Arx and Sparx
Arx and Sparx Camps were co-developed in partnership with LNG Canada in 2018 and are facilitated by the CWB Welding Foundation. Building from Mind Over Metal camps introduced in 2014, Arx and Sparx was designed to be inclusive of Indigenous youth and to make the experience contextually meaningful by including cultural considerations in curriculum development specific to the norms and traditions of local communities.
This five-day camp experience is a hands-on program for youth ages 12 – 17, introducing them to the skilled trades through welding, with project-based learning in a fun, safe environment. Students build confidence and have fun while supervised by professionals in a safe environment.
Experiential learning opportunities presented by professional welding educators supported by the community and CWB Welding Foundation volunteers will promote and spark interest allowing personalized exploration of welding skills, which may lead to further specialized education and employment.
During this camp, participants will learn welding safety, an introduction to weld symbols, and hands-on welding skills through a variety of projects. They will also learn about career opportunities in both traditional and new industries and applications and have a brief overview of the impact welding has on their daily lives.
Cultural awareness is an essential aspect of the Arx and Sparx camp, and daily activities incorporate cultural teachings and support. Elders from the local First Nations community will be present throughout the program to provide traditional learning and cultural context.
Projects focus on cultural symbols and drawings based on local Indigenous traditions and teachings. Connecting the projects that the students work on to the local culture and, for some, their identity is a key priority of the camp.
Each student receives a certificate of completion at the close of the program.
The final day of the program includes a celebration with project showcases, presentations, and lunch for the participants and their guests to celebrate their successes. Each participant will receive a certificate of completion to take home along with their projects.
Diversity and inclusion are important parts of our camps, and we welcome participants who identify as Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
Currently, this program is only offered in designated locations.