Canada’s largest
youth forum
20 12 20 13
The change I have already created and the burning passion I live
with everyday, I owe it all to Encounters with Canada. Taylor Quinn
from Vancouver, BC, an EWC alumnus (2009), a social activist and
motivational speaker who regularly volunteers in Africa to end global
poverty, one child at a time.
Message
from the
Director
General
Encounters with Canada helps young people become knowledgeable
and engaged Canadian citizens. Participants discover first-hand their
country’s political governance and cultural heritage through visits to
iconic institutions such as Parliament, national museums, historic
landmarks and taking part in a series of interactive modules, with a focus
on contemporary issues such as diversity, linguistic duality, peace and
youth engagement.
Encounters with Canada brings together students with common
interests and enthusiasm to experience unique career options.
Participating in one of our twelve weekly themes through a series of
hands-on activities, interactive presentations and unique workshops
assists young teens in gaining valuable insights into their potential future
careers.
Encounters with Canada helps youth acquire the tools
and know-how to reach their potential. Participants develop
valuable leadership and employment skills, including teamwork,
self-discipline, reliability, and a strong work ethic. This allows
participants to flourish and push their own limits.
Our masco
t Lola
2012 marks the 30th anniversary of Encounters with Canada – our country’s
largest youth forum.
There is nothing more rewarding and gratifying to an educator than to see
young students become the very best they can be. At Encounters with
Canada, we encourage teens to aim higher, to push harder and farther
than they ever thought they could - to reach their potential.
Week after week, I receive moving testimonials from both current
participants and our alumni telling me how life-changing their time at
Encounters has been. Participants make new discoveries, meet dynamic
people, exchange ideas through exclusive workshops, presentations, and
hands-on activities and have the opportunity to explore potential career
options - plus they gain a greater appreciation of their country and become
more informed and engaged citizens. Most important of all, they meet
other young Canadians from across our land, forging enduring friendships
that will last a lifetime.
For more information, visit
encounters-rencontres.ca
or
call: 1-800-361-0419
Encounters with Canada is supported in part by
To discover more about our program, please read this brochure; for a more
in-depth and personal view, check out our video in the Promo section of
our website (encounters-rencontres.ca).
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I invite students and teachers, alike,
to discover Encounters with Canada for themselves - and become part of
our next 30 years of memories. Please register today!
Linda Brunet
Director General
“It is the ri
ght amou
of it.”
ery minute
enjoyed ev
I
, PEI
n.
ss
fu
ro
C
ith
’s
ion mixed w Mikayla Petrie, Kelly
at
uc
ed
of
nt
A week of unique
experiences
— a lifetime of
memories
Encounters with Canada is a one-of-a-kind
citizenship and youth leadership experience
that is truly affordable!
Thanks to Exchanges Canada, a program of the Department of
Canadian Heritage and our major financial partner, all transportation
costs (plane, train, bus) ARE ENTIRELY FREE from anywhere in Canada!
Registration fees include lodging, all meals, most planned activities and
local transportation - for only $675 per participant! Some provincial and
territorial ministries of education also offer financial subsidies to reduce
their students’ registration fees. More information is available from your
regional coordinator or on the Encounters with Canada website.
To be eligible, the student must be:
Canada’s largest youth forum
presents a unique opportunity
for high school students from
across Canada to spend a
week in Ottawa, expanding their
knowledge of Canada’s culture
and heritage, exploring potential
career options and developing
new skills.
Every week, Encounters with Canada (EWC) hosts over 130 dynamic
young people aged 14 to 17 years, who travel to the Terry Fox Canadian
Youth Centre, forming a mini-Canada representation and taking part in
this amazing bilingual adventure.
To be eligible, the student must be:
• Between 14 and 17 years old
• Enrolled in an educational institution recognized by the Ministry of Education
• A Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
To register, contact your EWC regional coordinator or school guidance counsellor for an access code today! Visit encounters-rencontres.ca
to find out more about how you can register for this once-in-a
lifetime experience!
How affordable is EWC?
Students have a choice of one of 12 career-themed weeks, offered at
various times over a 26-week period. Some sessions focus on broadening
the knowledge and understanding of Canadian culture, heritage and
political institutions. Others delve more deeply into the weekly theme
through interactive presentations, workshops, visits and meeting
professionals and specialists, who provide a unique perspective of that
particular career. This potent combination brings Canadian history alive,
while giving teens a one-of-a-kind insight into their potential future careers.
