CANMORE – Walking across huge glaciers of ice and rock in the remote backcountry, participants of the Girls* On Ice Canada (G*OIC) experience an ecosystem in a way few ever do.
With a focus on multi-day tuition-free expeditions, the organization is creating opportunities for high school-aged girls and gender diverse youth to access outdoor and scientific education aimed to inspire self-confidence, leadership and curiosity.
“Our expeditions weave together science, art and outdoor adventure,” said G*OIC vice president, Kristina Penn.
“These expeditions appeal to youth who are engaged in wanting to learn about the environment, learn about climate change to become advocates of sustainable ways of living and protecting our environment, climate, landscapes and our ecosystems.”
In partnership with the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), the team of 10 youth’s classroom is in the backcountry, while staying at huts along with the instructor team that consists of scientists, artists and outdoor guides.
This year, G*OIC is setting off on its Illecillewaet Expedition at the Asulkan Hut in Rogers Pass, British Columbia, from Monday to Friday (July 21-25). Returning from the backcountry, the participants then work on science projects that will be presented to the public on July 31 at the ACC clubhouse in Canmore between 4-6 p.m.
Penn is thrilled the organization has been able to reach all corners of the nation with its applicants. Having led trips in the wilderness previously, Penn said the expeditions often allow participants to explore themselves as leaders and individuals.
“It’s really fun to see somebody do something they didn’t think they were capable of or they didn’t know that they knew how to do it because possibly they haven’t had the opportunity to practice that and put it out there,” Penn said.
Maya Brown, an alumni of the 2023 expedition and G*OIC’s justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) officer, said she found that qualities such as self-esteem and intrapersonal skills are brought forward in the program.
“I found probably the most useful part of the whole program was kind of like learning the different kind of life skills like conflict resolution and things like that,” said Brown.
For Brown, it was important to continue her involvement with the organization beyond her participation. One of the main points of G*OIC is to expose its participants to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM), particularly from those of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) and underrepresented groups.
“The JEDI stuff really resonated with me and the study of women’s experience and non-binary people’s experience and how they can kind of be better supported in society, which I think the organization does really well through exposure to people who are actually doing those jobs, like actual women in science,” said Brown.
“The resiliency tools that I feel like are kind of needed for a lot of things in life, but definitely if you want to get into a field that’s more male-oriented at the time that you’re getting into it."
For adults interested in what the organization is doing, G*OIC is also offering condensed adult programs designed to raise funds for youth expeditions.
This year, the adult programs begin Aug. 1-4 with the Allies On Ice, which includes Cis males, and Women* On Ice from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.
