Winners of Canada's Coolest School Trip Embark on the Adventure of a Lifetime!

Quebec students explore the rich history and beautiful nature of the coast of British Columbia

VICTORIA, BC, May 30, 2014 /CNW/ - The long anticipated moment has finally arrived as an excited secondary 2 (grade 8) class from Gaspé, Quebec, readies to embark on Canada's Coolest School Trip. The winners of this national contest, École Antoine-Roy, created a beautiful and catchy music video that captured the hearts of the public and the judges alike.

The class is taking off on a four-day trip, from June 2 to 6, where they will participate in some truly Canadian experiences along the coast of British Columbia. Students will participate in whale-watching and kayaking on the emerald waters of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, live the life of a First or Second World War soldier at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, connect with the traditions of local First Nations, and tour Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site after dark to sleep under the stars in Parks Canada's new oTENTik camping experience. In other words, they are embarking on the trip of a lifetime!

The winning class was one of the many Grade 8 / secondary 2 classes across the country that created amazing videos on the importance of Parks Canada places to Canadians, focusing on its natural and historical significance. The prize includes meals, accommodations and airfare to and from Victoria on board Air Canada, a proud national supporter of the contest. This year, the contest is also supported by Church & Dwight Canada Corp., the makers of ARM & HAMMER^TM.

Quick Facts

• Canada's Coolest School Trip is a contest offered through the My Parks Pass program. My Parks Pass is a collaborative program between Parks Canada, Canadian Geographic Education, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Nature Canada and Historica Canada. The program invites youth to learn about Canada's natural and cultural heritage and experience Parks Canada places first-hand.
• Through initiatives like these, Parks Canada is supporting Canada's National Conservation Plan (NCP) by taking practical action to connect Canadians to nature. In addition, the ongoing work of Parks Canada and the My Parks Pass and Canada's Coolest School Trip programs contribute to NCP goals of encouraging on-the-ground action and partnerships that lead to tangible results.
• The contest was open to all Grade 8 and secondary 2 classes in Canada and ran from October 2013 to February 2014. There were a total of 38 videos submitted. A panel of judges selected the winning entry from the ten videos that received the most public votes online.
• For additional information and for the full contest rules and conditions, or to view the video entries, visit www.myparkspass.ca.

Quote

"I am pleased to welcome the winning class to our amazing Parks Canada places in British Columbia. Under our Government's National Conservation Plan, we are encouraging Canadians to connect with nature and this is an ideal opportunity for these students to do just that. With so much to discover, I have no doubt it will be a great trip."
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Image with caption: "The winning secondary 2 (grade 8) class from École Antoine-Roy in Gaspé, Quebec, readies to embark on Canada's Coolest School Trip. (CNW Group/Parks Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140530_C7672_PHOTO_EN_40917.jpg

SOURCE: Parks Canada

Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

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Parks Canada
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