The Kamloops-Thompson School District’s key priorities, as outlined in the District Strategic Plan, include a commitment to help prepare students to attain their career goals. To support the Career Development priority, the District's Career Development Department provides students with opportunities to explore a wide range of career pathways through hands-on learning experiences, career events, and camps.

On October 7 and 8, 2026, twenty-four Grade 10 to 12 students from schools across the District participated in the McQueen Lake Forestry and Environmental Studies Camp. Hosted at the McQueen Lake Environmental Education Centre, the two-day camp immersed students in forest and aquatic ecosystems while introducing them to a variety of careers in environmental and natural resource fields.

Throughout the camp, students learned about Indigenous land knowledge, range management, ecology, silviculture, aquatics, ducks, wildfire fighting, and tree planting. Working alongside community partners and industry experts, students gained hands-on experience while learning about the diverse educational and career opportunities connected to environmental studies.

The camp is designed to help students discover both what interests them and what may not align with their future goals. By experiencing a variety of environmental career pathways firsthand, students can develop a clearer understanding of their strengths, interests, and aspirations.

"Throughout the two days at McQueen Lake I discovered which career I would want to go in, and which ones I am not a fan of," shared Henry Buchanan, a Grade 10 student from South Kamloops Secondary School.

Grade 12 International Baccalaureate student Nadia Drozdz from NorKam Secondary noted the value of connecting with professionals in the field, sharing, “Really amazing to learn different careers. So many networking opportunities and new career options.”

For Grade 10 South Kamloops Secondary student Roen Brame, the experience was both educational and memorable. “This is one of the best things you can do. It's so fun and you learn so much.”

Story provided by Allisson Badger, District Coordinator - Graduation and Career Pathways