Kicking off the School Year at Camp
St. Michael’s College School’s (SMCS) Outdoor and Experiential Education Camps are a big part of the inquiry-based learning programme. They take students out of the classroom, help them build relationships, experience new activities, and make memories that last a lifetime. Our Grades 7 and 9 students, along with student camp leaders, spend the first four days of school at Camp Wanakita in Haliburton with ALIVE Outdoors. While Grade 8 students attend their outdoor education experience the first week after Christmas Break, they also visit Fr. Henry Carr Farm, CSB, for a full-day orientation to kick off the school year. Our Grade 10 students also step out of the classroom during the second week of classes to participate in an outdoor education activity day, with a variety of activities to choose from. Read more about each experience, check out the photo galleries, and see how they impact our students. Grade 7 Camp Wanakita Grade 7 students kicked off their SMCS experience spending four days and three nights together before they even stepped into an SMCS classroom. Throughout the week, students stayed active, were challenged, and had opportunities to get to know one another. They participated in canoeing, hiking, archery, fire building, team-building activities, large-group games, swimming, beach parties, and, for those brave enough to take the plunge, the early-morning Polar Bear Dip! They arrived as a large group of students at the beginning of a brand-new chapter, and over four days, friendships formed, confidence grew, and the group began to develop its own sense of community. While this year’s group was larger than previous years, students were enthusiastic and genuinely supportive of one another. “For me, the real theme of the four days was connection and community,” says Ed Mourra, teacher. “Camp gave our students the chance to take some risks, try new things, work together, and,
