Grade 10 Students Tackle Ottawa River Rapids on Unforgettable Overnight Adventure

On May 28–29, Grade 10 students at Lakefield College School traded formal dress for wetsuits as they headed to the Ottawa River for an immersive two-day whitewater rafting experience designed to build teamwork, resilience, and class unity.

Partnering with OWL Rafting, students spent the first evening settling into camp, cooking pizzas on camp stoves, and gathering around the fire before sleeping under the stars along the historic Ottawa River. The overnight experience set the tone for an early start the next morning, when the group prepared to take on some of Canada’s most iconic rapids.

Guided by OWL’s expert river instructors, students learned essential paddling techniques, river safety skills, and the importance of synchronized teamwork as they navigated challenging sections including McCoy’s and Lil Trickle. High water levels added an extra layer of intensity, but the Grade 10 cohort met every rapid with determination, energy, and growing confidence.

By the time they returned to campus on May 29, students were exhausted but noticeably more connected as a cohort. Beyond the soggy gear and adrenaline-filled moments, they brought back a shared sense of accomplishment—and lasting memories from an experience that tested both individual grit and collective strength as the school year winds down.