Learning Through Community Service
By Vicky Boomgaardt
Weeding. Painting. Cleaning. Camping. Sharing meals. Playing games. Laughing. Learning. Creating Community. Giving Back.
The Grade 10s spent their Orientation at The Mount Community Centre in Peterborough, getting to know each other and coming together as a community while simultaneously giving back to the Peterborough community by participating in a range of service activities on The Mount property. Formerly a convent, The Mount is in transition to become a local hub for housing, food security, health, arts and culture and environmental sustainability. Lakefield students contributed to the revitalization project by giving their time to weed and prune gardens, paint, clear pathways, build a butterfly garden and sort and move items for The Mount’s upcoming garage sale. There were lots of smiles on their faces as they learned experientially about living in community and giving back to our local community through service.
The students also had the chance to learn about the history of The Mount from board members, community members, volunteers and Sister Pat, one of the nuns who originally lived at The Mount.
Students camped on the 10 acres of property and enjoyed delicious, and often locally sourced, meals provided by local caterers: Sam’s Place Deli, The Night Kitchen’s C’est Chaud Wood Fired Pizza, By The Bridge Catering and BE Catering.
After dinner on Monday night, the Citiots, a local improv group, entertained students and staff, giving students the chance to try out their acting and directing skills and share lots of laughter.
In their final debrief, students were challenged to reflect on what they can do to enrich their own communities this year whether that be at LCS, Lakefield, Peterborough or at home. Looking ahead, they also had the opportunity to consider how they will incorporate service into their year.
At the end of the two days, students left The Mount tired but happy, having made new friends, reunited with old friends and given back to the local Peterborough community.
“I used to think community service was just about getting my hours. Now I think it’s about putting the needs of the community before our own and giving my time not my money.” - quote collected during our final debrief
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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