Grade 9 Students Put Outdoor Skills to the Test in Kawartha Highlands

For Lakefield College School’s Grade 9 Outdoor Education students, learning extends far beyond the classroom. This spring, two groups of students embarked on three-day camping expeditions in the Kawartha Highlands, with Group 1 travelling from April 27–29 and Group 2 from May 4–6. As the culminating experience of the Grade 9 Outdoor Education course, the trips challenged students to put a year’s worth of learning into practice while building confidence, strengthening friendships, and deepening their connection to the natural world.

The expeditions serve as the authentic final experience for the Grade 9 Outdoor Education course, bringing together the skills students have been developing throughout the year. From canoeing and portaging to fire building, shelter construction, camp stove cooking, and applying Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, students were given the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in a real-world setting while supporting one another along the way.

Throughout the journeys, students navigated waterways, established campsites, prepared meals, and managed the daily responsibilities of backcountry travel. The experience also provided valuable opportunities to strengthen friendships, build resilience, and develop a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

As part of the course requirements, students were assessed on their preparation, participation, outdoor skills, and post-trip reflections. The expeditions also support students working toward the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, with each trip qualifying as an Adventurous Journey experience. Combined with the Grade 9 spring hiking trip, students can use these experiences toward the practice and qualifying journeys required for their Bronze Award.

The goals of the trips extended beyond skill development. Students were encouraged to practice and refine the skills they had learned throughout the year, experience new places, spend meaningful time in nature, have fun with their classmates, and challenge themselves in unfamiliar situations. The expeditions also aimed to foster a sense of accomplishment and introduce students to outdoor pursuits that can become lifelong passions.

For many students, the most meaningful moments came during the quieter parts of the journey.

“The most memorable part of the trip for me was the night of the second day. Me and my group members all went up to the top of the rock cliff and had a really great time just hanging out and laughing in nature. Personally, I find spending time with people outside and making memories like this together is so rewarding. Making in-person connections is something I feel like we don't do quite as much anymore, so even just sitting in a circle on top of a rock is something that I will cherish for a really long time.”

Experiences like the Kawartha Highlands expeditions are a cornerstone of Outdoor Education at LCS, providing students with the chance to apply what they have learned, step outside their comfort zones, and discover the rewards that come from working together in the outdoors. By the end of their three days in the backcountry, students returned not only with stronger outdoor skills, but also with new memories, deeper friendships, and a greater sense of confidence in their abilities.