Beyond the Class
Outdoor Education
The Outdoor Education Program
Lakefield College School was founded on the premise that a student's educational experience should not only be academically fulfilling but extend far beyond the classroom. As a result, the school offers a formal outdoor education program that is considered unequaled by many.
A defining feature of the LCS experience is that outdoor education (OE) is embedded into the academic program. All Grade 9 students enjoy their geography and physical education courses integrated into a single outdoor education course. Similarly integrated, OE courses are offered in Grades 10 and 11 and nearly all students enrol.
Our natural campus setting and facilities provide an ideal environment in which OE students learn through building skills in:
- flat- and white-water canoeing
- high and low ropes training
- rock climbing
- no-trace overnight and winter camping
- orienteering
- Nordic skiing and snowshoeing
Outdoor education at LCS is based on “challenge by choice”
Students remain within their comfort zone while pushing their limits and pursuing their potential. The program is designed to:
- create an appreciation for the value of teamwork, community responsibility, self-reliance and individual leadership
- develop skills allowing comfort with, and safety in, the natural world
- encourage a passion for life-long learning and outdoor adventure
- utilize and enjoy the spectacular opportunities afforded by the campus and Kawartha Lakes area
Encouraging students to lead happy, healthy lives in nature
Studies have shown that the benefits to youth of environmental education in an outdoor setting are significant. Positive physiological, psychological and cognitive benefits have been found, including increased personal development, emotional
well-being, and better performance in reading, mathematics, language and spelling.
Designed to inspire positive values, outdoor programs at LCS promote and inspire young people as leaders of a more sustainable future. Students will be healthy, happy and active individuals, inclined to adopt a more ecologically harmonious relationship with nature.
Outdoor Adventure
LCS also offers opportunities for students to participate in outdoor adventure expeditions that take place in a variety of settings ranging from nearby rivers, lakes and woods, to Algonquin Park, and through the expedition program, to the Northwest Territories and international destinations.
The expedition program is assessed on a yearly basis by students and faculty to help maintain the high standards set by the school and to keep the program current.
Supporters of the school who believe in the school's philosophy and commitment to outdoor education and outdoor adventure opportunities sponsor some of these expeditions.
The expedition program is assessed on a yearly basis by students and faculty to help maintain the high standards set by the school and to keep the program current.
Supporters of the school who believe in the school's philosophy and commitment to outdoor education and outdoor adventure opportunities sponsor some of these expeditions.
OE eNews
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Outdoor Adventures at Camp Medeba
Ms. Connelly and Mr. Bemrose’s Grade 11 Outdoor Education class travelled to Guilford, Ontario to spend the day at Camp Medeba.Read More -
Seeds for Bees | LCS Students Aim to Preserve Biodiversity
In 2021, LCS participated in 24 Good Deeds Charity advent calendar, which features 24 projects that focus on healthcare, nutrition, the environment, education, and infrastructure.Read More -
Adrenaline Day at Camp Medeba!
Our Grade 10 and 11 Outdoor Education students recently travelled to Camp Medeba in Haliburton for our annual Adrenaline Day! While following all safety guidelines, our students were able to challenge themselves and push their limits on the 40-foot ice climbing wall, giant swing, and 700-foot zipline.Read More -
Maple Syrup Week at Lakefield College School
At The Grove, maple syrup production has long been a part of the traditions our students and staff enjoy in the Springtime. The function of maple syrup harvesting has varied over the years. Originally made to supply the Dining Hall, later used as a chore for students caught misbehaving, and now a beloved tradition, the roots of maple syrup production extend as deep as the roots of the campus maple trees themselves.Read More -
Inaugural LCS Halloween Regatta
On Wednesday, the LCS Sailing Team celebrated the season by hosting the first LCS Halloween Regatta!Read More -
Exploring High Falls
This past Sunday, eight students joined Mr. McEachern and Mr. Johnston in a beautiful fall hike into Canadian shield to High Falls, enjoying the opportunity to be active, reflect and spend time with one another.Read More -
Northcote Adventures in Outdoor Education
Last week, the Grade 10/11 Outdoor Education (OE) classes packed their gear and paddled up to our beautiful Northcote campus to spend the night. With detailed planning and several safety modifications, our students had an incredible time connecting with the land and each other.Read More -
Outdoor Learning at The Grove
We believe that getting outside and in touch with nature is an important part of a holistic educational experience. Now, more than ever, our natural surroundings are one of our greatest assets as we work to maintain a healthy community and offer students an exceptional learning environment.Read More
School Information
4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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