Algonquin Expedition 2021 | An Unexpectedly Rainy Undertaking

Each year, our Grade 12 students travel north to Algonquin Park for the annual–and much anticipated–Algonquin Expedition. This four-day, three-night canoeing trip is a time-honoured tradition that serves as a form of initiation into the leadership role of the Grade 12 Class. For the novice, this rugged trip can seem daunting at times. However, accompanied by experienced LCS outdoor guides, students quickly overcome their fears and realize how enjoyable and rewarding it is to spend time in the Canadian wilderness.

The Algonquin Expedition has been a traditional start to the Grade 12 Leadership year at The Grove since it began over 35 years ago. We were sad to pause this tradition in September 2020 as a result of the pandemic. However, this break from routine made our students and staff all the more excited to undertake this challenging, yet gratifying experience.  

We haven’t fully returned to our pre-pandemic routines and the changes made to keep students and staff safe on the Algonquin Expedition led to some (very) positive outcomes. This year, our students embarked on cohorted trips, which meant that a staff member associated with each of the student houses served as team leaders. This provided an excellent opportunity for team building within house groups and for stronger relationships to bond between students and staff alike. 

The adventure began on Saturday, September 18 as Grads prepared for the expedition by packing equipment and performing training exercises. They learned about portaging, packing packs, storing and carrying food, and how to respond in a canoe rescue. Feeling confident in their abilities, our Grads were ready to embark on the two and a half hour trip to Algonquin. On Tuesday morning, all 138 students and staff boarded buses to begin their northbound journey. Although the forecast looked grim with rain predicted for the duration of the trip, no one knew exactly what was in store. Everyone was shocked to learn that the conditions would break all known records for rainfall in the park, totalling 105.8 millimeters (more than the average rainfall for the entire month of September) in just 41 hours!  

The first day of the expedition was long and wet; temperatures were cold but students prevailed with strength, fortitude, and positive attitudes. 

On day two, LCS staff made the difficult decision to end the trip early as the weather forecast showed little improvement. Given the difficulty of the portages in the wet and muddy conditions, it would have been unsafe to push deeper into the park. 

On Thursday, September 23, the crew was collected and safely returned to the school. Upon their arrival, Grads were treated to a keynote delivered by guest speaker, Joel Hilchey. Hilchey helped students recognize the exceptional learnings that come from shared group experiences. He also helped them see the value in pushing past their comfort zones and stepping up to new challenges. 

The class of 2022 started their year by demonstrating true grit and determination, setting the tone for a triumphant year to come. We look forward to seeing what this class is capable of in the next 9 months.