Kodiaks get support on the Trail from the FWEF

The River East Kodiak Outdoor Education program hit the trails and battled the elements June 9–11, 2026, in the Whiteshell Provincial Park where preparedness and quick thinking took the lead. Twenty-one students and four teacher-supervisors set up camp at West Hawk Campground and explored the region.

Day 1 started warm with temperatures steadily increasing as the Kodiaks set up camp, packed up, and hiked the Hunt Lake Trail. After careful pre-planning at the school meetings, students packed and carried the necessary materials, including sunscreen, bug spray, water filtration systems, and snacks, for the 12.8 km in-and-out hike. While group abilities varied, the students traversed steep inclines, slippery and rocky declines, humid and muddy undergrowth, and hot Canadian shield rock faces with little to no breeze as respite. The sense of accomplishment at the end was evident on the students’ faces.

The evening brought heavy rains where many students learned the importance of appropriate tent placement and why secure guy lines work effectively. Three am cell phone blasts warning of possible tornados in the area screamed from tents, testing our emergency preparedness (students and supervisors were all fine and in no real danger, and the local emergency teams are responsive).

Day two had the Kodiaks hiking the Whiteshell River Trail and visiting the Whiteshell Fish Hatchery through a grant supplied by the Manitoba Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF). The hike was guided by Manitoba Parks interpreter Emma who did a great job teaching the students about the sustainability of the wetlands and the interconnectedness of species and environment. After students cooked their own lunches on camp cook sets, Emma led the hatchery tour and taught the Kodiaks about the role the Whiteshell Fish Hatchery plays in spawning and stocking Manitoba’s many lakes. 

Overall, the students put their camping skills and Outdoor Ed knowledge to the test while spending time in nature, and I think we all gained a little more respect for the power of nature and changing weather conditions. 

A big thanks to the FWEF for helping with supplies and educational opportunities for students of the REC Kodiak Outdoor Ed program.

Story submitted by Jay Zaroda, a co-teacher of Outdoor Ed at River East Collegiate. When not sharing the wonders of nature with students, he can be found strumming a guitar by the fire, fishing with his kids or friends from the boat or ice shack, or hiking and hiding in the woods for grouse or whitetails.