Who we are and why we do this

Junior Company is a place where history‑minded youth ages 12 and up can explore, learn, and belong. We help young people step into the past through hands‑on experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and connect them with a community that shares their interests.

We focus on military history, living history, and real‑world discovery. Our members learn by doing, creating, experimenting, and working with artifacts, equipment, and skills that bring history to life. Junior Company is intentionally small, community‑based, and designed to grow at a pace that keeps every experience meaningful and safe.

A look at one of our monthly meetings

Our Philosophy

Young people learn best when they can step into history, not just read about it. When teens can handle real objects, try historical skills, talk with experts, and see how people lived and worked, history becomes something they can touch and understand.

We believe that hands‑on learning builds confidence, strengthens problem‑solving skills, and helps youth discover what interests them most. Every experience is designed to be accessible, supportive, and rooted in curiosity.

Behind the scenes on the HMSC Haida

What We Do

Junior Company creates opportunities for youth to explore history through real experiences. These experiences connect members with the people, places, and skills that make history feel alive.

Our activities include:

  • Meeting reenactors, museum staff, and historians
  • Trying historical skills such as medic training, tailoring, mapping, and artifact handling
  • Visiting museums, historical sites, and reenactment events
  • Exploring equipment, uniforms, tools, and objects from different eras
  • Participating in youth‑led projects such as science experiments, displays, and research
  • Learning from experts who share their knowledge in approachable, hands‑on ways

Each experience helps young historians see that history is not distant or abstract. It is something they can explore, question, and be part of.

Canadian WWII Medic Impression

Living History in Action

Our members learn by stepping directly into historical environments. They crawl through trenches, handle medical kits, test equipment, examine artifacts, and try out the skills that soldiers, medics, engineers, and civilians used in the past.

These moments help youth understand history in a way that books alone cannot. They discover how things worked, why decisions were made, and what life felt like for people in different times. Living history encourages curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment.

Trying a historical riveting gun

Our Community

Junior Company is a welcoming space for youth who love history, science, engineering, museums, reenactment, or simply learning new things. Many members join because they have never met anyone else who shares their interests. Here, they find their people.

We value safety, kindness, accessibility, and respect. Adults and mentors support youth as they explore, ask questions, and try new skills. Families are part of the community too, and we grow through shared experiences, partnerships, and the enthusiasm of our members.

A Junior‑led display at one of our events

How We Grow

We grow slowly and intentionally. New opportunities are added as partnerships develop and as our community expands. This approach keeps our experiences high‑quality, safe, and meaningful.

Every activity is designed with care. We choose partners who share our values, and we build programs that help youth explore history in ways that feel engaging and achievable.

There is a place for every interest

How to Get Involved

Families can join our mailing list, attend upcoming events, or reach out with questions. Whether your teen is already passionate about history or just beginning to explore, Junior Company offers a place to learn, connect, and grow.