In this program students will leave the city behind and create space – to connect to the land, connect to each other, and develop their understanding of themselves. All this while participating in learning activities that support participants in earning the following high school credits:
In the CALM Peaks program, learning takes place outside and through action. Students are exposed to curriculum in real life through outdoor activities, personal skill building sessions, conversations with industry professionals and practical challenges. Activities include hiking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, ecological interpretive walks, working with Indigenous Elders, group discussion and journaling.
Students enrolling in this program must be comfortable with recreating outdoors and should be prepared to
spend long periods of time outdoors in all weather conditions. Students will live on site at the Biogeoscience Institute in Kananaskis country for 6 days and 5 nights. The Biogeoscience Institute is equipped with bunk beds with linens, indoor heating, hot showers, communal bathrooms, and many of the comforts of home set within the majestic Rocky Mountains. This program is fully catered.
This program is being run in partnership with The Howl Experience, an experiential education organization located in the Bow Valley.
Connect Charter School is an inclusive 4-9 Public Charter School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We strive to create learning that utilizes inquiry, is scaffolded with technology, and that is experiential, place-based, and outdoor in its natures. As we branch off into high school programming, the spirit of inquiry and place based learning is still at the forefront of our approach and vision for creating exemplary citizens.
This program includes all programming, accommodation, food and transportation once on site. (Transportation to and from Barrier Lake Field Station is the responsibility of parents).
CALM stands for Career and Life Management and is a required course all students in Alberta need to complete in order to graduate from high school. The aim of high school CALM is to enable students to make well-informed, considered decisions and choices in all aspects of their lives and to develop behaviours and attitudes that contribute to the well-being and respect of self and others, now and in the future.
Our week long overnight CALM program at the Barrier Lake Field Station site in Kananaskis includes a number of other courses, including outdoor education focused courses that would result in students obtaining a total of 7 credits (Introduction to Wildlife, Nature and Wellness, Leadership Fundamentals, Nutrition and Wellness) should they complete all courses successfully.
Express Interest
Once you have had a chance to review our program and the key documents below, we invite you to reach out to us through the Expression of Interest link below.
Registration is currently closed for the 2024 summer session. We look forward to registration for our 2025 summer students in February!
Registration Invitations
Once you have submitted your Expression of Interest, selection will take place. Selected students will need to wait for an email with an invitation to complete registration. Emails will be sent out in Late February with instructions to complete registration with payment details to follow.
*Please note that due to the number of applicants, only selected registrants will be contacted. Please do not call to inquire about the status of your registration.
Registration and Payment
You will need to create a new PowerSchool account. Once created, your child will be registered and you PowerSchool will manage payment.
A welcome package including the course syllabus, pack list, and details for our Welcome Event will be sent one registration concludes for the cohort.
Gear Up: Ensure you have the right outdoor gear for all weather conditions. Think waterproof jackets, sturdy hiking boots, and a reliable daypack. (refer to the pack list)
Explore the Area: Research Kananaskis Country and the Rocky Mountains. Watch videos, read about the local wildlife, and get familiar with the landscape.
Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors before the trip. Visit a local park, take a nature walk, or simply sit outside to start connecting with the natural world.
Pack Thoughtfully: Start gathering your essentials early. Include items that make you feel comfortable and excited.
Mindset Prep: Reflect on what you hope to gain from the experience. Set personal goals, whether it’s developing leadership skills, gaining a deeper connection to nature, or simply making new friends.
Join the Buzz: Engage in any social media groups or chats with other participants. Share your excitement, discuss packing tips, and start building connections.
Summary of The Howl Experience
The Howl Experience offers transformative experiential education programs for youth across Canada. Since its inception in March 2022, Howl has engaged over 400 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in programs designed to inspire career pathways and build confident, community-based lives. Their programs range from short 3-day experiences to full semester immersions in unique Canadian communities. Howl is deeply committed to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, integrating Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and community members into their educational framework.
Partnership between HOWL and Connect Charter School
At Connect Charter School, we believe in the power of experiential learning to foster personal growth and community engagement. This is why we have strategically partnered with The Howl Experience, a leader in providing transformative educational programs for youth.
Who They Are: The Howl Experience is dedicated to offering unique learning opportunities that connect youth with their communities and the natural world. Their programs, which range from short-term explorations to full semester immersions, are designed to inspire career pathways and build confident, community-based lives. With a strong commitment to Reconciliation, Howl integrates Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and community members into their educational framework, ensuring a rich, inclusive learning environment.
Why We Partnered:
Together, we aim to provide our students with the tools and experiences they need to navigate their futures with confidence and purpose.
