Our Core Teachings.

Howl offers unique learning experiences designed to inspire career pathways and support youth to build confident, community-based lives. We know that today’s standard education system and post-secondary to career pathway is not designed for everyone and doesn’t always support youth to discover and hear their own voice. We aim to provide a type of learning that respects each person’s individuality, culture and the energy that they possess. In doing so, we support youth to gain applicable knowledge and skills to their everyday lives, education and career aspirations, and for their communities. To achieve this, our programming is centred on four core teachings:

  • Personal Resilience

    Through meaningful experiences, youth cultivate an awareness of their own personal journey, identify their values and strengths within a community, and reflect on their experiences to develop strategies for wellness.

  • Truth and ReconciliACTION

    Taking an approach that is rooted in relationship, authenticity and storytelling, youth develop an understanding of colonialism in Canada and actionable ways to participate in and support methods for community-based reconciliation.

  • Climate Action

    Using a two-eyed seeing approach, youth gain an understanding of climate change trends and impacts, identify climate actions they can take, and discover optimism in facing the impacts of climate change.

  • Community Building

    Through volunteerism and service learning opportunities, youth feel empowered to seek out and engage with groups and organizations that align with personal values, community needs, and intended impact; and actively foster reciprocal relationships.

Our Microcredential: Land-based Community Leadership for ReconciliAction.

Co-designed in partnership with the Resilience by Design Lab at Royal Roads University, the Land-based Community Leadership for ReconciliAction microcredential is a pathway for our youth participants to gain post-secondary recognition for the knowledge and skills they develop during a Howl program. Through the hands-on experiences alongside Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers, environmental and outdoor educators, climate scientists and activists, wellness practitioners, and local community leaders, youth grow competencies within the areas of our core teachings.

Development of these competencies is assessed by Howl staff in two ways:

  • During Howl programming: Participants will be guided through group and personal reflection activities that encourage them to explore, analyze, and discuss their experiences. In debriefing these reflections with Howl staff, we discuss lessons learned and look for an understanding of how participants can apply these learnings in their own lives and communities.

  • Capstone presentation: After completing a Howl program, participants provide evidence and a narrative of how they have achieved learning outcomes within each of the core teachings through a virtual presentation to a Howl staff member. This presentation may take the form of a video, art, song, powerpoint, interpretive dance, poem, or other medium - we encourage creativity in how youth share the story of their learning journey.

Completing the Land-based Community Leadership for ReconciliAction microcredential is optional for youth participating in Howl programs. Learn more about how you can receive the microcredential here.