Walking with the Squamish
Since 2015, the David Suzuki Foundation, Ayes Menmen, the Squamish Nation and Camp Fircom have worked together to offer camps on beautiful Chá7elkwnech (Gambier Island) in British Columbia’s Atl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound). Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech is a nature-based summer camp that combines coastal protection training and First Nations education. Regardless of your age, it offers a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect to nature.
Along with teaching from members of the Squamish nation — including the famed Canoe Family — Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech: Walking with the Squamish will feature seminars from David Suzuki Foundation staff and other skilled educators. This camp is particularly useful to teachers, who can incorporate the Squamish teachings and methods into fulfilling the new provincial curriculum.
All programs will be run in accordance with provincial health regulations, including a specific Camp Fircom safety plan.
If you would like to learn more about the camp planned for 2022 please contact camp@davidsuzuki.org.
Adventure awaits — August 2022
Adult camps
August 2022, age 19+
The adult retreat brings together Squamish Nation history, practice, culture, stories and stewardship in a welcoming and encouraging outdoor education setting. With seminars in ethnobotany, Squamish history, language and culture, canoeing, ecosystem mapping and more, you’ll leave the camp with a deeply enriched understanding of this place.
Note: Teachers can apply for pro-d funds to help offset camp fees. Contact your district pro-d officer for details.
Kids and youth camps
August 2022, ages 8-14
The kids’ camps include all the summer fun and adventure a kid could hope for, combined with rich cultural teachings from the Squamish First Nation. Your kids will make new friends during this week of joyful exploration, with activities including canoeing, Squamish language, singing and dancing with educators from the Squamish Nation.
The experience of a lifetime
The teachings of the Squamish people, paddling together in the canoe, stories by the fire, ethnobotany, language, storytelling, and so many candid conversations over meals or in down time opened my eyes even wider to a diversity of opinions, experiences and cultural histories. I take these new insights into my everyday life, sharing my experiences with my friends and family.
Fonda, 2019 Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech graduate
