Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
Oki!
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Sat Sri Akaal!
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Kamusta!
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Nǐ Hǎo
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Néih hóu!
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Hola!
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Oki! - Sat Sri Akaal! - Kamusta! - Nǐ Hǎo - Néih hóu! - Hola! -
Marḥabān!
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Assalamu Alaikum!
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Xin chào!
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Annyeonghaseyo!
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Zdravstvuyte!
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Bonjour!
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Marḥabān! - Assalamu Alaikum! - Xin chào! - Annyeonghaseyo! - Zdravstvuyte! - Bonjour! -
Are you looking for ways for your 14-24 year old children to:
Spend more time in nature
Stay active and healthy
Explore Alberta’s mountains, rivers, and valleys
Make new friends
Unplug from their screens
We are the Multicultural Trail Network. We help BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), newcomer, and refugee youth get outside and connect with the beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes, and valleys here in Alberta!
Our programs offer:
A safe and welcoming environment where your family’s cultures, traditions, and values are celebrated
Transportation provided or transit-friendly locations
Budget-friendly or subsidized program fees
The opportunity for your children to connect with other BIPOC, newcomer, and refugee youth
Free rentals for all the equipment and gear needed for outdoor adventures (including winter jackets, rain jackets, and boots if needed!)
As a parent, we understand you may have a few questions around program information, safety and wellness, and other concerns before registering your child for one of our programs. Read through our Frequently Asked Questions below. Still have questions after reading the below? Email us at info@mtnetwork.ca with your questions.
Program Information
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Beginners are absolutely welcome! Our programs are normally made to introduce youth to an activity for the first time, so they don't need to worry about not knowing how to do something. Most of the other youth will also be new to the activity and for some it will be their first time visiting Alberta's natural parks.
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Our program fees vary depending on the type of program, however they have normally ranged between $5-40. If you are unable to afford the program fees, please reach out to us at info@mtnetwork.ca to discuss options as we want to ensure your child is still able to participate!
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Any special equipment is included in the price and will be given to your child. If your child needs extra clothing, like winter jackets, rain jackets, winter boots or shoes for the program, please tell us their size and they can borrow them from our gear library for free.
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We offer half day programs in Calgary, full day programs outside of Calgary, as well as overnight camping trips! The schedule will depend on the program and will be shared as part of the program details.
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For programs outside of Calgary, transportation to and from the program will be provided. We ask participants to meet us at a meeting point, which is usually a train station or in downtown Calgary at an easily accessible location. For programs happening inside of Calgary, we will meet somewhere easy to get to by train or bus.
Safety and Wellness
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Safety is a top priority at MTN. All outdoor activities are led by highly trained guides, certified in first aid, and experienced in leading diverse groups of youth. We take precautions to ensure safety, including detailed planning, proper equipment use, and safety briefings before each activity. We maintain a low staff-to-participant ratio to ensure that every participant receives personalized attention and support. Youth are never left unsupervised during activities.
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MTN is led by a dedicated team of BIPOC adults who understand the unique challenges faced by newcomer, refugee, and diverse youth. We aim to have staff who reflect the cultural backgrounds of participants. Our goal is to make all youth feel welcomed, regardless of their cultural background.
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Unfortunately, we do not have interpreters or translators available during our program. If your child is still learning English, please let us know upon registration so that we can aim to provide extra time to support your child during the safety briefing, equipment handling, and throughout the program.
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Bears can be found in provincial parks and protected areas throughout the province, including in the mountains, foothills, and even some urban areas. We share our natural spaces with bears, deer, moose, and other animals. All our guides are trained in bear safety and will carry bear spray during programs. Bear and wildlife safety will also be covered during the program before we start.
Other Concerns and Questions
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Cellular service cannot be guaranteed at most locations outside of Calgary. We stick to our schedule to ensure your child will meet you back at the meeting point at our scheduled time.
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Our programs are limited to youth between the ages of 14-24. For the safety and comfort of all participants, we are not able to accommodate any parental supervision during our programs.
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Our programs will benefit youth in multiple ways! Physically, regular time outdoors promotes better fitness, which can improve strength, energy levels, and overall health. Beyond the physical benefits, outdoor activities have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, helping youth manage stress, build resilience, and support mental well-being. This allows youth to perform better in activities at school and work. Being part of our programs also means connecting with other youth and mentors who share similar interests and experiences. This sense of community offers a safe space for making new friends, gaining confidence, and developing strong social skills, all while exploring the beautiful landscapes Alberta has to offer.
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Our programs aim to empower youth by building their confidence, leadership skills, and teamwork abilities through outdoor adventures. Participants learn to overcome challenges, connect with nature, and develop a sense of responsibility. These experiences can help youth grow personally, socially, and academically, preparing them for future opportunities and career paths.