NASA Article: Adventures and Preparing To Be On the Land

Last summer, Northern Youth Leadership partnered with NASA’s ABoVE project, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Ecology North to host the Hidden Lake Leadership Camp—an on-the-land experience that brought youth together to build skills, learn from each other, and connect with the land. The camp began at B. Dene Adventures just outside of Dettah, NT, and continued at Hidden Lake, a remote and beautiful location just outside of Yellowknife, NT.

This unique leadership camp combined canoe training, ecology-based workshops, and immersive learning to strengthen leadership and land stewardship among youth across the Northwest Territories. From paddling and rescue drills to community-building activities and environmental monitoring, participants engaged in everything from creating Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) plans to learning about waterfowl habitats and wetland ecosystems. With support from Elders, instructors, and scientists, youth gained hands-on experience with mapping, canoe safety, and decision-making in land-use planning.

This collaborative model of land-based leadership training continues at our upcoming Protecting Our Lands camp in June 2025. Building on the foundation laid at Hidden Lake, this new camp will offer even deeper learning, including a canoe trip and advanced training in environmental stewardship, mapping, and conservation planning.

➡️ Read about the Hidden Lake experience and get a sneak peek into what’s ahead:

Adventures and Preparing To Be On the Land – Earth Observatory Blog, NASA

Stay tuned as we prepare for another unforgettable season of youth leadership on the land!