Sub-Arctic Volunteer Adventure

  Canada

• All Other Areas in Canada: 
Churchill

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: May 15- September 15 or October 1- November 15 or January 15-March 15

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 actively seeking volunteers for 2-3 weeks(or longer) during our aurora season from as well as the dynamic summer season. We will also accept applications for Polar Bear Season. In exchange for working 36 hours 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.

Highlights: Summer
In the summer (May 15-September 15) 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 is a favourite amongst the volunteers and we are often turning people away, but we do keep a waiting list for those that are really keen! 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 go in one of the large Tundra vehicles to view the bears, but bear viewing can as easily be done from the CNSC windows. There are also opportunities for a dog sled excursions and many evening lectures, most devoted to learning about the great white bear (number of volunteers over the entire season is approximately 5-8).

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 1-3 volunteers).

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, there may be limited access to the outdoors unless you are with an armed bear guard. 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 18, 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 one time membership fee

Experience Required: no

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

Age Range: 18 - 70

This Program is open to World Wide 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

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

Year Founded: 1976