Awaken Education - SD22

This year, we learned alongside 35+ community mentors, guest speakers, and local experts, partnered with 20+ organizations and community groups, and spent countless hours learning in wetlands, grasslands, community forests, gardens, lakes, mountains, businesses, studios, libraries, radio stations, and community gathering spaces throughout the North Okanagan and beyond.

We monitored wildlife, collected ecological data, removed invasive species, restored native plants, completed BioBlitzes, sailed, backpacked, learned bushcraft skills, conducted chemistry experiments, developed literacy and numeracy through authentic projects, created art, performed in a theatre production, completed job shadows, shared stories on the radio, and pursued inquiries connected to our interests and passions.

None of this happens alone.

Our community is an extension of the classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for the people and organizations that welcomed us, mentored us, and shared their knowledge throughout the year.

A heartfelt thank you to:

🔬 Okanagan Science Centre
🎓 BCIT's Ecological Restoration Master's Program
🌾 BC Grasslands Conservation Council and Heidi Wismath
🎨 Studio sísp̓l̓k and Sienna Belanger-Lee
🖼️ Vernon Community Arts Centre
🏛️ The Caetani Centre
🌿 Applegrove Nature School
🌲 Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and Daryl Nolan
🦅 Allan Brooks Nature Centre
🌿 Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB)
🐻 Ursus Heritage Consulting and Emily Hails
🌱 North Okanagan Naturalists' Club
🌿 Invasive Species Council of BC
🐦 Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society
🌾 Armstrong Wetlands Association
🚶 Armstrong Spallumcheen Trail Society (ASTS)
🌎 City of Vernon Climate Action and Kevin McCarty
🌡️ Canadian Centre for Climate Services and Jeremy Fyke
🛰️ Planet Labs and Dr. Cassidy Rankine
👁️ Vernon Optometry -Dr. Phillip Shrimpton
🦉 Dr. Jonathan Slaght (Tigers Between Empires)
🏛️ Dr. Garry Merkel and UBCO Indigenous Studies
🎙️ 97.9 Valley FM and Ken Hardy
🏗️ NOMAS UBC Design Mentorship Program
❤️ CMHA Vernon and District
⛵ North Okanagan Sailing Association (NOSA) and Tyler
🥏 North Okanagan Disc Golf Association and Stephen
🌲 Deering Forest Management and Reece Allingham, RPF
🌲 Cherry Ridge Management Committee and community forest volunteers
🚁 Okanagan Learning Foundation
🌿 Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and Kim Fulton
📚 Vernon Public Library
💧 Greater Vernon Water and Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant
🦇 BC Bat Ambassadors
🎒 Daniela and our First Aid training partners
⛪ Trinity United Church
🏘️ Municipality of Logan Lake
🏕️ Gold Panner Campground
🌲 We Think Outside
🔥 Yarrow Fleury for sharing bushcraft skills
💪 Snap Fitness (we miss you!)

Thank you as well to our job-shadow hosts:

✈️ Okanagan Fixed Wing Ltd.
🔧 Mike V's Automotive
🚗 Carstar Kelowna
⛷️ SilverStar Mountain Resort
🎨 Tambellini Design Studio
👕 Wearabouts Clothing Co.
💐 Vernon Flower Shop
🎙️ 97.9 Valley FM
🧸 Secret Garden Daycare
♻️ Carousel Consignment
🛍️ Schubert Centre Thrift Store

And to the many organizations and places where we volunteered and gave back to our community throughout the year—thank you.

Finally, thank you to the parents, families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, scientists, recreation leaders, local businesses, and volunteers who helped make these experiences possible.

..and many others. If we missed you, please know how grateful we are for your support, generosity, and partnership.

Learning can look different.

Sometimes it looks like collecting macroinvertebrates in a wetland. Sometimes it means discussing climate science with researchers, restoring native grasslands, producing a radio story, creating art, or sitting around a campfire reflecting on the day.

