Building New Skills Through Winter Trips

April 14, 2022

Academics

GNS

It was a busy winter term when it came to Outdoor Education at GNS. Students in the Middle and Senior Schools undertook a variety of adventures, which helped them gain many new skills.

“Overall, it went really well,” said Mr. Clayton Webb, Director of Outdoor Education. “We are really excited for how all the groups did out there and the number of students that took on the challenges that were optional and jumped in to be on these trips and tested themselves in a winter environment.”

The season kicked off with an avalanche skills course on Mount Washington where Senior School students became certified through instruction by Island Alpine Guides. Next up, the Grade 7s had a backcountry skills day, where they prepared for eventual overnight trips by building snow kitchens and learning how to use white gas stoves. Not to be outdone, the Grade 8s did an overnight in the Strathcona Park backcountry.

“One thing myself and the guides were talking about at the end of the season was how awesome it was to see the Grade 8s mentality going in because a lot of them haven’t had that opportunity before. With COVID-19 last year there wasn’t a Grade 7 opportunity to build some of those skills up. They dove right in and took it as how they could be successful out there,” said Mr. Webb.

Duncan Marshall ’26 was one of the students who took part in the overnight outdoor education opportunity and he liked the adventure.

“I really enjoy camping and I thought camping in the snow would be a whole new experience,” said Duncan. “I love to learn new skills and I try to take advantage of all of the GNS excursions and co-curriculars, and I thought this was a really interesting one. If it comes up again in Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12, I want to sign up again.”

The Grade 10 trip was for two nights, and the students constructed a base camp and hiked on a long day trip. Grade 9s also had an overnight, and while the first one was postponed due to a snowstorm, their second attempt was successful.

Alex Plommer ’24 was one of the students to go on the Grade 10 Winter Camping Expedition.

“I loved it,” she said. “It was really amazing and very snowy. We built snow kitchens out of the snow, which was super fun. We set up our camp and made pathways.”

Alex, who also took part in the fall Grade 10 Outdoor Education trip, said she likes spending time outside.

“I like being outdoors in general,” she said. “It’s also a great way to meet new people. There were so many people during the winter and fall trip that I hadn’t talked to, but now we are friends.”

The culmination of the Outdoor Education season occurred with a Grade 6 day trip to Mount Washington, where they participated in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

“These trips are important because it builds a ton of skills that are transferable to normal life,” said Mr. Webb. “When you are out in the winter every decision you make has a huge consequence, either good or bad. You have to become mindful of your actions, so it’s a good metaphor for life.”

Keep an eye out for more outdoor education opportunities coming up in the Spring Term!