Zoologist 1 4% Veterinarian 1 4% Total % N=19 8

13 MEASURED OUTCOMES The predicted outcome of the Go Wild program is increased youth leadership and participation in community environmental, conservational, and wildlife initiatives. In the short term, we have evaluated that youth can identify new skillsets and express a desire to engage in more conservation initiatives. Moreover, we have identified if Go Wild partners have expressed a desire to host or sponsor youth initiatives in their community. Method We evaluated these outcomes through pre- and post-camp knowledge surveys as well as the general survey (see Survey Results section) given at the end of each camp. The pre-camp survey asked participants how much they understood conservation and leadership based on a 5-point scale, as well as asked baseline questions regarding certain outdoor recreation and conservation topics. These topics would then be covered in the camp. The post-camp surveys had the same questions as the pre-camp surveys. This allowed for an analysis and measure of how much information participants gained during Go Wild. Also, through the self-identification of conservation and leadership, the survey was able to derive how each participant felt about their personal understanding of the two subjects. Results There is a lot of evidence that indicates participants could identify new skills after having gone through Go Wild. According to the general survey, 84% of respondents claimed they had learned a lot from Go Wild. The 5 most common things learned were: shelter building, shooting, how to build bat houses, archery, and how to be a good leader. Furthermore, 89% claimed to have done an activity for the first time. The top 5 activities done for the first time are: camp games, the Hunger Games, shelter building, shooting, and archery. From the pre- and post-camp surveys, there was an 18% overall increase in conservation and outdoor recreation knowledge, an 14% increase in self-identified leadership ability, and an 11% increase in self-identified knowledge of conservation. There was also significant evidence in terms of youth expressing a continued interest in conservation initiatives. According to the general survey, 32% of respondents claimed to be more interested in conservation projects than prior to Go Wild; 58% responded as they may be interested in conservation projects, 5% claimed they had no interest, and 5% did not respond. Additionally, 26% said they would be interested in volunteering with the British Columbia Wildlife Federation and its partners; 56% claimed they may be interested in volunteering, 11% said they were not interested, and 7% did not respond. Lastly, 42% said that, thanks to Go Wild, they are now more interested in a career in conservation. The top 3 career choices were conservation officer, biologist, or something generally to do with animals. Mid- to Long-term Evaluation In the mid to long term, we will evaluate whether Go Wild participants have engaged in other conservation initiatives, and/or are able to identify an experience they had during Go Wild that has improved their lives at personal or a community level. This will be done with either follow up phone-calls or electronic surveys. *More details and analysis upon request. 9

product/service donations or volunteerism. Joe Delawsky Also known as Crabby Joe, Joe Delawsky was the head volunteer in Dawson Creek.

14 THANK YOUS & SPONSORS Go Wild! Youth for Conservation would not be possible if it were not for amazing funders, sponsors, and especially volunteers, who tirelessly offered their time and resources to make a difference in youth lives. On behalf of the BCWF, we would like to thank every organization, partner, and volunteer who made the summer of 2017 possible either through financial contributions or in-kind support such as product/service donations or volunteerism. Joe Delawsky Also known as Crabby Joe, Joe Delawsky was the head volunteer in Dawson Creek. Kids and staff love Joe s warm presence and dedication to getting youth outside. Gregg Rogers Gregg Rogers was the head volunteer in Mission. One of the strongest advocates for Go Wild in the BCWF, Gregg has served years as Director of Youth and Family Affairs in the MDRGC. FUNDERS The Go Wild program is entirely funded on grants and donations. The BCWF would like to thank the Government of British Columbia s Gaming Grant, Capri Insurance, BC Hydro Community Investment, and Human Resources Development for their respective, generous financial contributions and dedication to investing in the future of BC youth. IN-KIND SUPPORT Aside from financial contributions, Go Wild s largest need is community support. The BCWF appreciates the immense value of volunteerism and in-kind support. This year, the Go Wild program has accrued over $20,000 worth of in-kind support from the following community groups and partners either through product/ service donations or hours spent volunteering at the camps. Thank you all for your service. 10

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