A team of travelers has been engaging in various tasks in the small town of Yukon out of their own volition. They were chosen after applying to participate in the Rugged Apprentices initiative, a program by the Yukon government that offers volunteers the opportunity to visit the area with some expenses covered in exchange for aiding in local community projects.
This year, 39 volunteers, including Kim Matters, took part in the program. Kim, a nurse from Edmonton, expressed her love for the Yukon and the satisfaction she derives from contributing to small communities. This marks Kim’s second time participating in the Rugged Apprentices program.
The current project has brought Kim and five other volunteers to Carmacks, where they are currently painting a popular walking bridge. These tasks are just a fraction of what the working tourists undertake.
Cathy Ormerod, another volunteer, shared her positive experiences in Yukon, emphasizing the beauty of the region and the warmth of its people. Most of the volunteers have traveled from Ontario, with Ormerod residing near Niagara Falls.
Amanda Zhang, a volunteer who traveled from Toronto with her boyfriend Turner, is an elementary school teacher with a passion for Indigenous studies and outdoor education. She finds the experience in a small community like Carmacks fulfilling.
Cadyn Miles, who had Yukon on his bucket list, applied to the Rugged Apprentices Program within minutes of seeing the advertisement. For Cadyn, the allure of volunteering and recognizing the community’s value was the primary motivation for his visit.
Chanel Johnnie, the recreation director for Carmacks, has been supervising the Rugged Apprentices during their stay. She expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ assistance, emphasizing the significant impact their contributions have had on the community.
The Rugged Apprentices volunteers also visited Burwash Landing, Dawson City, and Teslin as part of their program activities.