Participants connect with each other throughout the EWC program,
strengthening friendships and creating linkages across the country.
Together they go to the theatre, visit national museums, attend
uniquely Canadian events and special ceremonies, and/or interact with
politicians, musicians, ecologists, authors, police officers, and other
Canadian leaders. As our participants get to know one another, they also
develop a strong Canadian identity and a pride in their country.
Each week concludes with a Friday-night banquet, one last opportunity
for participants to be with their newly found friends made during a
jam-packed week of activities. Participants return home with a stronger
sense of community and an increased desire to do their share.
Today there are many travel
opportunities for students; however
none match the value of Encounters
with Canada. Our dynamic team
of dedicated staff ensure that the
Encounters with Canada experience
is safe, unique and superior to any
other travel opportunity that exists.
EWC
Travel
Meals
Accommodation
Programming
Totals
$ 675 -
all inclusive
Other trips
$ 810
$ 500
$ 400
$ 900
$ 2610
Youth
leaders in action!
Our program runs from mid-September to early December and from
late January to early May. Students may choose one from among our
12 popular career-oriented themes, depending on their interests.
Throughout the week, participants enjoy a multitude of activities:
Parliament and museum visits, a guided tour of the National Capital
Region, cultural events, as well as theme-related pursuits.
Law
Participants visit the Supreme Court of Canada,
an Ottawa Jail Hostel and a police department,
among others, as well as having the opportunity
to take part in a mock trial. Lawyers come
throughout the week to help prepare and assist
the participants in their roles as lawyers, court
clerks, witnesses and the jury. The presence of
legal professionals lends an aura of authenticity
to the mock trial case, where everyone gets to
play an active role.
Eco log y &
Env iro nm en t
Sports & Fitness
The promotion of fitness as part of
a healthy lifestyle is the focus of
this week and gives participants the
opportunity to try out a number of
sports activities such as: Ultimate
Frisbee, martial arts, wall-climbing,
downhill skiing, snowboarding, swimming, dragon boating, skating,
trampoline, and a military-style boot camp, to name a few. Past speakers
have included Olympians, nutritionists, and fitness experts.
y sites are visited: the Canadian
During this jam-packed week, man
ital Commission’s Gatineau Park
Cap
Agriculture Museum, the National
tion
flora and fauna, and the conserva
with the observation of its unique
-hand
first
learn
nts
icipa
Part
st.
fore
and exploration of a 400-year-old
r scientific experts about the use
from biologists, ecologists and othe
to
they provide answers and tools
and abuse of our resources, and
take action.
Medicine & Health
Ar ts & Cu ltu re
Participants have a fantasti
c lineup of
unique workshops to
choose from,
including introduction to art
therapy, mime,
swing dancing, slam,
environmental
art, the foundation of B-B
oying, collage,
mono-printing, improvisation,
and so much
more. To kick off the week,
participants
experience the uplifting me
ssages from an
inspirational and motivation
al entertainer.
Our artistic teens also enjo
y a visit to one
of the world’s greatest coll
ections at the
National Art Gallery.
Presentations on health research, HIV-AIDS, art therapy, cancer
treatment, a medical ethics discussion and a role-play session are but
a few of the activities awaiting Canada’s future generation of health
practitioners. The week may include tours of research labs at a cancer
centre, food analysis, genetics and reproductive technologies, to name
a few. A forum with recent university graduates rounds out the week’s
activities, providing vital information about their roles, aspirations and
future plans in their respective fields.
Canada Remembers
(programmed by Veterans Affairs Canada)
Young Canadians are offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
learn about the significance of Remembrance Day. They attend the
Remembrance Day Ceremonies held at the War Memorial, and visit
the Canadian War Museum.
They hear first-hand accounts
of the crucial role that Canadian
men and women played in the
development of our country and
the preservation of our freedoms.
They also network with military
veterans and peacekeepers, who
share their personal stories of
sacrifice and putting their lives on
the line to support peace.
Science & Technology
Participants are introduced to a myriad of activities including neuroscience,
space and astronomy, DNA forensics, computer programming and
robotics. They visit the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the
Canadian Museum of Nature, tour labs and research institutes, and so
much more. Participants also have the opportunity to meet and discuss
cancer therapeutics, chemistry and other topics of interest during a Let’s
Talk Science career panel of recent university graduates.
Vimy: Canada’s Coming of Age
(programmed by the Vimy Foundation)
This theme focuses on an in-depth look at Canada’s participation in
the First World War. The victory at Vimy Ridge in France is said to be
Canada’s “coming of age” as a nation. Participants learn about the
legacy of Vimy and are challenged to take up the torch of remembrance,
so that the memory of those who served and sacrificed will never fade.
Politics in Canada
Jo urn alis m &
Com mu nic ati on s
This theme examines the essential
role media play in our democra
tic
society. Participants learn about
the process of collecting, reporting
and
analyzing news and information.
They hear from trade experts, such
as
journalists, cartoonists, poets, acto
rs and various other communicato
rs.
Eye-opening events include telev
ision and radio workshops in Mon
treal
that provide participants with a uniq
ue way to get behind the scenes and
try
their hands at many of the crafts invo
lved in producing a program
This week looks into Canada’s strong democratic traditions and how
our system of parliamentary government functions. Taking advantage
of the events happening in Ottawa at the time, participants enjoy many
privileged opportunities. These may include visiting the Supreme Court of
Canada and perhaps listening to an appeal, touring the Laurier House or
seeing Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of the Governor
General, as well as taking an extended visit of Parliament. Participants
hear diplomats speak about their roles, and they may meet ministers,
members of parliament, senators, political staffers, and/or lobbyists.
Photo credit: Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall
© 2011 Office of the Secretary to the Governor General
Reproduced with the permission of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General
RCMP (programmed by the RCMP)
International Affairs
Participants are immersed in the
international arena. Topics might
include globalization, human rights,
and diplomacy. Several international
agencies will be visited, which
support social development programs
and sustainable improvements in
the quality of life of impoverished,
marginalized countries around the world. They may also hear from
ambassadors, international dignitaries and/or senior bureaucrats.
Participants spend the week with
members of the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police. They learn about the force, its
programs and its proud Canadian history
and traditions. Participants also meet with
senior officers and have the chance to ask
them questions about their roles. A full day
is spent at RCMP headquarters, where
participants learn about fingerprinting,
forensics, the tactical troop, the RCMP
physical fitness screening test, and more.
They also visit the RCMP stables and watch
a Musical Ride rehearsal.
Modules :
Students participate in unique and interactive
modules, each linked to their chosen career theme.
Participants stay connected –
with the EWC Alumni Community!
Linguistic Duality
- programmed by Official Languages of the Department of
Canadian Heritage
Participants consider the benefits and challenges of living in a bilingual
country. This module is adapted to reflect the issues expressed by
participants in each career theme.
Multiculturalism
- programmed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
The goal is to foster increased intercultural understanding and an
integrated society with equal opportunity for all, as well as to enhance the
values and promote the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship.
Peace
- programmed by the Department of Veterans Affairs Canada
The aim is to raise student awareness of the price of peace, and to honour
and remember Canadians currently serving or who have served our
country with great dignity and sacrifice, so we may live in a free society.
Youth Engagement
Time and again, the one wish expressed by all Encounters with Canada
participants and alumni is to stay connected with friends made at the
Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre. And now this has been made easy – by
joining the EWC Alumni Community!
Everyone who has stepped through the Centre’s doors – as participants,
teacher-monitors, staff, speakers, or workshop presenters – is invited
to join.
Through our alumni community, you can reconnect with old friends,
send messages, share photos or personal news, reminisce, form and
join groups, and take part in alumni events or plan your own.
By joining the EWC Alumni Community, you become part of an elite club
– one of the more than 89,000 individuals, who have taken part in this
once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We hope you will register for the alumni community after you have
finished your week at the Centre. In the meantime, please check it out
at: encounters-rencontres.ca – Alumni.
Students meet Senior Citizenship Judge George Springate to discuss how
they can make a difference, and the important role they can play through
their involvement in their communities and in the political process.
Encounters
with
Canada
is
a
signature
program
of
The Historica-Dominion Institute, Canada’s largest independent
organization dedicated to history and citizenship.
Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater
knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada.
Through the unique youth forum Encounters with Canada, the Institute
seeks to develop a base of engaged leaders for the future. Visit
historica-dominion.ca to learn more about the other flagship programs
of the Institute.
The Terry Fox Canadian
Youth Centre
The opportunity to forge new friendships and create close bonds with
young people from across Canada in just one short week is made
possible through living in a stimulating and unique setting offered at the
Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre. This self-contained residential facility,
minutes away from downtown Ottawa, has been specifically designed
with youth in mind.
Every week during the school year, 130-plus students and six teachermonitors from Canada’s provinces and territories come together to share
both their similarities and differences. They explore our country’s political,
cultural and historical landscape and meet leading figures, experts and
distinguished guests.
The Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre also welcomes participants with
special needs. The Centre is fully accessible - van, elevator, washrooms
and showers.
For more details and photos, visit: encounters-rencontres.ca – Facilities.
YES!
I am interested in attending –
like anything
here are un
e
ad
m
ve
Mitchell,
ha
d friends I
ram.” Kiera
“The ties an ced prior to this prog
rien
I have expe
an
askatchew
S
,
en
sd
Lum
Please complete this form,
cut it out and mail it to:
Encounters with Canada
1805 Gaspé Avenue
Ottawa ON K1K 0A4
“The Sport
sa
Encounters nd Fitness theme w
eek during
visit really
my
gave me a
what I am
capable o
lot more in
f.”
si
Prince Ed
ward Islan Matthew Rice, Slem ght into
d
on Park,
1-800-361-0419, ext 9514
encounters-rencontres.ca
______________________________________________________________
Family name
_______________________________________________________________
First name
_______________________________________________________________
Address
_______________________________________________________________
City
Province/Territory
_____________________________________________________________
Postal code
tly in a
own significan
Canada has gr
of
to
t
ive
ct
go
I
pe
at
rs
th
“My pe
, so happy
ay and I am so
ver,
ou
nc
Va
r,
te
very positive w
in
W
of this.” Jasmin
experience all
a
bi
m
British Colu
ram
week of the prog
ernational Affairs
a
ng
mi
co
be
in
“I attended the Int
ul
ceptionally helpf
ex
be
to
it
nd
n,
fou
kto
and I
Sam Stoc
d global citizen.”
better Canadian an
Airdrie, Alberta
“This experience has improve
d my French, expanded my
connections throughout Canada
, expanded my views of
opportunities for careers, and
overall has been a really fun
time.” Eric Warner, North Van
couver, British Columbia
_______________________________________________________________
Email address
_______________________________________________________________
Telephone Age
Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
_______________________________________________________________
Name of school
School contact
_______________________________________________________________
School contact email
_______________________________________________________________
Signature (school authorities)
With the participation of
unreal. I didn’t think it
“My experience here in Ottawa was
history, and memores,
cultu
would be as good as this. The
Laura Daye,
ing.”
amaz
are
EWC
from
d
gaine
ries I have
dland
foun
Grand Falls-Windsor, New
“Encounters with
Canada has been
one of the most
culturally and so
cially enriching ex
periences of my
Adam Ravalier, Tw
life.”
illingate, Newfou
ndland
been learned - ones that I can
“Many valuable lessons have
my everyday life.”
in
ly
app
and
me
take home with
rio
Ericka Cnuli, Waterford, Onta
Le Canada se souvient
Le
Canada
se souvient
Canada
Remembers
Canada Remembers
Law Loi
Loi
Law
Écologie & environnement
Écologie
Ecology &
& environnement
Environment
Ecology & Environment
Politique canadienne
Politics in Canada
Politique canadienne
Politics in Canada
International Affairs
Affaires internationales
International Affairs
Journalisme & communications
Journalism & Communications
Journalisme & communications
Journalism & Communications
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Gendarmerie royale du Canada
Gendarmerie royale du Canada
Sciences & technologies
Science & &
Technology
Sciences
technologies
Science & Technology
Médecine & santé
Medicine &&Health
Médecine
santé
Medicine & Health
Vimy : Passage pour
l’autonomie du Canada
Vimy: Canada’s
Coming
of Agepour l’autonomie
Vimy
: Passage
du Canada
Vimy: Canada’s Coming of Age
Arts & culture
Arts & Culture
Arts
& culturev
Arts & Culture
Sports & bonne forme
Sports &&Fitness
Sports
bonne forme
Sports & Fitness
Affaires internationales
Session d’automne 2012 Fall Session
Session d’automne 2012 Fall Session
2012-15
2012-15
Sept.sept.
