TIMMINS, ON: Northern College had the opportunity to host the Outland Youth Employment Group at our Timmins, Kirkland Lake and Haileybury campuses on July 30th till August 3rd. The week provided an opportunity for the youth to spend time discovering Northern’s campuses, while learning about post-secondary and training programs available to them after high school. Students also had the opportunity to experience college student life by staying at the Timmins campus Student Residence.

Activities that took place over the week across our Northern campuses included; hands-on activities in Residential Wiring, OPP Forensics & Virtual Reality, firefighter demonstrations, and Cultural Teachings with our Campus Elder at the Timmins Campus. While in Timmins, students also spent time visiting Science Timmins and participated in a community project clearing brush with Mattagami Conservation Authority. At the Northern College Haileybury campus, students participated in an activity associated with the Wildlife Rehabilitation program and learned about the Vet Sciences programs. Lastly, at the Kirkland Lake Campus, youth participated in activities with our Water Treatment Plant as part of the Environmental Water & Waste Water Program and got to experience hands-on welding in support of Northern’s suite of Welding Programs. Campus tours highlighted the close sense of cultural inclusiveness, family and team embraced at Northern College.

Vice-President, Dr. Audrey Penner remarked “It was an absolute pleasure hosting this wonderful group of young students. We wish they could have stayed with us longer. It’s clear to see that they all have a bright future ahead of them!”

“The Outland staff are incredible, bringing a real sense of compassion and respect between staff and student. Northern College provided the group with the “real northern experience” and I hope to see some of these brilliant minds return to the college to continue their studies. Northern College was honored to have been given the opportunity to host the group for their Science Week.” added Amy Danchuk, Indigenous Liaison Officer for Northern College who coordinated the week with Outland Camps.

This is the first time the camp has come to Northeastern Ontario, thanks to Outland Camp partnering with Temagami First Nation. The camp is being held at Esker Lake Park Campground, 30mins from Kirkland Lake, with their closing ceremony to take place on August 21st at Northern College’s Kirkland Lake Campus.

Background on Outland Youth Employment Group:
The Outland Youth Employment Program has been successfully operating in Ontario since 2000 employing over 430 Indigenous Youth. This multi-year program offers a variety of natural resources based field work opportunities and hands-on learning experiences. Youth spend six weeks living in a remote camp setting in Northern Ontario alongside the full camp management team, trainers and on-site teacher. During the program the youth have the opportunity to gain two senior level high school coop credits and spend a week participating in Science Week at a local College or University.

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Kyle Gennings
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