School programs

School programs at Rocky Mountain House present our commemorative integrity themes with direct links to the Alberta Education Social Studies Curriculum. These programs are open to home-schoolers, and are also available in French.

School program reservations

For more information and to make a booking call +1-403-845-2412 or email rockyinfo@pc.gc.ca

David Thompson Explorers Challenge

This program brings history into a present-day explorer challenge, similar to that of a survivor game. Lead by a “coach”, the students are broken into teams. Each team’s goal is to successfully complete eight training events. All events are based on challenges David Thompson himself faced 200 years ago. Cooperation, teamwork, and team spirit are essential to the successful completion of all events!
(Max 25 students per interpreter, 3 hours, Grades 7 & 8)

Rivalry

Students re-create history as members of the Hudson’s Bay Company, North West Company, or an Indigenous trading party. They explore the cultural heritage, language, and perspectives of these groups through role-play, historic objects, and archaeological sites. Interactions between groups on the trail build up the rivalry and students acquire the skills and knowledge to take ownership of the program for the final trade ceremony. Each group must decide its own course of action – To trade or not to trade?
(Max 25 students per interpreter, 2.5 hours, Grades 4 & 5)

Voices of the Fur Trade

Students explore characteristics of people and places 200 years ago at Rocky Mountain House through the voices of a Piikani community. This program offers insight on cultural diversity, human geography, and physical geography during 76 years of trade at Rocky Mountain House. The program highlights historic communication methods, with an emphasis on oral traditions, and to finish off the program, students trade for a medicine wheel bracelet beading kit.
(Max 25 students per interpreter, 2 hours, Grades 1 & 2)