Sub-Arctic Volunteer Adventure

  Canada

• All Other Areas in Canada: 
Churchill

Dates: Feb. 5-27, 2010 / mid-May to end of August 2010/ October & November 2010

Description: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is located at the junction of three distinct ecosystems and provides a unique insight into life in the tundra, boreal forest and marine environments. The CNSC, a charitable organization, is open year-round to provide support for ongoing research projects, as well as offering University credit courses, Elderhostel, Earthwatch and our own Learning Vacations. We are proud to present a variety of courses which are designed to capitalize on the area's many seasonal attractions.

Volunteers have always helped the CNSC to function smoothly and efficiently. The CNSC is currently actively seeking volunteers for Feb. 5- 27, 2010 during our Northern Lights and Earthwatch Programs and mid-May to the end of August 2010 for our busy summer field season. Or join us for Polar Bear Season in October and November 2010.

In exchange for working 36 hours per week (6 hours per day with one day off per week) the CNSC provides meals and accommodation. We regret that we are not able to provide re-reimbursement for travel costs. Volunteers are welcome to participate in the educational courses and social activities whenever possible.

Although Polar Bear season seems to hold much interest, we encourage volunteers to consider the summer season-there is much more to see at this time as well as many researchers and scientists on site. The migratory birds are arriving and nesting, the polar bears are coming off the ice and the beluga whales are arriving in the thousands to calve and feed in the Churchill River. The tundra comes alive with wildflowers, the young are born (arctic fox, arctic hare, caribou) and the days are long and beautiful. In addition there are many university courses as well as general education courses happening which makes our evenings full of interesting lectures and presentations.

Duties usually revolve around the kitchen, such as salad and dessert prep, baking, lots of dish washing and general cleaning. Other duties could include work in some of the following areas: office, housekeeping, or maintenance, but mostly our volunteers work in the kitchen.

We would like to be very clear that this position is not a research position, although you will have every opportunity to interact with researchers, scientists, credit and non-credit course participants and many other interesting people.

Highlights: Summer
In the summer (mid-May to the end of August) there is so much to do! There are many University credit courses here as well as researchers, so each evening there is a different lecture on the natural history of the area. Our adult learning programs highlight birding, beluga whales, wildflowers and the general sub-arctic ecology. In the summer in Churchill we have thousands of beluga whales in the area so there is no shortage of whales to view. You can see them (and hear them) from the shore! We may also see caribou, arctic hare, arctic fox, red fox, ptarmigan, lemmings, ermine and the occasional polar bear. This dynamic season has much to offer and has, so far remained an undiscovered gem (we need approximately 8-10 volunteers).

Fall
Our polar bear season (October & November) is a favourite amongst the volunteers and we are often turning people away. This season focuses on viewing the polar bears as they gather along the shore of Hudson Bay to await the ice to freeze. Volunteers will have the opportunity to view the bears while they are here. Another highlight is a visit to the dog yard to meet the dog sled teams. Most evenings there are natural history presentations devoted to learning about the great white bear (number of volunteers over the entire season is approximately 4-6).

Winter
In the winter season (Jan.- March) We spend much time learning about the night skies and the northern lights. When the northern light (aurora borealis) is visible we are usually outside with our eyes towards the skies. If it is too cold we can observe from the heated observation (traditionally we need 1-2 volunteers). We do spend some time on outdoor excursions around the Rocket Range and to the dog yard to visit the dog sled teams, so good quality winter gear is important.

Qualifications: No special skills are needed but we are looking for energetic, relatively fit, congenial people with excellent social skills. The ability to get along with others is essential as this is a remote location and we most of our time around others. If you are not comfortable in a highly social setting or sharing a dormitory room with other volunteers you may wish to reconsider this opportunity. In addition, when polar bears are around in the mid summer and fall, there may be limited access to the outdoors unless you are with an armed bear guard. That means no walking without an escort which some volunteers find restricting. The CNSC is very remote and not accessible by a bus service, so access to the town can be limited unless you catch a ride with staff or researchers that are going that way.

The minimum age is 19, although younger candidates may be considered if accompanied by an adult. Applicants must be able to read, write and speak fluent English.

Cost in US$: 12.50 CDN one time membership fee. This will enable you to receive the newsletter "The Birdfish" which will keep you up to date on the research and activities at the CNSC .

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our volunteers range from new graduates wanting a new experience, students enjoying a gap year , those enjoying a much needed career break and retirees that are looking for an adventure. Typically our volunteers are at ease in social situations, fairly fit and energetic.

Age Range: 19 - 70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Canada Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Churchill Northern Studies Centre's Mission Statement: To understand and sustain the North through Research and Education.

Year Founded: 1976