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JASPER, ALTA.
Snowboarding and swimming were two of the highlights of a trip to Jasper National Park in Alberta for six students from Wrigley.

Treven Cli-Moses, left, and Allen Moses come down a hill on snowboards at Marmot Basin during a Chief Julian Yendo School trip from Wrigley to Jasper, Alta.. - photo courtesy of Blair Sellars

After leaving their community on March 20 accompanied by their teachers Blair and Leona Sellars and their son Blake, the students spent two full days on the hills at Marmot Basin in Jasper from March 23 to 24. The Chief Julian Yendo School trip, which is in its second year, promotes healthy, active lifestyles and provides a positive social experience, said Blair.

"It was a great opportunity for the children and a big confidence builder," he said.

All of the students, except for Treven Cli-Moses who also went on last year's trip, were beginner snowboarders. The youth started on the beginner hill taking lessons from certified instructors.

By the second day they were gradually trying more difficult snowboard runs as they became more comfortable. They were proud of themselves and their accomplishments, Blair said.

Destiny Cli-Moses had never been on a snowboard before the trip.

"It's cool," she said about the sport.

Destiny said she fell down quite a bit on the first day, but could stay on her feet longer by the end. Blake gave the students additional snowboarding instruction. Going down a hill on a snowboard makes her feel free, Destiny said.

After snowboarding, swimming was the nine-year-old's second favourite part of the trip. The students swam at the hotel they stayed at in Grande Prairie on their way to and from Jasper and also at the Jasper Activity Centre.

The students were invited to a special party at the centre on March 23 to celebrate the 65th birthday of Jasper the Bear, a cartoon character who became the mascot for Jasper National Park. The party, which included popcorn, cotton candy and a dance, was "awesome," Destiny said.

The group also spent time touring Jasper and watching hockey games at the centre. Destiny said the mountains around the city are like the ones near Wrigley but bigger. Destiny already hopes to go on next year's trip so she can do more snowboarding.

The students were chosen for the trip based on attendance, attitude and behaviour. It gave them something to work towards, Blair said.

Students incredibly active

The trip was fully funded with money raised through movie nights and fun nights held at the school, the bottle depot the school's staff runs and a contribution from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA). Funding from MACA's Active After School program also allowed the school to purchase 10 snowboards that were used during the trip.

The students were incredibly active while in Jasper, Blair said. After a full day of snowboarding they would swim in the pool until it was closed for the night.

"The Wrigley kids are really enjoying the Jasper trip," he said.

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