The land teaches. The community teaches. Relationships matter.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year possible. We are grateful to be part of such a caring, knowledgeable, and generous community, and we look forward to continuing to learn alongside you.

Rock on,
Awaken

Our final project invited us to have fun and reflect on what truly mattered—a moment, lesson, relationship, or perspective—and express it through a creative medium.

We experienced everything from a parody (“Hero”) music video capturing some of the places we explored , to a video about friendship and questionable coffee, to a memory-filled yearbook. There was a great rap honoring the mentors who shaped the year, and a slam poem that beautifully captured our shared journey and growth.

We also celebrated the first-ever Awaken Awards, inspired by a community survey highlighting what we appreciate in one another. Two of our newest members shared reflections on their time at Awaken, while another group continued their deep dive into the mystery of the Vernon Underground Tunnels. Also, a heartfelt goodbye to Curt! ❤️

Such meaningful and memorable and fun way to close out another year at Awaken.

"Hero" Awaken style Our final project invited us to reflect on what truly mattered—a mo...

❤️

Who is this human?

That question sits at the heart of assessment at Awaken.

A glimpse through portfolios, reflections, conversations, projects, and experiences.

This year, learners, peers, and teachers came together for our biannual “Where You At?” Chats. Using evidence gathered throughout the year, learners reflected on their growth, challenges, competencies, and next steps.

We’ve put together a short article that explores the thinking behind our process and how assessment can become a tool for reflection, agency, relationships, and growth.

Learning is more than a number.

It’s a story.

The article link is below. 👇

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HwesyYQKh5HA1JjshHA5wxJSu_2DGhKm-emPw9WBCaA/mobilebasic?

Today we headed up the hill to the Allan Brooks Nature Centre to spend time with our friends from The Raptors, an organization whose mission is to educate, illuminate, and inspire people to care for birds of prey and the natural world.

We met some incredible feathered ambassadors, including an owl (Vega), a majestic Bald Eagle (Hercules), and an enormous Turkey Vulture (Judge Dread). Along the way, we learned about the remarkable adaptations that make these birds such successful hunters and scavengers, the important roles they play in healthy ecosystems, and the conservation challenges many species face.

One of the neat things about the afternoon was making connections to some of the ecosystems we have been exploring this spring. After spending so much time learning about grasslands with Heidi Whitesmith from the BC Grasslands Conservation Council, it was fascinating to see how birds of prey fit into those same landscapes. Whether soaring over bunchgrass hills, keeping prey populations in balance, or cleaning up carrion, these predators and scavengers are an important part of the story. It was another reminder that ecosystems are deeply connected and that understanding one piece helps us better appreciate the whole.

What makes The Raptors especially interesting is that their work extends far beyond educational programs. Their team provides environmentally responsible solutions to human-wildlife conflicts at airports, landfills, industrial sites, and other locations across Canada, helping keep both people and wildlife safe.

They are also actively involved in research and conservation. One of their current projects follows Turkey Vultures equipped with GPS transmitters, allowing scientists to better understand migration routes and the threats these birds face. Through collaborations with researchers and citizen scientists across North America, The Raptors have been able to recover transmitters and investigate the fate of birds whose signals suddenly stopped—work that has taken them from British Columbia all the way to Mexico.

There is something special about hearing the rush of wings overhead and watching a Bald Eagle land only a few metres away.

A huge thank you to Calista and the Allen Brooks Nature Centre for hosting us, and to the team from The Raptors for sharing their knowledge, passion, and some truly unforgettable birds.

🦉🦅 Nearly 30% of the world’s birds of prey are considered threatened, vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Thankfully, there is hope, and organizations like The Raptors are helping inspire the next generation of conservationists.

Nature has a way of capturing our attention — and today, it certainly had ours.

