We are pleased to announce Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning has joined 1% for the Planet as an impact partner! This partnership is intended to advance our impact as well as involve more businesses in the environmental movement. 1% for the Planet is an accountability partner for businesses that are ready to reject business as usual and give back to impact partners making a difference around the globe. Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, their members have given hundreds of millions of dollars to environmental partners to date. To date, 1% for the Planet’s global network has certified over $600 million in direct giving to environmental partners. With thousands of business members operating across more than 110 countries, this community continues to drive measurable, positive environmental change on a global scale. “The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful source in solving the world’s problems,” writes Yvon Chouinard, co-founder of 1% for the Planet. We are honoured to be part of this global network. This partnership helps support our mission to connect people to nature through outdoor education, trail stewardship, and conservation right here in southwestern British Columbia. Learn more by viewing Hope Mountain Centre’s profile at https://directories.onepercentfortheplanet.org/profile/hope-mountain-centre-for-outdoor-learning

Every once in a generation, an organization is fortunate enough to be shaped—quietly, steadfastly, and profoundly—by someone whose commitment extends far beyond the boundaries of any job description. At Hope Mountain Centre, that person has long been Kelly Pearce . With full hearts, we celebrate not only Kelly’s many years of extraordinary service to Hope Mountain Centre and to the broader community, but also the meaningful and well-deserved national recognition he has recently received: the Canada Volunteer Award for “Community Leadership” for British Columbia and the Yukon . This award celebrates individuals who strengthen communities through passion, commitment, and generosity. And for anyone who has worked with Kelly, explored the outdoors with him, or simply watched him quietly uplift others, this honour feels deeply fitting. Inspiring Tens of Thousands Through Nature Kelly’s journey as a community leader began long before Hope Mountain Centre took root. Through his early years as a park interpreter and naturalist , he inspired tens of thousands of people  to discover wonder in the natural world. His programs sparked curiosity, built stewardship, and invited people to see nature not just as a place, but as a relationship. No matter the season, Kelly has always found ways to bring people together outside. And for him, sharing nature isn’t just an activity—it’s an invitation into community. The Outdoors as a Gathering Place Anyone who knows Kelly knows how much joy he finds in moving across a frozen lake with a pair of skates. Every winter, he organizes wild skating outings , guiding groups onto glass-clear ice for unforgettable days of laughter, beauty, and shared adventure. Wild skating is one of his personal passions, and he loves introducing others to the magic of it. But the gatherings don’t stop there. Kelly regularly leads group hikes , snowshoe adventures , and spontaneous outings whenever the weather, seasons, and spirits align. These moments are pure Kelly—welcoming, energizing, and deeply connective. Whether people show up as strangers or friends, they leave feeling part of something bigger. A Builder of Community Traditions Kelly’s leadership isn’t confined to trails and lakes. He has always been one of the great community-builders of Hope. Every Halloween—his favourite holiday—he transforms the season into something magical. Kelly brings the community together for a group pumpkin-carving event  that delights kids of all ages (including the grown-up ones). With laughter, creativity, and glowing jack-o’-lanterns, he creates a space where families feel welcomed and where the simple joy of making something together becomes a cherished memory. A man of varied interests, always rooted in community, place and history, he was active in the Hope Film Club , contributing his energy, enthusiasm, and love for storytelling to help bring people together through films and shared conversations. No matter the occasion, Kelly shows up with kindness, humour, and a readiness to help. If someone needs a hand—setting up, taking down, hauling gear, guiding groups, or simply offering support—Kelly is the first to pitch in. Hope Mountain Centre’s “Mother Tree” Kelly was instrumental in the dreaming and creation of Hope Mountain Centre. Over the years, he has served as an educator, Program Director , and now Trails Director , helping the organization grow, adapt, and flourish. Among staff and volunteers, he is often called our “Mother Tree” —a steady, nurturing presence whose roots run deep, offering stability, guidance, and care to all who join the organization. His mentorship, compassion, and grounded leadership have shaped the culture of Hope Mountain Centre as much as any trail, program, or event. Community Recognition of a Life of Service Kelly’s nomination for the Canada Volunteer Award was lovingly put forward by his brother Rod, and was supported by many community leaders who have seen firsthand the extraordinary reach of Kelly’s service. Their letters echoed what we at Hope Mountain Centre know so well: Kelly doesn’t seek the spotlight—he creates spaces where others can shine. Receiving the Canada Volunteer Award for Community Leadership  is a national acknowledgement of everything Kelly has poured into this region for decades. It honours his service, but also the way he has shaped hearts, landscapes, and community spirit. Thank You, Kelly On behalf of everyone at Hope Mountain Centre—past and present—thank you. Thank you for your tireless work, your limitless generosity, and your profound love for this place and the people who call it home. Thank you for the trails you’ve built and restored, the outings you’ve led, the pumpkins you’ve carved with kids on crisp October nights, the films you’ve shared, and the countless moments of joy, support, and leadership you’ve given this community. Thank you for being our colleague, mentor, educator, adventurer, trail-builder, and friend. We are grateful beyond words—and so proud to see your contributions recognized on a national stage. Congratulations, Kelly. You embody the spirit of community leadership, and we are honoured to walk this path with you.

