Backpackerz BUZZ: Issue 60

The Log Picnic Tables of HI-Athabasca Falls Hostel

This story actually begins rather selfishly because I have always wanted to learn how to build a log cabin. I got some how-to books, and as I was looking them over, I found a photo of a log picnic table, and it seemed that it would be a good place to start.

I also happen to be an outreach high-school teacher, and always seek out “hooks” to snag the attention of my students. During one of my out-loud dreaming times with a few of these students, they became immediately intrigued with the idea. It was practical, hands-on, and a great opportunity to stay off the streets for a few more hours after school.

And so the project began. A pole company donated some logs—enough for the first three tables. A wood products company followed up with the donation of more logs, and my students and I have since graduated from just picnic tables to other applications, but this story is about picnic tables and I do not want to digress.

Some colleagues of mine and I annually put together the Spring Break Cultural Camp and Retreat into the mountains for 30 students and 10 staff. This year when spring break came around, we decided to bring our students to HI-Athabasca Falls Hostel (HI-AFH). During our stay, we got into a conversation with the manager who was explaining that she was looking for some new tables for her cookhouse, and that she wanted something “rustic.” I explained what my students were doing, and she came to Edmonton to see our first table, which was still under construction at that time. She liked it, arranged for a meeting with Jack Davies of Hostelling International, and we entered into an agreement whereby my students would supply HI with a picnic table in exchange for the HI-Athabasca Falls Hostel for one week during our spring break. I don’t believe words can convey the sense of accomplishment that my students felt because their labour “pays” for the accommodation for the entire group during their trip.

And thus begins the tale. At this point I could begin to discuss how the environment of the HI-AFH mellows our students, and how the cultural, environmental, “bush” skills and first aid teachings all add to the rounding of our students. But this is not what this story is about. This story is about how the tables, the spring break trip, the teachings, the environment, the entire package are merely tools to help us to get the students “turned on” to finishing their high-school diploma.

And so, when we returned to the classroom, those who attended shared with those who did not attend what an incredible experience the Cultural Camp and Retreat had been. It is even more fascinating to watch the students dig into their studies. We believe they are trying to please us, but after chatting with a number of them during their out-loud dream conversations with me, they want to get on with their education so that in time, they will be able to afford the time and resources to continue these excursions into the wilderness!

So, on behalf of my students, my colleagues, my administration, and certainly from me, I take this opportunity to write about and to thank all concerned: Jack Davies of Hostelling International, Madeleine Marchand, manager of HI-Athabasca Falls Hostel and photographer, the donors of the logs, my colleagues, our elders and our students.
— Marcel Graves

HI-Athabasca Falls Hostel is on Highway 93, 32 km south of Jasper, located next to the powerful Athabasca Falls. This is a wilderness hostel with limited creature comforts—no running water, no showers, and no flush toilets. There is purified water for cooking, a refrigerator, stoves and solar-powered lights.

Reserve by calling 1-877-852-0781, or visit www.hihostels.ca/athabascafalls for more information.

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 13th, 2007 at 12:31 am and is filed under Hostelling International. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. Add to del.icio.us.