50p
Grade 9s Take on Strathcona
On Sunday, September 29th the Class of 2023 left for Strathcona Park Lodge. The 84 grade 9 students were nervous about the big adventure, but as soon as they got there they jumped in headfirst.
The Strathcona trip has been part of Brentwood's Grade 9 history for several years. Every year a new group of rowdy Grade 9s are thrown into an unforgettable bonding experience: sleeping under a tarp, eating vegan food, kayaking with no paddles! The trip is filled with outdoor activities that are meant to push everyone out of their comfort zone.
The troop arrived on Sunday afternoon after a 6-hour bus ride. Upon our arrival, groups were announced and we soon found out who they were going to spend the next five days with. “It was nerve-racking because I knew I wasn’t going to be with my closest friends,” stated Christine L, Mackenzie ‘23, one of the former Grade 8’s. “But the groups really push you to meet different people and find new friends.”
On Monday it was an early morning for half of the students as they left for their overnight canoe trip to Rainbow Island. Students paddled 7 kilometres across astonishing views of Upper Campbell Lake to reach their destination. Once there, they set up camp for the night which included putting up a tarp which they would sleep under, learning useful knots, and making dinner. When they were finished, all groups gathered at the beach to have an awesome bonfire and make some smores. “The bonfire on the outtrip was my favourite night,” said Jonah M, Whittall ‘23. “A big group of us went stargazing on the beach, which was a big bonding moment for all of us.” The next morning, groups woke up bright and early to pack things up and head back to the lodge. On the way back, it was 7 kilometres filled with a John Denver’s classic, “Country Roads, Take me Home.” It is safe to say that the class of 2023 knows that song by heart!
Back at the lodge, students got to partake in outdoor activities for their last two days at Strathcona. Groups went outdoor rock climbing where they learned essential knots for belaying and rappelling. There was also kayaking - with no paddles - then we played kayak soccer where more than one student flipped into the refreshing lake. Troops also went on the high ropes course to test their love of heights and finished it off with a relaxing nature walk to the bog.
Many thanks to trip coordinator Mr Norman as well as Ms Sarah Hall, Mr Griffths, Mr Doehler, Ms Ackert, Mr Wismer & Ms Wolinsky who made this incredible outing possible. Another Strathcona trip in the books!
Miranda NP, Alex ‘23
The Strathcona trip has been part of Brentwood's Grade 9 history for several years. Every year a new group of rowdy Grade 9s are thrown into an unforgettable bonding experience: sleeping under a tarp, eating vegan food, kayaking with no paddles! The trip is filled with outdoor activities that are meant to push everyone out of their comfort zone.
The troop arrived on Sunday afternoon after a 6-hour bus ride. Upon our arrival, groups were announced and we soon found out who they were going to spend the next five days with. “It was nerve-racking because I knew I wasn’t going to be with my closest friends,” stated Christine L, Mackenzie ‘23, one of the former Grade 8’s. “But the groups really push you to meet different people and find new friends.”
On Monday it was an early morning for half of the students as they left for their overnight canoe trip to Rainbow Island. Students paddled 7 kilometres across astonishing views of Upper Campbell Lake to reach their destination. Once there, they set up camp for the night which included putting up a tarp which they would sleep under, learning useful knots, and making dinner. When they were finished, all groups gathered at the beach to have an awesome bonfire and make some smores. “The bonfire on the outtrip was my favourite night,” said Jonah M, Whittall ‘23. “A big group of us went stargazing on the beach, which was a big bonding moment for all of us.” The next morning, groups woke up bright and early to pack things up and head back to the lodge. On the way back, it was 7 kilometres filled with a John Denver’s classic, “Country Roads, Take me Home.” It is safe to say that the class of 2023 knows that song by heart!
Back at the lodge, students got to partake in outdoor activities for their last two days at Strathcona. Groups went outdoor rock climbing where they learned essential knots for belaying and rappelling. There was also kayaking - with no paddles - then we played kayak soccer where more than one student flipped into the refreshing lake. Troops also went on the high ropes course to test their love of heights and finished it off with a relaxing nature walk to the bog.
Many thanks to trip coordinator Mr Norman as well as Ms Sarah Hall, Mr Griffths, Mr Doehler, Ms Ackert, Mr Wismer & Ms Wolinsky who made this incredible outing possible. Another Strathcona trip in the books!
Miranda NP, Alex ‘23