This page lists answers to our most frequently asked questions.
 If you still have questions, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the camp located?
The camp is located on Whiteswan Lake, about 27 km from the Whiteswan Provincial Park sign on Highway 93/95 South. It is accessible by the Whiteswan Forest Road. It is located across the Lake at about the 26 km sign, and is only accessible by motor boat or a 5 km hike from Alces Lake.
What can we do there?
Swimming is the best, the fishing is great, canoeing, hiking around the lake, nature walks, overnight solo trips, low ropes course, visiting the hot springs, possible overnight trips to Top of the World Park, and crafts are some of things you will do there. More.
 Can we learn about Ktunaxa culture there?
Yes. We have Elders who come and spend time with campers, who tell stories and legends around the circle fire, teach about plants, history and stories of days long past.
Will my child be safe there?
Yes. There usually are no more than 15 kids in any camp, and the guide to child ratio is 1 to 3. Guides are trained in first aid, canoe safety and rescue, and give lots of hugs when needed.
There is a lot of communication between guides and campers. We need to know how your child is doing everyday so that we can meet their needs. In many cases there are those who are away from home for the first time and may be homesick. We need to know how the child is doing emotionally, physically and mentally, and spiritually. The lake and camp are powerful catalysts for some children, and the feelings can be powerful as well. This is one of the purposes of our Circle fire at night—a check-in.
What if my child doesn’t know how to canoe or swim well?
All the campers are trained in Canoe Rescue and how to paddle together. It is amazing how proficient your child will become in navigating canoes and working together in a canoe.
All campers are swim tested when they arrive. If there is some doubt of their ability they are required to wear a life jacket when in the water. Everyone is required to wear lifejackets when on any water craft.
Do we take them to the camp and pick them up?
All camp trips begin with a bus ride from the Akisqnuk Band Hall in Windermere and are returned there at the end of the camp. If parents wish to take their kids to the camp or pick them up, arrangements and directions can be made as to how to get there and times.
If you live in Cranbrook transportation will be organized to pick your child up and return them.
Is there a way to contact our kids if we need to in a possible emergency?
Yes. There is a satellite phone in the camp for emergencies, and contact numbers at Akisqnuk who can pass on messages. The camp will call in daily for any messages in the morning.
If my child has any physical or emotional challenge can they still come?
The guides have had training in the care of children with behavioural challenges. We would look at each child and their needs—we are a camp that includes not excludes. If we are confident they can have fun and be safe, those kids are welcome.
Is there a cost for a child to go to camp?
Yes, however we would not turn a child away because of circumstances. The camp sponsors several children every year. This would be discussed upon the call back.
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Ages 6 to 8 for 7 days |
$200 |
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Ages 9 to 11 for 10 days |
$350 |
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Ages 12 to 16 for 11 days |
$500 |
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Limited sponsorship is available through the generous support of the Rotary Club and the Lions Club. No child will be refused due to financial difficulties.
What kind of stuff does my child need to bring?
We have a gear list of necessities. We encourage good used equipment, thrift store or garage sale equipment. A list will be sent to anyone interested in sending their child. We don’t want this to be a huge expense for parents. A good sleeping bag and sleeping pad are the most important items.
Where do we sleep?
 Everyone sleeps in teepees. Its important to have a good sleeping pad and sleeping bag. It can get cool at night as we are in the mountains.
Teddy Bears are welcome.
Speaking of bears, bears share their home with us. We respect that and try to be good guests all the time. All the guides are trained in Bear Aware and in keeping a clean camp. If a bear does come by, we would leave until he does. We are concerned for their safety as well.
Employment Opportunities?
There are employment opportunities at Akisqnuk Rediscovery. If you like working with kids, don’t use drugs or alcohol, like the outdoors, and are over 16, we welcome a resume and a letter telling us about yourself. We expect our Junior and Senior Guides to be role models at the camp and in the community where you are from. A Criminal Records Check is also required.
What is the significance of the Camp’s location?
 Whiteswan Lake, which is located within the Kootenay Ranges of the Rocky Mountains, was an important site of the Ktunaxa people. Their use of the area dates back at least 5,000 years. There are stories that young Ktunaxa men would go to Cave Creek on vision quests.
“According to elders, there is a ledge under the lake and a small cave that the young men would go to on their vision quest,” says Robert Firth, Akisqnuk Rediscovery founder. “Being at this camp, you can feel that it is a special place. You can understand whey they would come here”.
What does “Akisqnuk” mean?
Akisqnuk means “people between two lakes” (Columbia and Windermere Lakes). It is also the name of the Columbia Lake Band.
Where can I learn more about outdoor education and rediscovery camps?
Visit these links for more information:
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