Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Fall OE 2019

Waking up to majestic fog floating over the lake and falling asleep to the sound of loons was a perfect way for our students to start their first week of school. Spending time in the outdoors is certainly gratifying, but it also encourages students to step out of their comfort zone.

Cold mornings, long paddles and rain did not stop Greenwood students and staff from embarking on days full of adventure. 

Our Grade 7s spent the week at Kilcoo Camp and our Grade 8s were at Camp Tamakwa, located in northern Algonquin Park. Both grades were also accompanied by a group of Grade 12 student leaders. The younger students formed and strengthened great connections not only with their classmates, but with our senior students. Everyone participated in a variety of outdoor activities, enhanced their outdoors skills and ended each day with a campfire.

As students progress through school, Outdoor Education experiences become more challenging. Our Grade 9 students spent the first half of their trip paddling through Algonquin Park, portaging canoes and sleeping in tents; then they ended their trip at Kilcoo with the Grade 7s and Grade 12s.

Our Grade 10 group really got a taste of the outdoors with their week-long journey sleeping under the stars in beautiful Temagami. They cooked all of their meals over a fire, spent their days on the lake and even portaged through some rugged trails.

The Grade 11 year is unique because our students have the opportunity to experience the outdoors in British Columbia. Some of our Grade 11s went sea kayaking through Tofino, where they saw incredible wildlife including humpback whales. Another group spent their week hiking through the mountains and made their way up to the summit of Mt. Albert Edward on Vancouver Island. Meanwhile, our Grade 11 Regional Geography group kayaked through Kyuquot and learned about the physical, cultural and economic geographies of the land.

While most of our Grade 12 students were at Kilcoo or Tamakwa, we had a group of Grade 12s honing their paddling skills at the Madawaska Kanu Centre. They learned how to embrace the rushing white water of the Madawaska River, and by the end of their trip they all received their Paddle Canada Tandem Skills and Paddle Canada Tandem Tripping certificates.

Although it may have felt more like fall than it did summer, it was a great week for all of our students. They spent their days making unforgettable bonds with friends, learning new skills and embracing the great outdoors.

Check out our Instagram feed for more photos.