Global Connections and Wildlife Wonders at the 2023 Round Square Conference in Kenya
Written by: Mr. Rollwagen and Ms. Heeney
In October, a group of delegates from LCS attended the Round Square International Conference in Kenya. This year's event was hosted by Brookhouse School in Nairobi, Kenya. Five of our Grade 11 students—Alex ’25, Bokyung ’25, Audrey ’25, Catherine ’25, and Isaeblle ’25—had to opportunity to attend this event with Mr. Rollwagen and Ms. Heeney. They joined over 1200 delegates from 160 schools around the world to embark on a transformative experience.
Here are some standout highlights from their unforgettable trip:
Pre-Conference Exploration
- Exploring Maasai Mara: Our pre-conference expedition, in collaboration with five other Round Square Schools, led us to the captivating Dupois Centre in Maasai Mara. Here, we embarked on a game drive guided by local Maasai experts. The Mara revealed its wonders—from elephants to leopards, leaving our students with lasting memories. A walking safari with Maasai warriors and park rangers brought us closer to the wildlife, making our previous game drive seem like a distant memory. Witnessing a lion hunting an ostrich added to the thrill, making it a true African safari tale.
- Immersive Maasai Encounters: At the Dupois Centre, we immersed ourselves in the rich tapestry of Maasai life. Witnessing young schoolchildren herding cattle, demonstrating their independence, left a profound impact on our teens. Traditional beading sessions with Maasai women also provided a unique form of communication, bridging language barriers and fostering a genuine connection.
Conference Highlights
- Global Connections: The conference itself was a melting pot of cultures. Students formed global friendships, learning from peers worldwide. It was a testament to Round Square's ability to create meaningful connections, enriching the learning experience.
- Authentic Safari Experience: The adventure day in Nairobi National Park, where we camped under the African sky, was a surreal experience.
- Cultural Immersion: The cultural evening was a vibrant tapestry of traditions, showcasing the diverse heritage of attendees. Performances from various cultures highlighted the beauty of diversity and mutual understanding, reinforcing Round Square's core values.
- Deeper Bonds: Amidst the adventures, our students showcased their unique personalities, fostering camaraderie and laughter. These moments not only made memories but also strengthened the LCS community bonds, making the journey truly special.
Key Takeaways
The Round Square Conference was more than just a conference; it was an odyssey of discovery, empathy, and friendship. The authentic experiences with the Maasai people, the diverse wildlife encounters, and the global connections formed exemplify the essence of Round Square. As our students return, they carry not just memories, but a broader worldview, a deeper understanding of humanity, and a renewed sense of belonging to the global community.
The Student Experience
“The highlight of the 2023 Round Square Conference was service day. Students had an opportunity to go to a local school and help repair their classrooms…I learned a lot by going to the local community and helping them with what they needed and interacting with them along the way. With my friends, we talked about how much more we learn through volunteer work compared to giving donations.” — Bokyung ’25
“The Round Square conference was an experience I will never forget. Not only was it fun but we got to meet people from all around the world and learn about new cultures. A highlight for me was the safaris we went on where we got to see many different types of animals, from lions to rhinos.” — Catherine ’25
“This experience is almost inexplainable by how much it simply amazed me. Truely one of a kind, I learned so much and met people from around the world…I would say that the highlights were engaging and meeting other students from around the world.” — Alex ’25
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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