Each year, a group of adventurous students sign up for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This award encourages grit, as students set goals that test their skills, push them to find adventure and work as a team. Student complete stages that increase with difficulty, moving up upon the completion of each level. At the end of the programme, students are awarded a pin and certificate to show their accomplishments.

This past weekend, students took to Algonquin Park for the first Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (D of E) trip of the school year! The students set out on a canoe trip on the chilled waters of Northern Ontario. The group was comprised of 16 students, chaperoned by Mr. Giles Campbell, Mr. Clyde Dawson, Mr. James Leslie and Mrs. Hanna Kidd.

Unphased by the cold and ferocious winds, the group kept a positive and keen attitude – a trait emphasized by D of E. The group camped on Parkside Bay before paddling over to Big Porcupine Lake for the remaining nights.

On Saturday, the day was spent paddling to Bonnechere Lake where participants enjoyed a much-deserved lunch. After filling up on a hot meal, a few very students took a dip in the lake. Needless to say, the swim was a refreshing one!

After a weekend spent embracing Mother Nature, this group of adventurers proved their strength, endurance, teamwork and positivity.