YMCA Camps and Outdoor Education • YMCA Youth Programs
Outdoor Education happens all year round
16 February 2016 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
While some cringe at the thought of snow, ice and cold, our YMCA Outdoor Education staff could not wait for winter to arrive. Why, you may ask? Because everything is better with snow.
Last week the Grade 7’s from King Edward Public School visited YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, just 45-minutes north of Toronto, for a 3-day adventure filled outdoor education experience. On a normal school day, snow and ice might slow some students down, but in outdoor education, ooh-wee, that’s when the fun activities begin.
The outdoor maze offers an opportunity for students to develop teamwork, problem solving and decision making skills. A walk through, Sardines, and a game of Cat and Mouse kept students slipping and sliding around a seemingly endless maze, but working together in teams and squealing in excitement (as most do!) was the outcome of this popular activity.
It was hunting season as the students were divided into groups of carnivores, omnivores and herbivores along with hunters and natural disasters thrown in; challenging students to survive. Students were able to hunt alone, but quickly realized hunting in packs, applying strategy and learning to think and act like an animal were the bests tactics to adapting to wilderness life. According to one panting, wheezing and completely out of breath carnivore/student, this was “the best… game… EVER!”
The shadows and the moonlight were the only guide as students hiked through the wilderness. Students identified how they needed heightened senses to make up for loss of sight. Many participated in a courage walk of 100m through the dark wilderness completely alone, testing their night vision. Let’s just say the outcome of this adventure may have lead to many investing in flashlights as soon as they returned home.
The list of winter activities at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor centre is abundant – campfires with s’mores, tobogganing, shelter building, firebuilding, map orienteering and more. But for these grade 7 students, it was much more than that. They were able to work together and develop relationships in a setting free of screen-time distractions.
Learn more about outdoor education programs at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre.
Last week the Grade 7’s from King Edward Public School visited YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, just 45-minutes north of Toronto, for a 3-day adventure filled outdoor education experience. On a normal school day, snow and ice might slow some students down, but in outdoor education, ooh-wee, that’s when the fun activities begin.
Outdoor Maze:
Leave No Friends Behind
The outdoor maze offers an opportunity for students to develop teamwork, problem solving and decision making skills. A walk through, Sardines, and a game of Cat and Mouse kept students slipping and sliding around a seemingly endless maze, but working together in teams and squealing in excitement (as most do!) was the outcome of this popular activity.
Animal Survival:
Adapting to Survive
It was hunting season as the students were divided into groups of carnivores, omnivores and herbivores along with hunters and natural disasters thrown in; challenging students to survive. Students were able to hunt alone, but quickly realized hunting in packs, applying strategy and learning to think and act like an animal were the bests tactics to adapting to wilderness life. According to one panting, wheezing and completely out of breath carnivore/student, this was “the best… game… EVER!”
Night Hike:
Experience like no other
The shadows and the moonlight were the only guide as students hiked through the wilderness. Students identified how they needed heightened senses to make up for loss of sight. Many participated in a courage walk of 100m through the dark wilderness completely alone, testing their night vision. Let’s just say the outcome of this adventure may have lead to many investing in flashlights as soon as they returned home.
The list of winter activities at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor centre is abundant – campfires with s’mores, tobogganing, shelter building, firebuilding, map orienteering and more. But for these grade 7 students, it was much more than that. They were able to work together and develop relationships in a setting free of screen-time distractions.
These outdoor learning activities provided an opportunity to test and develop their communication, teamwork and problem solving skills in a way they never have. For teachers, they were able to spend valuable time with their students outside of the classroom forging new understanding for the world around them. And last but not least, the unforgettable memories and experiences for all involved – priceless. For King Edward Public School, winter at Cedar Glen is truly awesome.
Learn more about outdoor education programs at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre.