Day 3 — Cherryville
It dropped to about 8°C in the Monashees overnight, and after the clouds cleared, the stars put on quite a show. Hard to complain about waking up in a place like this.
On our final day, we met Reece Allingham, owner of Deering Forest Management (https://deeringforest.com) , along with Joyce Fleury, Aki Namaska, Natalie Ford, Wayne Riley, and other volunteers from the Cherry Ridge Management Committee (CRMC) at the Cherryville Emporium before heading up to Cherry Ridge to learn about the Cherryville Community Forest. ( https://www.crmc-cherryville.ca )
One of the coolest parts of the day was realizing that this visit actually began more than a year ago. During our Wildlife Studies course, Tony discovered a Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation project and reached out to Reece after reading about habitat enhancement work taking place close to his hometown. One email turned into a conversation, and eventually that conversation turned into us standing together on Cherry Ridge. Pretty neat how learning has a way of coming full circle. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QNA9fGH0gE0-jGWLmcH5dG9jG5Xxie7iP3QUTng639Y/edit?usp=drivesdk)
The Cherryville Community Forest is managed by volunteer directors, and we learned how local values and priorities help shape decisions on the land. Revenue from timber harvesting doesn’t go into shareholders’ pockets — it stays in the community. Over the years, funds have helped support the Fire Watch Society and new fire hall, wildfire training courses, a bush fire truck, medical equipment, water monitoring programs, playground equipment, canoe programs, elementary school projects, and many other local initiatives.
Reece shared some of the habitat enhancement work he has been involved with. In previously harvested areas where trees failed to establish, crews used excavators to reduce dense brush, restore old roads, improve drainage, and replant conifers. The goal is to create healthier forests and better winter habitat for mule deer. Tree cover intercepts snow, making it easier for deer to access food during deep winters, while removing old roads can reduce predator travel corridors and lessen disturbance from recreational vehicles.
We talked about forest health, the differences between mule deer and white-tailed deer, declining mule deer populations in British Columbia, mountain pine beetles, Douglas-fir beetles, salvage logging, selective harvesting, and the challenge of balancing timber values with wildlife habitat and ecosystem resilience. Reece explained that the focus has been on harvesting with the intention of improving forest health rather than simply maximizing extraction.
Along the way, we discussed other wildlife found in the area — moose, bears, cougars, wolverines, and even alligator lizards. We searched for young ponderosa pines hidden among the Douglas-firs and learned how to estimate the age of young conifers by counting their annual whorls.
Our conversations wandered in many directions. One student connected what we saw at Cherry Ridge with our visit to the Nakusp Community Forest, where different harvesting approaches are being tested and profits are also returned to the community (https://www.facebook.com/share/18uHJzvEE9/?mibextid=wwXIfr ). Another connected our Land Literacy course, and the book Braiding Sweetgrass, to an observation that yellow and purple flowers often seem to grow together. This led to a conversation about how bees see colour differently than we do and how combinations of colours and flower shapes may help pollinators find nectar more efficiently.
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments came from Wayne Riley, a longtime member of the community forest. He shared some simple wisdom: if something matters to you, don’t just sit around complaining about it. Volunteer. Get involved. Communities are built by people who are willing to step forward.
We finished our time together with a reflection circle before heading to Frank’s General Store for lunch and then beginning the journey home.
Three days.
A great bus driver (thanks Ken)
Campfires. Card games. Creek walks. First aid scenarios. Woodpeckers. Wet forests. Community forests. Conversations. New friends.

Awaken loves Cherryville.
We’ll be back.

Day 2 — Cherryville

We spent the day with two amazing people: Daniela Brehm, owner and operator of Applegrove Nature School near Fauquier, and our longtime friend Yarrow Fleury, who has been connected with Awaken for five years now.

Before diving into the day’s activities, both women shared their stories and how they found their way to this part of the world. Daniela grew up in Germany, eventually found herself in Calgary, and then made her way to a homestead near Fauquier, where she founded Applegrove Nature School (https://applegrovenatureschool.ca/welcome). Yarrow grew up in Alberta and has become something of a fixture along Highway 6 in Cherryville. We now know to honk whenever we drive by her homestead.