We’re excited to share that Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning  is now registered with Return-It  — making it easier than ever to support our charity while caring for the planet! You can now donate the refund from your empty beverage containers  directly to us through the Return-It Express program. Every can and bottle helps fund our outdoor education, recreation, and conservation programs that connect people of all ages to nature. You can choose to: Donate to our general fund , allowing us to direct your gift where it’s needed most, or Specify a program  you’d like to support. And remember — we automatically issue tax receipts for donations of $25 or more. Getting started is simple: Log in to your account through the Return-It App  (available on Google Play and the iOS App Store). Don’t have an account? Sign up for free here. Donate to Hope Mountain Centre using our link: https://app.return-it.ca/hopemountaincentreforoutdoorlearning Choose between auto-donations  or a one-time donation . Return your empty beverage containers to any Return-It Express  location — every container counts! Together, we can keep bottles out of landfills and keep outdoor education thriving in our community. 🌿

March of Memories When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Time: 1pm-3:30pm Where: Our walk will begin in front of Baker’s Books Cost: FREE for seniors/elders (55 and over) $20 for all other ages (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) Sold Out For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Let’s discover her Origin Story. The first peoples of Ts’óq:ls called this place home, long before colonial explorers! Ts’óq:ls to Hope - the origin story of Hope, BC Join us for a senior/elder-focused historical walkabout! HMCOL’s Meg Turner and Kelly Pearce will talk about the people and places before Simon Fraser came down the river in 1808, and the journey to what would become Fort Hope. We will have multiple stops to discuss the town's history and rest as needed. Stops include the Fort Hope National Historical Site, the Christ Church National Historical Site, and the Fraser River. Our walk will begin at Baker’s Books storefront and continue at an easy pace around town. The length of our walk will be approximately 5 km, done at a slow pace with minimal elevation gain. Price Includes: Experienced guides certified in first aid Hot chocolate and a light snack Physical Demand: The walk will be under 5 km with minimal elevation gain, and the walk will be done at a slow pace with many stops to discuss our local history. The walk is a mix of pavement, gravel, dirt with some roots and rocks. Waterproof footwear with good grip is highly recommended. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Itinerary: Wednesday March 19, 2025 1:00 PM - Meet at the Baker’s Books storefront (800 3rd avenue, Hope, BC) for check-in and introductions. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program. 1 :15 PM - Walk begins 2:15 PM - Stop for hot chocolate & light snack. *Provided 3:30PM - Arrive back at Baker’s Books and depart Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: Participants will need the following for this outing: Water Daypack to carry items Comfortable walking shoes Warm clothes and rain gear in case of inclement weather ALSO RECOMMENDED Sunglasses, sun hat, sun block Notebook Camera Walking poles if desired Meet Your Guides Meg Turner Program Director Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Kelly Pearce is a former Program Director and a founding member of the Hope Mountain Centre. He has worked as an outdoor educator since 1993, and has a keen interest in the ecology and human history of the North Cascades. Kelly Pearce Trails Director Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

