Activities

The Health and Science Camp may include the following activities.

Field Experience in Science Career Settings

Students will meet with different organizations (we propose half-day sessions) and these are examples of topics that will be covered during these sessions:

1. What kinds of positions are available to them?
2. What is the salary?  The benefits?
3. What degree do they need to get these positions?  What are the requirements to get into these programs?

To increase their interest in these positions, we suggest that agencies provide hands-on activities with the students.  These activities will vary according to the organization’s mandate, but here are a few possible examples:

1. Water sampling and simple analysis such as detection of total coliforms
2. Visit of laboratories, greenhouses, and other working areas of facilities such as hospitals, and health clinics
3. Field trips to on-site projects to participate in day-to-day operations

We strongly believe that hands-on activities will offer students a better glimpse into the position’s requirements than just some PowerPoint presentations.

Science

The objective of this component is to introduce students to a variety of interesting and fun-filled experiential activities that will allow them to explore pure and applied sciences.  Activities involve field experiences and hands-on-activities as they relate to concepts in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.  Students will learn scientific processes through exposure to laboratory experiments under the guidance of professionals.  Students will learn first hand knowledge about what is required to be successful in the pure and applied sciences thereby, lowering apprehensions at the post-secondary level.

Careers Exploration and Planning

Science career exploration and planning for post-secondary training is a mandatory component of the camps.  Native and non-Native role models, professionals, and First Nations University students enrolled in Science programs will share their stories of success while allowing students opportunities to ask questions and thereby gain insight and inspiration about the positive benefits of gaining a university education in science.

Elders & Indigenous Health Practices

The camp promotes a heavy emphasis on Elder involvement as they are considered the carriers of traditional health knowledge and wisdom.  Students will have an opportunity to interact and build relationships with Elders and student teachers in a safe and nurturing environment.  Student will be exposed to Indigenous-based health curriculum components that include an opportunity to participate in sweat lodge ceremonies, sharing circles, storytelling, singing, dancing, drumming, artistic expression, crafts, and land-based activities.

Medicine Plant Walks & Cultural Teachings

Elders will provide field experience opportunities for students to learn about traditional medicinal plants and proper ways of using them.  Students will learn concepts related to respect, interconnectedness, balance, harmony, and use of proper cultural protocols when harvesting medicines from the land.

Physical Health and Recreation Activities

Students require an avenue where they can learn about the benefits of physical activity as it relates to developing a healthy lifestyle.  This is a mandatory component of the program that will allow students to have some fun while learning about the importance of maintaining physical health.  Activities may include:

1. Nutrition, traditional foods, and feasts
2. Walking, running, and hiking
3. Canoeing and kayaking
4. Traditional dance
5. Traditional competitive games
6. Physical recreational outings, baseball, volleyball (beach or indoor),
7. Dodge ball, swimming
8. Science based outings