Newcomers learn camping skills at Elk Island National Park through NorQuest program

A NorQuest College program is helping refugees and newcomers experience Canadian camping culture firsthand, teaching practical outdoor skills while building connections to their new home.

The initiative, now in its second year, brought students from Eritrea, Ivory Coast, and other countries to Elk Island National Park for hands-on instruction in tent setup, wildlife safety, and the Canadian tradition of s'mores.

Rahel Ftwi, a student from Eritrea, said the experience shifted her perspective. "Like in camping, we take the marshmallow; I like that. And the lake at the camping, I like it all. I didn't before. Now I will come, I will try to come. I will be with my family," she said.

Foojnja Bakary Soro, from Ivory Coast, credited the program with practical learning and cultural understanding. "I learned how to build a tent; I didn't know how to do it, but today I got new knowledge. We also learned how to visit the park because we have something we must do and something we must not do."

Program advisor Jimenez emphasized the value of bridging a gap many newcomers face. "There's always a gap when our students get to our country. You know they can learn language, but it's building that connection with our Canadian culture, Canadian residents," she said. The program also helps students practice English while learning wildlife protocols in a natural setting.