Wild About Winter: Outdoor Fun for Families Register When: Saturday, January 31, 2026 Time: 10:00am-1:45pm Where: Sunshine Valley RV Resort, Great Room Cost: $20/adults $5/child-youth (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Join Hope Mountain Centre for a fun family event where we'll learn all about how animals survive & thrive through the coldest months of the year! Winter has arrived in the Upper Skagit Watershed, transforming the landscape with snow and colder temperatures. These seasonal changes reshape habitats for all kinds of wildlife. Gather your littles and join us in Sunshine Valley for a day of winter fun and discovery! We’ll play games inside and outside, explore an interactive touch table, take a break for lunch, and then head out on a snowshoe scavenger hunt to put our knowledge to the test. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Price Includes: Snowshoes (adult and kid sizes available) Hot Apple Cider Three educational activities. Professional guides trained in Avalanche Safety and Wilderness First Aid Physical Demand: The terrain for the scavenger hunt is suitable for all levels. We will be moving at a very slow pace, and there will be opportunities to rest and enjoy the surroundings. The terrain is very gentle, with minimal elevation over the less than 3 km total distance. If we are fortunate enough to have snow, participants are welcome to bring and use their own sleds to tow children. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Transportation: Participants must arrange their own transportation. Sunshine Valley RV Resort is approximately a 15-20 minute drive (20 km) from Hope. Note: BC law requires that vehicles have winter tires at this time of year for the stretch of highway used for this program . Map Itinerary: Saturday, January 31, 2026 10:00 AM - Meet at Sunshine Valley RV Resort, in the Great Room (14850 Alpine Blvd, Hope) Check in, sign waivers, introductions 10:30 AM - Interactive game to learn about how animals survive & thrive during winter 11:00 AM - Table talk: Explore a touch table to learn about animals' winter adaptations 11:30 AM - Lunch break 12:00 PM - Prepare to head outside for our scavenger hunt. Snowshoes will be provided if needed. 1:15 PM - Arrive back in the Great Room. Warm up with Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider, and snacks. Summarize all the amazing things we learned about animals and their winter adaptations. 1:45 PM - Participants depart Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: While your guide will have a first aid kit, whenever you are hiking, it is best practice to always carry your own 10 Essentials. At minimum for this outing you will need the following items: Backpack to carry all your gear Snowshoes (feel free to bring your own but we also have them available for your use – free of charge) A bag lunch and high-energy snack food Water (at least 2 litres per person) Winter hiking boots (must be waterproof . No runners please.) LAYERS of warm and dry winter clothes , including non-cotton base layers, waterproof jacket/coat, snowpants or rainpants, gloves/mitts, toque, warm socks Meg Turner Program Director Meet Your Guides Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Coming soon... Volunteer Leader Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

Full Moon Night Hike: The Harvest Moon & Her Constellations October 06, 2025 When: Monday, October 6, 2025 Time: 6pm-9:30pm Where: Thacker Mountain Loop Trail Cost: $59/person (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Join us in Hope for an educational night hike under the full moon! While hiking the Thacker Mountain Loop trail, you will learn about the lunar cycle, lunar and solar eclipses, star navigation and constellations, as well as “low-tech astronomy.” Summer has slipped away, and the Autumn Equinox has brought balance to day and night. Join Hope Mountain Centre and cosmic enthusiast and astrophotographer, Eloi Homier AKA “The Moon Guy Next Door” to learn all about the night sky and our closest celestial neighbor: the moon. While hiking this intermediate trail, we’ll make many stops where we’ll learn about night vision, the effects of light pollution, finding and recognizing the planets, and more! Enjoy a hot apple cider treat to keep warm during our stops to chat, while you take in the beautiful views over the town of Hope with the towering mountains in the background, lit by the night sky. Educational interpretive walk Hot apple cider & snack Remote First Aid Certified Staff Price Includes: Physical Demand: A moderate level of physical fitness is required. Thacker Mountain Loop is an intermediate level trail with a distance of 4.3 KM and 197m of cumulative elevation gain. Please note that this hike will take place in the dark under headlamp, and in potentially wet and slippery conditions. As the trail includes some steep slopes mixed with undulating terrain, this trip is not recommended for beginner hikers or those not very stable on their feet. Waterproof footwear with good grip is required. Children and youth who are experienced hikers are welcome to join but must be accompanied by a guardian during the hike. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Itinerary: Monday, October 6, 2025 6:00 PM: Gather in Hope at the Hope & District Recreation Centre parking lot (1005 – 6th Avenue in Hope), check-in, sign waivers, introduction 6:30 PM: Convoy to the trailhead - Map 6:45 PM: Begin hiking the Thacker Mountain Loop Trail 9:30PM: Return to parking lot Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials At a minimum, participants will need the following for this outing: Required Gear Headlamp (with red light if possible!) A spare set of batteries or power bank and cord for your headlamp Two poles per person – optional, but greatly improves stability High-energy snack food Water (at least 1 litre per person) Waterproof footwear with good grip Warm clothes (no cotton as the first layer against your skin), including jacket, waterproof clothing, gloves/mitts, toque, warm socks Camera **If you have binoculars, please bring them** Backpack to carry all your gear Meet Your Guides Eloi Homier Guest Speaker Eloi Homier, based in Vancouver, BC, shares his love for the night sky through lunar photography, stories, and simple observing tips. Known as the "Moon Guy Next Door," he encourages everyone to slow down and marvel at the universe above. Eloi’s fascination with the cosmos began in childhood and grew into a lifelong passion for the moon, its changing beauty, and its cultural significance. Through his Moon Guy Next Door platform, he makes stargazing accessible, inspiring others to connect with the universe. Eloi’s mission is simple: help people find wonder and joy by looking up. Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Meg Turner Program Director Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.