Great energy is felt, and immense fun is always had with the York School.  An incredibly dedicated York School staff team, teamed up with ALIVE instructors to create a powerful program where students worked on their confidence, independence, understanding of community and reverence for the natural world.  Keep deepening your understanding of self though play everyone, and we will look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Thank you so much to the Crestwood Preparatory College Gr.7 & Gr.9 students and faculty for an incredible program. From the moment we welcomed these students off the buses, the energy and excitement was palpable. Joined by Senior School Student Leaders, these Gr.7 & 9 students stepped into the week with an open mind and great attitude. Whether it was trying new activities or meeting new people, these students took advantage of every opportunity offered. We wish you all the best throughout the rest of the school year and look forward to working with you again soon!

The students from Branksome Hall Asia impressed everyone at ALIVE.  Arriving in Algonquin Park from Korea was a huge jump in comfort zones that was embraced with joy and resiliency.  It rained, and even snowed, a lot during this program but that did not stop the women from BHA one bit.  From never canoeing to a day trip in Algonquin Park, high ropes, archery and challenging themselves to think about their personal strengths and areas of growth, that these students left the program more aware, confident versions of themselves.  We are so grateful to continue to learn and grow with this amazing group of staff and students each year.  Until next year, Keep Well The Road.

“There is more in us than we know.  If we are made to see this, then perhaps, for the rest of our lives, we will be unwilling to settle for less.”  Kurt Hahn.  BH Grade 8 and 9 students started their journey of sequential ALIVE programs with excellent weather and an excellent attitude.  Under blue skis and through play, these students strengthened their connection to the school while building confidence in their individual and unique character.

Thank you to all the Branksome Hall Gr.7 students and faculty for an amazing program. From sunny warm days to clear starry nights, these students took full advantage of their time amongst the trees. With so many new students joining Branksome Hall in Gr.7, it was our goal to strengthen relationships and build unity amongst the entire grade. Throughout the entire program the Gr.7 students kept this target goal in mind while participating in a number of new activities, sharing encouragement for their peers, laughing around the campfire and star gazing together. We wish you all the best throughout the rest of your school year and can’t wait to see you again in Gr.8!

It was an amazing Week Without Halls with the Grade 10 and 11 students. Such a beautiful way to start October, and to deepen connections for the coming year. Day trips in beautiful Algonquin Park, summer-like temperatures in the high 20s, endless sunshine, swimming, incredible dancing, air bands, laughter pouring from the cabins, singing songs under the stars, and the list goes on. Thank you to everyone involved for embracing every moment. We loved it!

The Bishop Strachan School Gr.6 students accomplished a lot this week. From stepping out of their comfort zone and trying a number of new activities to deepening their own understanding of personal leadership and what it means to communicate effectively. These students took full advantage of their time on program, focused on capturing all their learnings in a number of reflective journal sessions with an aim to bring these back to the classroom. Thank you to all the BSS Gr.6 students and faculty for an incredible program. Good luck with the rest of your school year and we look forward to working with you again soon. 

The energy of the SMLS community is always palpable.  Thank you to all the students who made this program memorable.  The synergy between grades as well as the leadership and role modeling of the grade 11 students is noteworthy.  Thank you SMLS for your continued hard work and belief in outdoor experiential education.  Keep learning through play and finding time to be outside.

Congratulations the SCS students for successfully completing their canoe trip.  Knots, cooking, paddling, portaging, and paddling techniques were some of the technical skills students of this program refined.  The backdrop of the Algonquin Park backcountry provided a powerful classroom where students began to realize the power of time away from technology and how nature can be a powerful partner in helping to clarify values and deepen our understanding of interdependence.

We must take adventures in order to know where we truly belong.  Thank you to SMLS for continuing to work hard and place immense value on canoe tripping at the school.  Carrying everything you need you need in canoes provides an incredible classroom where traditional notions of success and assumptions of self are challenged.  Through beautiful weather and calm waters, these SMLS trippers built upon their understanding of what it means to be present while deepening their connection and allegiance to the land.   

Another gorgeous week in Algonquin Park for the Grade 7 and 12 students from St. Clement’s School. It was amazing to witness the younger students bonding with the students in grade 12.  Threaded throughout all the outdoor activities were reflections about the importance of values and how to build a strong foundation in a friendship. The Grade 12 students learned about cognitive distortions and how they can bring awareness to catching their thinking traps before they lead them down an unnecessary, emotional path.  Deepening each person’s self-awareness is at the root of all ALIVE programs, with the hope that it allows young people to set a more grounded and purposeful path for themselves.  The SCS House Games, withe everyone in their house colours rounded out the program and were a huge success.  Thank you to everyone involved in a great week together.

Thank you to the Hillfield Strathallan College Grade 9 students and teachers for an amazing program. From the moment they arrived, these students took full advantage of all the program offerings, stepping out of their comfort zones and encouraging one another through every step. Outside of all the activities and large group sessions, these students deepened their understanding of personal leadership and reflected on how they can further bring their own personal strengths into their lives and community. We hope you have a wonderful school year and look forward to working with you in the future!