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An experience of environmental exploration

Student participates in Young Explorers Program
Kathleen Thompson

She has been to England, led the environmental committee in high school, is studying outdoor environmental education and geography, and is now going to Switzerland as part of the Young Explorers Program (YEP).

Alyssa Stapleton is passionate about environmentalism. The 18-year-old returned to Powell River in mid-April from New Brunswick, where she is attending Mount Allison University. On April 28, she left for Switzerland as part of YEP. “It’s environmentalism and humanitarian work. The expedition, that is for the selection camp I’m going to, is going to East Africa and they’re going to do work with water and seeing that as a valuable human commodity. They’re doing work with water filters to get clean water for people in underdeveloped areas.”

YEP was started by global explorer Mike Horn in 2008. Horn wanted to share the experience of exploration with youth after many years of trekking around the world solo. Horn identified areas of the world where he felt youth should focus to find solutions to improve life in those places.

Stapleton was one of 16 youth aged 15 to 20 chosen to attend a 10-day selection camp in Switzerland, where eight of those attending will be chosen to go to Africa. The group will spend two days exploring the Alps in Switzerland.

Stapleton said it will be a test to see who would be best qualified for the African expedition. “It brings together youth from all over the globe to these selection camps and at these selection camps they test your mental, physical and emotional abilities. The goal of it is to raise awareness about the environment and connect youth to natural spaces in hopes they will connect and learn and be passionate about doing stuff to advocate environmental sustainability.”

If Stapleton is chosen to join the African expedition, she will spend the month of July there.

Stapleton is working on a double major bachelor degree in outdoor environmental education and geography, a four-year commitment to university. She then has her sights set on a teaching degree to be an outdoor educator.