Newcomers to Wild Spaces

AWA's program Newcomers to Wild Spaces was launched in 2010.

The program introduces new Canadians and people from diverse groups and ages to wilderness, and allows them to develop outdoor skills in a supportive environment. We emphasize low impact, human-powered experiences, promoting safe and responsible use of the outdoors while maintaining a "wilderness ethic."

Following are scenes from the day trips made in 2010 and quotes from some of the participants:

"For me, getting to the top of the hill was amazing; feeling the breeze and the peacefulness of this place was so emotional."

"When we walked to the Red Deer River, I found that I had been missing out on natural sounds for a long time. Yesterday the sounds from the rivers and trees made me feel so peaceful."

"Yesterday you brought back to me something I was doing often in my home country with my mom. When you come to Canada and live in the city you really forget, and don't even notice that there is nature here and that this part of Canada even exists."

AWA is pleased to have partnered wtih CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigrant Services) for this program.  We are appreciative of the grant received from Mountain Equipment Co-op for their support of the Newcomers to Wild Spaces program.