Off the Beaten Path

The first group enjoyed an adventure on the Forbidden Plateau, exploring alpine meadows, experiencing a range of terrain types, and viewing the montane wildlife. Because of bad weather on the second weekend, plans had to change again for the next group, who ended up travelling to Saysutshun Park (Newcastle Island Marine Park) off Nanaimo for more of a cultural experience, but still focused on hiking and camping.

 

Outdoor Education Coordinator Ms. Jessica Dick led both hiking expeditions and was impressed with the students’ resilience in some challenging situations. One particularly memorable moment on the first weekend saw the students all huddled under a tarp in the middle of a cloud on the Forbidden Plateau, snacking on Mr. Noodles cups.

 

“It was cold and it was wet, but we still had this wonderful experience,” she said. “It was something the students will remember for the rest of their lives.”

 

Outdoor Education Instructor Mr. Devin Ryan guided the kayaking trips along with Mr. Gordon Brown, a past Shawnigan parent and a fixture of the Beyond the Gates program. Both groups travelled to Portland Island, where they camped and hiked, but there was more than that to their adventures.

 

Both groups paddled across the Shute Passage from the Swartz Bay area at the north end of the Saanich Peninsula – the first departing from Barnacle Bay and the second from Canoe Cove. They successfully crossed areas with high marine traffic to arrive at Portland Island. They explored the island’s extensive network of trails and learned about its history, which includes settlement by native Hawaiians. They also enjoyed fruit from the remnants of orchards planted during the colonial era.

 

The second day was a “big adventure day” in the words of Mr. Ryan. They explored the coastlines of Portland Island and had lunch on Russell Island, off the south coast of Salt Spring Island. A few students from each group tried jumping into the ocean off the cliffs of Portland Island, and Mr. Ryan and Mr. Brown tested the students on what they would do if the instructors were unable to paddle their own kayaks and couldn’t provide leadership.

 

“The students felt challenged, and they felt the power of the ocean,” Mr. Ryan commented. “A lot of them had to get out of their comfort zone, whether it was their first time camping, their first time kayaking, or their first time out on the ocean.”

 

Beyond the Gates will continue to be a focal part of the Grade 9 experience throughout the school year. The BTG leads have expanded on the Grade 9 theme of the Shawnigan Journey – “Discover” – to explain the program’s educational objectives and core competencies.

 

D – Develop Strong Teams and Kind Connections

I – Investigate with Curiosity and Care

S – Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

C – Connect to Place and People

O – Overcome Challenges with Resilience

V – View the World Through Other Eyes

E – Explore Your Passions and Purpose

R – Relate Learning to the Real World

 

“We will be using the Shawnigan Journey a lot more in the program,” Ms. Dick explained. “And the students will bring that back to the School – to their Houses, sports teams, and 360s.”