Learn more about the Wilderness Youth Challenge Program (WYCP).

History of WYCP

The Wilderness Youth Challenge Program (WYCP) was established in 2006 by three former Youth Street Workers employed through Hope Mission in Edmonton, Alberta. With over 20 years of combined experience working with high-risk youth, the founders saw a critical need for a program specifically designed to prevent relapse into high-risk behaviors. They created WYCP to provide a structured, supportive wilderness experience aimed at enhancing self-esteem and positive decision-making skills.

  • Leon (Lee) Eskdale

    Founding Director

    The program was founded by Lee, a dedicated individual with extensive experience in youth street work and wilderness risk management.

    Lee has 15 years of Search and Rescue administrator, bringing valuable expertise to the program.

Program Objectives

  • Primary Objective:

    Relapse Prevention

    Helping at-risk youth avoid returning to high-risk behaviors by developing better decision-making skills and self-esteem through challenging wilderness experiences.

  • Secondary Objectives:

    Environmental Responsibility:

    Teaching and practicing Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to foster a deep respect for nature.

    Personal Growth:

    Encouraging independence and self-reliance through structured solo camping experiences.

    Community Engagement:

    Building positive connections between youth and their communities through sponsor appreciation letters and community service projects.

Partnerships and Sponsors

WYCP relies on a network of partnerships and sponsors to deliver its programs:

Referral Partnerships:

  • Youth are referred to WYCP by professional support agencies such as Youth Justice Services, Hope Mission, and Alberta Youth Probation Services.

  • These partnerships ensure that referred youth are well-supported and that accurate information is provided for risk management.

Sponsor Partnerships:

  • Each youth is matched to a donor partner who covers the direct program costs.

  • Sponsors include community corporations such as TELUS Corporation, St. Albert Breakfast Lions Club, Oilers Foundation, TD Canada Trust, and many more.

  • The "Alberta’s Promise for Children" program has been a significant partner since 2006, providing essential support and visibility.

WYCP is a 100% volunteer-driven organization with no fixed payroll costs. Volunteers are essential to the success of our programs, and we require 12 to 16 individuals for each ten-day challenge.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Wilderness First Aid certification

  • Criminal Record Check

  • Backcountry experience

Volunteer Roles:

  • Facilitate educational sessions on LNT principles, Wilderness First Aid, Predator Awareness, and other key topics.

  • Assist with setting up and maintaining the base camp, including tent setup, meal preparation, and logistics.

  • Provide guidance and support to youth participants during their ten-day wilderness challenge.

  • Help organize and manage our annual fundraising event, "The Call of The Wild," and other community outreach activities.

Community Impact

    • By preventing relapse, WYCP helps reduce the incidence of petty crime and other negative behaviors associated with high-risk youth.

    • Our structured wilderness programs help youth develop better decision-making skills and self-esteem, leading to long-term positive changes in their lives.

    • Our focus on Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and environmental education fosters a generation of young people who respect and care for the natural world.

    • WYCP’s commitment to environmentally responsible behavior ensures that our activities have a minimal impact on the wilderness areas we use.

    • WYCP builds strong connections between youth and their communities through sponsor appreciation letters and community service projects.

    • These positive interactions can lead to ongoing support and opportunities for the youth, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Awards and Recognition

  • Accepted as an agency partner in October 2006, providing significant support and visibility.

  • Recognized and supported by several community corporations, including TELUS Corporation, St. Albert Breakfast Lions Club, Oilers Foundation, TD Canada Trust, and many more.

  • Praised by Environment Officers for exemplary Leave No Trace practices, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship.