How do I get there every day?
We supply buses to the BCP sites from designated meeting areas, usually your local high school.

Will this program cost me anything?
The 5-month BCP semester costs $550. This amount includes: daily transportation to the site, delicious lunches, all learning materials, the 5-day wilderness adventure trip and rock-climbing-day costs (which include all trip meals, accommodation, and bus transportation). This relatively nominal fee allows us to provide you with the high quality program people have come to expect from BCP. A bursary application is available for those students in need of financial assistance.

What do we do out there?
You'll study and learn about the natural environment, yourself, and others, using a combination of academic & hands-on teaching styles. You'll learn about environmental issues, leadership theory, basic ecology, as well as drama, creative journals, nutrition, and communication skills. We work hard to develop a close-knit community and learn how to "live lightly" on the planet as we prepare to teach the Earthkeepers™ program to elementary kids.

What's this Earthkeepers all about?
You may remember Earthkeepers from your grade 5 school year. Earthkeepers is a 2-day overnight, hands-on environmental program that teaches ecological systems in a fun and exciting way. BCP leaders take on dramatic roles as they teach different activities that reveal secrets of how the planet works. Your BCP group will teach about 6 over-night Earthkeepers programs over 2 months of your semester.

Will BCP help me get into University or College?
Yes! Universities and Colleges are increasingly looking for people with practical leadership training, students who know how to learn, and who have experience working successfully in groups. We have developed a well-known reputation and are nurturing strong connections with post-secondary schools.

Will I lose touch with friends or activities at my home school?
That will depend on you. For most schools, students are back on time to take part in extra-curricular activities. Friends can be seen outside of regular school time. What you gain is a very close relationship with a small group of people sharing a common goal.

What Credits will I earn?
EPS 3O English: Presentation & Speaking Skills (Grade 11 Open, Group 1 Compulsory)
IDP4U - Interdisciplinary Studies (IDP4U Grade 12 University Prep, Elective)
PAD 4O Phys. Ed: Healthy Active Living Outdoor Activities (Grade 12 Open, Group 2 Compulsory)
CGR 4M Canada / World Studies: Environment & Resource Management (Grade 12 University / College)

Are any of these courses compulsory?
EPS 3O English, and PAD 4O Phys. Ed. are both "additional" compulsory credits. Canada/World Studies is a compulsory University/College credit. IDP4U is also a University Prep Course.

What is Trailhead?
Trailhead is a semester long program for grade 10 students focusing on adventure, exploring your community and developing leadership skills.

What credits do I earn at Trailhead?
English (ENG2D, Grade 10 Academic, Compulsory)
Career Studies (GLC20, Grade 10, Compulsory)
Civics (CHV20, Grade 10, Compulsory)
Healthy Active Living : Outdoor Education (PAD20, Grade 10 Open, Group 2 Compulsory)
Interdisciplinary Studies (IDP30, Grade 11 Open, Elective).

How do I choose BCP on my option sheet?
Submit your completed application, and choose the Bronte Creek Project code ZZZ BC4 on your option sheet. Your guidance department will schedule you into BCP in the appropriate semester based on how your other courses fit into your schedule.

What if my time-table doesn't include BCP?
That's normal! Sometimes schools schedule 8 regular courses into your time-table, and then fit you into an appropriate semester based on your successful acceptance, and the placement of other courses. Don't worry if BCP is NOT on your timetable; it will be eventually.

What if I need to work? Will this program interfere with my part-time job?
Not to a great extent. You will stay on site about 6 nights for the entire semester, but will know well enough ahead of time to schedule around your work.

Can I take a week off to go on vacation with my family?
Not a great idea. This program is experiential, group focused and packed. Much of it cannot be made up on your own. We allow 5 days of legitimate absences. But your absences, legitimate or otherwise, mean that other members of the group needs to make up for your work while you are gone. Let us know well ahead of any appointments or conflicts so we can cover your position.

What if I smoke? Is there a place for smokers on site?
No. BCP, although different, is still school, and therefore smoke-free. Because we work with kids and recognize that smoking has huge personal and environmental health effects, smoking doesn't happen here. There is no smoking at any time, including overnights, and extended trips. We are environmental role models while on site.

Do we have to bring a lunch?
No, part of your monthly fees cover delicious plant-based meals like veggie subs, sandwiches, stir-fries, soups, pasta and great desserts like cookies and delicious chocolate cake.

What if I don't have a lot of outdoor camping experience?
No problem. Part of your schooling involves teaching you all the important skills you will need to go on a 5 day winter camping or canoeing trip. We will teach you anything from knot-tying, to camp stove use, to paddling strokes, and how to walk in snowshoes. Every student is well prepared both, mentally and physically before we venture out on any of our trips.

Well BCP sounds good but also pretty different from the way that I live. What if I am not an environmentalist? I feel a little self-conscious.
The thing is, BCP is not a training center for tree-huggers (although we like tree-huggers too!). BCP is a place for people who care about the fate of the planet, who like working with kids, who are willing to take a few risks, and who are excited to learn about themselves, their group, how this planet works, and how to play in it. We welcome everybody who brings an open mind. We know that being an environmentalist isn't about fitting into a stereotype. There is a place for you here without judgment.

How do I get in touch with the staff?
If you have any further questions about what to expect in your BCP experience please email us at staff@brontecreekproject.org. We are also available by phone at 905-331-3500.