9 sept.
Sept.09
To/Au
To/Au
Sept.
15 sept.
Sept.
15 sept.
2012-16
2012-16
2012-17 2012-18
2012-18
2012-17
Sept.
16 sept.
Sept.
16 sept.
To/Au
To/Au
Sept.
sept.
Sept.
22 22
sept
Sept.23
23 sept.
Sept.
30 sept.
Sept.
Sept.
30 sept.
To/Au
To/Au
sept.To/Au
To/Au
Sept.
29 sept. Oct.Oct.
Sept.
29 sept
6 oc6 oct.
2012-19
2012-19
2012-20
2012-20
7 oct.
Oct.Oct.
7 oct.
To/Au
To/Au
13 oct.
Oct.Oct.
13 oct
Oct.
Oct.
14 14
oct.oct.
To/Au
To/Au
Oct.
Oct.
20 20
oct.oct.
2012-23
2012-23
2012-21 2012-22
2012-22
2012-21
Nov. Nov.
4 nov.4 nov.
To/AuTo/Au
10 nov.
Nov. Nov.
10 nov.
21 oct. Oct.Oct.
28 oct.
Oct.Oct.
21 oct
28 oct.
To/Au
To/Au
To/Au
To/Au
27 oct. Nov.
Nov.
3 nov.
Oct.Oct.
27 oct.
3 nov.
2012-24
2012-24
2012-25
2012-25
11 nov.
Nov.Nov.
11 nov.
To/Au
To/Au
Nov.
17 nov.
Nov.
17 nov
2012-26
2012-26
18 nov.
Nov.Nov.
18 nov.
To/Au
To/Au
24 nov.
Nov.Nov.
24 nov.
Nov.
25 nov.
Nov. 25
nov.
To/Au To/Au
Dec. 1Dec.
déc.1 déc.
Session d’hiver 2013 Winter session
2013-01
2013-01
Session d’hiver 2013 Winter session
2013-02
2013-02
Feb. 3 fév.
Jan.
Jan.27
27janv.
janv.
To/Au
To/Au
Feb.
2
fév.
Feb. 2 fév.
Feb. 3 fév.
To/Au
To/Au
Feb. 9 fév.
Feb. 9 fév.
2013-04
2013-04
2013-03
2013-03
Feb.
Feb.17
17fév.
fév.
To/Au
To/Au
Feb.
Feb.23
23fév.
fév.
Feb.
Feb.10
10fév.
fév.
To/Au
To/Au
Feb.
Feb.16
16fév.
fév.
2013-05
2013-05
Feb.
2424
fév.
Feb.
fév.
To/Au
To/Au
Mar.
22
mars
Mar.
mars
2013-07
2013-07
2013-08
2013-08
Mar.
Mar.10
10mars
mars
To/Au
To/Au
Mar.
Mar.16
16mars
mars
Mar.
Mar.1717mars
mars
To/Au
To/Au
Mar.
Mar.2323mars
mars
2013-06
2013-06
Mar.
33
mars
Mar.
mars
To/Au
To/Au
Mar.
99
mars
Mar.
mars
2013-09
2013-09
Mar.
24
Mar. 24
mars
mars
To/Au
To/Au
Mar. 30
mars
2013-10
2013-10
Mar.
Mar.31
31mars
mars
To/Au
To/Au
Apr.
Apr.6 6avr.
avr.
2013-11
2013-11
Apr.
Apr.7 7avr.
avr.
To/Au
To/Au
Apr.
Apr.13
13avr.
avr.
2013-12
2013-12
Apr.
Apr.14
14avr.
avr.
To/Au
To/Au
Apr.
Apr.20
20avr.
avr.
2013-13
2013-13 2013-14
2013-14
Apr.
21 21
avr.avr.
Apr.
To/Au
To/Au
Apr.
27 27
avr.avr.
Apr.
Apr. 28
avr.28 avr.
Apr.
To/au To/au
May 4May
mai4 mai