Revelstoke youth and pro skier Leah Evans tackle the wild

This recent summer, 15 youth from across the region tackled some of the most rugged and remote wilderness in the Kootenays.

Their mission was part of Wildsight’s six-day Go Wild Youth Leadership Adventure. Wildsight is an environmental program based in Kimberley, B.C.

Led by Revelstoke’s Patagonia ambassador and pro skier Leah Evans and Kimberley wildlife biologist and wilderness guide Dave Quinn, the team traversed both Elk Lakes and Height of the Rockies Provincial Parks.

Cranbrook’s Chloe Mayes, 16, said it was an opportunity of a lifetime.

“It allowed me to experience the power and serenity of the mountains on a whole new level, and tune into my own wild side,” she said. “I learned so much about the wilderness that is my backyard and the life that fills it, from mountain goats and porcupine to sorrel and yarrow.

“It was also an opportunity to connect with fabulous kids who share my love of all things in the mountains, forming friendships that I think will last a lifetime.”

Youth take advantage of the opportunity to explore and understand the great outdoors. Photo: contributed

The goal of the annual Go Wild program is to allow local youth a chance to connect with the wilderness that defines the Columbia Basin, and to connect with other like-minded young people from other communities.

The teens, aged 14-17, learned backcountry cooking, no-trace wilderness travel, backcountry travel, and map and compass skills to help them build their leadership capabilities.

This year participants included youth from Revelstoke, Cooper Creek, Riondel, Nelson, Cranbrook, Fairmont, Golden, Calgary and Edmonton.

Teens from 14 to 17-years-old learning a number of skills including backcountry cooking and no-trace wilderness travel. Photo: contributed

Quinn said the program helped give youth an insight into the mountains, important given the recreational and industrial development pressures of today.

“What Leah and I are really trying to do is give youth the opportunities that we had growing up to connect with the wilderness and wildlife that really make this region globally significant,” he said.

“It really is an inspiration to spend six days with youth carrying heavy packs through rugged terrain, over high mountain passes, through hot sun and even snow this year, and hear nothing but awe and laughter.”