List of 3 items.

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  Hands-On Learning in Nature

  At Lakefield, we believe the most meaningful learning happens when students engage directly with the world around them. At Northcote, nature becomes the classroom—and real-world challenges become invitations to explore, create, and lead.

  
  Through curricular courses, co-curricular programs, and Summer Academy offerings, students participate in immersive, hands-on learning experiences such as:
  
  

  • Planting and maintaining a polyculture vegetable garden that supports our campus food systems
  • Exploring ecology and soil science through field studies, testing, and regenerative practices
  • Comparing regenerative and industrial farming to better understand the global food system
  • Building and engineering projects that support farm infrastructure and sustainability
  • Engaging with natural wellness by harvesting herbal teas and participating in guided wellness talks
  • Creating botanical dyes and pigments using plants grown on the farm
  • Learning green technologies that promote low-impact living
  • Developing outdoor education and wilderness skills, including Leave-No-Trace camping, orienteering, bushcraft, and outdoor cooking

  Each experience is designed to foster not only knowledge, but agency—helping students develop the confidence, curiosity, and environmental responsibility they’ll carry far beyond the classroom.
• 

  Growing Together Through Shared Experience

  At Northcote, the land brings people together. Whether gathering around a harvest table, sharing laughter in the snow, or collaborating on a farm project, students and community members connect in ways that deepen relationships and create lasting memories.

  
  Throughout the year, our 160-acre campus is home to meaningful, community-building experiences such as:
  
  

  • House group activities like planting, harvesting, and preparing food together—fostering teamwork, reflection, and shared purpose
  • Seasonal celebrations, including our beloved Winter Carnival with sleigh rides, tobogganing, bonfires, and classic Canadian treats like maple taffy and beaver tails
  • Signature LCS events such as our Fall Fair, Harvest Dinners, and Trustee Days—opportunities to welcome families, alumni, and friends into the life of the school
  • Partnership events with local organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough and Adventures in Understanding, that broaden community connections and reflect our values of inclusion and outreach

  These experiences strengthen more than just school spirit—they build empathy, shared identity, and a sense of belonging that students carry with them long after graduation.
• 

  Nature as a Daily Practice

  Time in nature is part of daily life at Lakefield—and Northcote is our invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect. Its changing seasons, diverse ecosystems, and quiet trails offer space for reflection, movement, and joy.

  
  For students and staff alike, Northcote supports the development of healthy lifelong habits—reducing stress, building resilience, and enhancing overall well-being. Whether for solo walks or shared adventures, the land is a trusted companion in our everyday routines.

  
  Outdoor activities enjoyed across the seasons include:
  
  

  • Camping adventures in fall, winter, and spring
  • Canoeing along the shoreline of Lake Katchewanooka
  • Walking and bush walks through forested trails and open fields
  • Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on crisp winter days
  • Dog walks and informal outdoor moments that nurture balance and connection

  At LCS, we believe that time outdoors isn’t a break from learning or life—it’s a vital part of both.