BEAR RIVER, NS
Christopher Canadien says he'll never forget the first time he saw a firefly.

Christopher Canadien is living in Bear River, N.S. this summer as part of Northern Youth Abroad. The 16-year-old from Fort Providence is doing a work placement at the Fundy YMCA. - photo courtesy of Northern Youth Abroad

The 16-year-old from Fort Providence said he knew the bugs existed but he had never seen one with his own eyes until he arrived in Bear River, N.S. in June.

"I didn't notice until it was nighttime and I saw some little green things in the forest," he said.

Seeing fireflies is just one of the firsts Canadien is experiencing as a participant with Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) this summer.

NYA is a non-profit organization that places Northern students with families in southern Canada and around the world. Canadien is taking part in the Canadian phase of the program.

Since his arrival, the student says he has visited Upper Clements Theme Park where he went on his first go-kart ride and he's tried a variety of new seafoods including clams, scallops and haddock.

In addition to experiencing life in Nova Scotia, Canadien is also performing a work placement at the Fundy YMCA.

"I work at the day camps," he said. "We go to the park, we got to the beach, we go for walks, we have water balloon fights and all sorts of fun games."

The work placement has been a highlight of his trip, Canadien said. One of the reasons he applied for NYA was to see what life would be like outside his community.

"I wanted to get the experience, to see how it would be to live away from my parents and get work experience," he said.

Completing work placements is intended to help participants build confidence and learn life skills, according to NYA's website.

Projects and assignments continue after the students return home and are put toward earning high school credits.

As a participant in the first phase of the program, Canadien will be eligible to travel to another country as part of NYA's international phase next year.

But for now, Canadien said he is enjoying his time in Nova Scotia. He said he has just one more goal before heading back to Ottawa later this month to prepare for his return trip home.

"I think me and my friend are going to go to the theme park one more time before we leave," he said.

Canadien said he would encourage other students to join the program.

"I would tell them it's an awesome experience," he said. "If you feel like travelling, you should do Northern Youth Abroad."

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