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Departments & Programs » Outdoor Education Program

Outdoor Education Program

 

Howe Sound Mountain Film Festival

The HSS Outdoor Education Program would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all the filmmakers who shared their incredible stories with us during this festival. Your creativity and passion inspire us all. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and participated in any way, thank you for making this event a success. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the power of film with you in the future.
 
We also want to thank our generous sponsors for their support and commitment to the HSS Outdoor Education Program. Your contributions help youth access the great outdoors and we are grateful for your support. Our amazing sponsors include:
 
·       Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa ·       Nesters-Squamish ·       Diamond Head Motors
·       Crystal Lodge ·       Save on Foods ·       Green Olive
·       Valhalla Pure Outfitters ·       Escape Whistler ·       Urban Indian Kitchen
·       Chromag ·       Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre ·       Samurai Sushi
·       Urban Alpine ·       Audain Art Museum ·       Scandinave Spa
·       Sugaring Body Boudoir ·       Shoppers Drug Mart  
 

2025-26 School Year

Any students interested in the Outdoor Education Program for the 2025-26 school year can attend a meeting in March 2025. This important meeting will provide details on the program and entrance requirements. If you enjoy the outdoors and want to get credits for going on amazing trips as well as learning great skills from skilled outdoor guides, come to this meeting.

The Outdoor Education program is an opportunity for students to explore the outdoors, experience new adventures, learn new skills, and discover their individual strengths. For Semester 1, students will take an Outdoor Education course during the regular timetable. In addition, students will receive credit for the Fitness and Conditioning: Outdoor Education PE course for their time spent outdoors throughout the school year. Activities may include hiking, canoeing, sea-kayaking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, paddle boarding, rock climbing and more! Students will generally participate in five multi-day trips ranging from 3-5 days, as well as numerous single-day outings.

Students need to be strong independent learners, well organized, and self-motivated to handle the formal component of the course, and keen outdoor enthusiasts and problem solvers who enjoy the various outdoor adventures. No outdoor experience is necessary. Along with multiple student-led fundraisers to offset costs, there is a course fee required which pays for professional instructors, camping fees, equipment repair, certification costs gear maintenance and specialty gear rental. 

For more information please contact [email protected].

HSS Outdoor Education Fundraisers

Nesters Gift Card FUNdraiser! This fundraiser is so simple!  You buy Nesters gift cards (which can also be used at Save On Foods) at face value, and Nesters will donate a portion to our program.  This doesn't cost you anything more than what you would spend on your weekly groceries!  Thank you to Nesters Squamish for supporting our program.

 

To order cards, please visit our School Cash Online website here. Once logged in (or create a new account if required and skip the "Add a student option"), click on the School District 48 tab and then on the HSS Outdoor Ed Nester Card fundraiser item (see picture below).  From there you can select the number of cards you wish to purchase and complete the transaction. Cards can also be purchased by cash or cheque at the Howe Sound Secondary office. Please email [email protected] if you prefer this option.

 

Cards will be available for pick up two at the office or can be sent home with your student. 

 

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.