A national program is hoping to instil an appreciation for “the Great Outdoors” in thousands of new arrivals to Canada.
In preparation for the upcoming summer season, Parks Canada has set up programs across the country to teach immigrants the joys of camping and enjoying the Canadian wilderness.
In several parts of the country, the weather did not cooperate – even forcing cancellations in certain centres, such as in Edmonton due to heavy rainfall causing flooding in the region.
Though the weather was not ideal, many regions went ahead with the excursions, such as in New Brunswick, where newcomers braved strong winds, rain and fog in an attempt to embrace the Canadian culture.
“It was really great, because we know that when you go camping maybe you will get sunny days or maybe you will get rainy days or windy days,” said Maritimes program participant Sergio Amatller, a recent immigrant from Bolivia. “You have to learn to live with all the kinds of days that you can get.”
Many other participants echoed Amatller’s sentiments, saying they now feel ready to camp anytime, anywhere, under a variety of conditions. They learned how to keep their tents from flooding, or tips on keeping their clothes and equipment dry. Most hope to hit better weather for their next trip into the Canadian wilderness.
Source: National Post