For over a decade the Grade 11 students from St. Andrew’s College McEwen Business Leadership program kick off their year with a short ALIVE program focused on building many of the important skills required in life and in business. Communication, trust, listening, persevering and working together are just a few of the skills honed through a variety of activities. The students examine their leadership style through the leadership quadrants workshop, and end their evening with a bridge building activity, followed by a chat about entrepreneurship. As always, many thanks to everyone involved for making this a fantastic program.

Camp activities mixed with curricular connection created a unique and powerful blend of programing for the HSC Grade 7 and 8 students. Thank you to the teachers who provided a critical pathway to transfer learning had during the program back to school and everyday life.  Brining this model of programming to life takes many hands.  Thank you to all the teachers and to the students who engaged with positive attitudes and a desire to bring their classroom learning to life.

What a week of weather for late September Canoe Tripping in Algonquin Provincial Park. Two incredible groups of students and faculty from HSC joined us for a memorable adventure in the beautiful Algonquin Park. After a week of canoeing, camping, and campfires, the groups departed camp with plenty of stories from the trail and new connections with their classmates.

At our final gratitude circle, with the sun and trees surrounding us, each person had a chance to express their thanks, and to share the lessons that they learned this past week. It was heartwarming to hear the students speak about the impact of their ALIVE experiences. Some of them spoke about how they now have a greater understanding of who they are, and who they want to be. Some talked about how they valued their sense of freedom, and how they want to step into their independence and personal responsibilities. Many of the group talked about their deepened connection to nature. Overall we shared another beautiful week together in Algonquin Park, and we are all richer for the experience. Thank you to everyone who brought their own “magic” to our shared time together.

ALIVE Outdoors partnered with The Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC) to deliver a river leadership skills course for Greenwood Grade 12 students.  This program gave the students opportunity to participate in a whitewater canoe and river rescue instruction as well as a two-day whitewater river canoe trip down the Lower Madawaska River.  A unique program that was designed to expose students to the training and skills required to work in the field of Outdoor Education (OE) as well as build upon skills from previous OE programs offered by the school. Thank you to MKC for being wonderful hosts.

Thank you to the Bayview Glen Gr.9 students and faculty for an incredible program. From the moment we welcomed these students and faculty off the bus the energy and excitement was palpable. Whether it was starting their day at polar bear dip, engaging in a self-reflection workshop, or trying a new activity such as high ropes, these students took advantage of every opportunity offered. Woven throughout the program was the echo of laughter, encouragement and authentic conversations as these students strengthened their relationships to both each other and the larger Bayview Glen community. We wish you all the best throughout the rest of the school and look forward to working with you in the future!

It was a pleasure to work with the students and staff from Kingsway College.  From a day trip in Algonquin Park, spoon carving, kayaking and nature art to workshops on thinking traps and personal strengths, Kingsway College showed how unique their school community really is.  It was beautiful to see the synergy between all grades, especially during a very special closing gratitude circle. A shout out to the Grade 11 students who reflected critically and thoughtfully about their legacy and role modeled enthusiasm and participation for their younger peers.

You can’t beat having your first day of school under the trees and by the water.  Thank you to the Grade 7 students who pushed their comfort zone and fully embraced learning what it means to be part of the SMCS community.  A special shout out to the student leaders who dedicated their time to being positive role models to their younger peers.  Have a great year everyone.

Thank you to the RSGC Gr.7 students, student leaders, and faculty for an incredible week amongst the trees. All of these students came to the program with an open mind, excited to try new things and deepen their connection to their new peers. Whether it was experiencing something new at camp or meeting someone new from the RSGC community, these students really went out of their way to support and encourage one another throughout the entire program. We wish you all the best throughout the rest of your school year and look forward to working with you again soon!

Through play, physical activity and facilitated reflection SMCS students explored the nature world while also building awareness of their personal strengths and values.  This program included both in camp activities as well as a canoe and hike day trip in Algonquin Park.  Sharing a meal together under the trees with student leaders provided a unique and special experience for younger students to connect to the school.  A special shout out to the student leaders who volunteered their time and energy.  You were very appreciated.

It is a long-standing tradition for Greenwood students to experience a canoe trip.  A powerful experience that helps us deepen our ability to work and travel in community, find joy away from technology and materialistic possessions, and most importantly learn from and deepen our reverence for the natural world.  A special thank you to Greenwood teachers for all their hard work leading up to these trips and for continuing to believe in the power of traveling via canoe.

There is something very special about seeing younger students and older students unite. The HTS grade 11 students did a great job of creating a supportive and caring space for their grade 5 and 7 peers.  While there were many programs going on over the week, the highlight was the HTS Games which brought together the 6 HTS House teams. They competed in various challenges over the course of the week, with great enthusiasm.  Some of the events included a canoe race, SUP race, fire building competition and archery tag. Thank you to all the HTS students and staff for a great week together.