Imagine, if you will, sitting around a campfire after a long day of hiking. You feel the glow and warmth of the fire on your hands, the coolness of the night on your back, as you listen to new friends laughing, telling stories, and reminiscing about the day. You’re tired from a day well spent and hopefully anticipating the adventures that await tomorrow. Welcome to your first Outdoor Ed trip!
Outdoor Education is a new course this year for Grade 11 and 12 students, taught by high school teachers Mr. Nathan Guthrie and Mr. Mike Nelson. At the heart of the program is a hope for students to experience the blessings spent in God’s creation and recognize the impact it can have on their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Through meaningful experiences outside the classroom, students are challenged to develop skills that are difficult to nurture in a traditional learning environment. As Mr. Guthrie explains, “These experiences create opportunities for team building and perseverance, all through unique learning experiences.”
This fall, students have already set out on some incredible adventures. Their first trip took them to Blanket Creek Provincial Park near Revelstoke, BC, for a two-night camping experience. Students spent time setting up camp, fishing, and cooking together, and hiked up to Eva Lake to take in the incredible views. Beyond developing their outdoor skills, these shared experiences of new challenges created opportunities for students to build friendships and strengthen their connections with one another, regardless of grade or previously established friendships. Tristan, a grade 11 student, said, “It feels like we’re all friends at this point, not just classmates.”
In late October, students set out on a four-day canoe trip to Clearwater Lake in Wells Grey Provincial Park. For some, this meant trying something completely new. Grade 11 student Jack shared, “We learned how to canoe. I’ve never done that before!” Learning to canoe also meant learning to communicate and work together. Tristan commented, “If you don’t communicate, you could flip, so communication is super important.” He’s been learning that communication is key in every aspect of these trips, from hiking to canoeing to setting up camp. From a two-night camping adventure to a four-day canoe trip, students have been hiking, fishing, camping, and taking in the beauty of God’s creation. Along the way, quiet devotions, reflection, and time together have encouraged students to slow down, notice the beauty around them, and consider God’s work in their lives.
More than just outdoor adventures, these experiences are an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, grow in resilience, and create lasting memories. As the course storyline Soft Hearts, Calloused Hands suggests, students are developing a deeper appreciation for God’s creation and the people around them while gaining a little more hands-on experience with every adventure. This course isn’t only fun; it encourages students to care deeply, persevere through challenges, and leave a positive impact wherever God leads.