For the day, we divided into two groups. The Thimbleberries started with Yarrow, while the Twinflowers began with Daniela. After two-hour sessions and lunch together, the groups switched.

With Daniela, we explored the world of wilderness first aid. Through scenarios, role playing, and small group activities, we learned how to care for cuts, broken limbs, puncture wounds, and impalements. Daniela emphasized the importance of stabilizing and immobilizing injuries and showed us how ordinary items such as backpacks, clothing, sticks, and tarps can become valuable tools in an emergency.

One of the highlights was building improvised splints and stretchers and then transporting our “patients” through the woods. It was practical, memorable, and a lot of fun.

Meanwhile, with Yarrow, the focus was on slowing down and deepening our connection to place. Through a variety of activities and games, we explored how our senses help us experience the world around us. There were opportunities to listen more closely, notice more deeply, and become more aware of the sights, sounds, smells, and textures that are often missed. Yarrow’s warmth, kindness, and joyful energy have been gifts to Awaken for many years, and her ever-evolving relationship with place continues to inspire us. We loved the caterpillar walk.

Both Yarrow and Daniela are wonderful examples of people who live with intention, pursue their passions, and generously share what they know with others. We are grateful to have this shared experience with them.

After the sessions, camp life slowed down. There were card games, board games, tag games, naps, and plenty of relaxing around camp. Some headed back to Heckman Creek in the evening, wandering once again through the lush forest.

Another great day in Cherryville.

Day 1 — Cherryville
Low clouds clung to the Monashee Mountains as we set out, the promise of new discoveries hanging in the cool morning air. With backpacks packed and curiosity running high, we began our adventure. We stopped at the Shuswap river to discuss the watershed and follow the journey of water from the Monashee Mountains toward Shuswap Lake, the Thompson River, and eventually the Pacific Ocean via the Fraser River. We also compared that to the water in Okanagan Lake and how it reaches the Pacific Ocean through the Columbia River. Along the way, we talked about how Indigenous peoples have travelled and used this valley for thousands of years and about the hydroelectric project that has shaped the river since the late 1920s.
We learned when the dam was built, how it generates electricity, and wondered what the future might hold for some of these older projects as technologies and priorities change. What would dam removal mean for fish, recreation, ecosystems, and people living along the river? Interesting questions without simple answers.
The forest itself told another story. Massive old cedar stumps and fire-scarred giants reminded us that these forests have been changing for a very long time. We talked about ecological succession and noticed fungi, wetlands, woodpecker holes, and all sorts of signs of life.
And then there were the mosquitoes.
Lots of mosquitoes.
After leaving Shuswap river we arrived at Gold Panner Campground and met Ian, one of the new owners. He shared some of the big ideas and plans they have for the property and how excited they are to be here. One thing that stuck with us was — he tries to take time every day to stop and appreciate the history and beauty of the place…. We can vibe with that!!
That history includes the people who searched these creeks for gold long before campgrounds and Highway 6. We learned about the many Chinese miners who lived and worked in this region for 5 or 6 decades, they played an important role in the mining history of the Monashees, although their stories are not always widely known.
After setting up camp (and enjoying the distinct lack of mosquitoes), we headed out on the Heckman Loop and Canyon Trail.
It didn’t take long to realize we were in a completely different forest than the dry forests around Vernon. Along the trail we found salmonberry with its white flowers, princess pine, twinflower, step moss, western redcedar, western hemlock, spruce, Douglas-fir, birch, red alder, and cottonwood. We admired Tiger Lilies, crossed bridges, and enjoyed walking beside the creek, even as the rain started. It’s remarkable how different this ecosystem feels despite being so close to home.
One of the highlights of the hike was spotting a Pileated Woodpecker and then noticing the distinctive rectangular holes it had left behind in several cedar trees while searching for carpenter ants beneath the bark.
Back at camp, everyone made their own dinners, played cards and games, threw a few discs, searched for bats, enjoyed a campfire, and settled in for the evening.
A pretty great first day.