THE RIVERS CLINIC
JUNE 1 – 3
(Hosted by the Rivershed Society of BC)
Application Deadline: April 30
To learn more, visit www.rivershed.com/RCEL
Trying to save the world by yourself is really daunting and difficult, but as soon as you meet a network of people that want to do the same thing, you realize that each person is making a difference.
Back in our March issue, we featured BCIT alumna Megan Rempel, whose passion for sustainability led her to create The Rivers Clinic of Environmental Leaders. The River’s Clinic will engage 20 students from various post-secondary institutions in the Lower Mainland as they paddle along the Fraser River from Kwantlen to Musqueam Territory in 34’ voyager style canoes. The clinic will inspire and strengthen relationships between participants by providing space for team building, positive discussion and project planning time in nature.
Program leaders Petra Markova and Megan Rempel are from Port Coquitlam, BC and are passionate about sustainability in their community. While paddling on the river during a more intensive 30-day sustainable leadership program (read about that trip here), they had an idea to provide a more accessible outdoor trip for change-makers in the community. Petra is currently attending SFU, working towards her Bachelor of Science in biology and Megan graduated from BCIT’s project management program in 2016.
“I found when I wanted to start doing environmental work, I didn’t know anybody, which was the most difficult part,” Rempel told us. “Trying to save the world by yourself is really daunting and difficult, but as soon as you meet a network of people that want to do the same thing, you realize that each person is making a difference and you can use everyone you meet as resources and teammates. It’s important to build that sense of community to reach our goals in sustainability. This program gets students into nature, inspires them, and nurtures them as they begin to join forces to make change.”
photo by Sheldon Lynn
The Rivers Clinic (June 1-3)
Summarized Itinerary
Day 1 – Introductions
Participants arrive at Glen Valley Regional Park and learn about each other, the RSBC and the Rivers Clinic. Orientation to program and camping systems. First meeting with the Fraser on a river walk and nature sit-stay. End of night share-out circle and discussion about student initiatives.
Day 2 – Strategize and Networking
Facilitated leadership styles and strategies discussion with activities. Paddle from Glen Valley to the Kwikwetlem First Nation territory. Free time to network or explore the land. Participate in a community dinner. Guided bat tour at Colony Farm Regional Park.
Day 3 – Inspiration and Commitment
Paddle from Kwikwetlem to Musquem, with a break in New Westminster. Guest speakers share their stories and the importance of working with others. Participants brainstorm and make a commitment to a solution. Final closing circle and trip highlight.
This sounds like an exciting opportunity to build a powerful network of passionate youth in our communities.
Don’t miss the application deadline April 30th. Apply online today.
Selenna loves creating change through written media platforms, and is thoroughly enjoying her experience with Link Magazine. She has also worked for the publishing organizations PRISM Magazine, Surrey Women’s Centre, Her Campus, Sojourners, and McCreary. Selenna has been published for her creative, academic, and journalistic writing. Selenna can be found travelling, doing ballet or yoga, and watching “Daria.”
