Grade 12 Winter Camping Adventure in Algonquin Park

Braving the crisp winter air and deep snow, our Grade 12 students recently returned from an unforgettable winter camping expedition in Algonquin Park. The trip was both challenging and rewarding as they worked together to stay warm, set up camp, embrace the elements, and have fun.

 

Our students arrived at the park just after lunch and spent the afternoon piling snow to build their shelters for the night. The students constructed and slept in quinzhees—snow shelters that require careful preparation. To build one, they first dug down to the ground, ensuring a flat floor free of rocks and roots. They also measured out their sleeping space, which helped them estimate how large their snow pile needed to be. Then, they shoveled snow into a mound, building it up to the shoulders of the tallest group member.

 

While the snow settled—a process called “sintering” that allows the layers to bond—students organized their cooking area, started stoves for hot water, and began preparing dinner. After an hour, they hollowed out the structure, using sticks pushed 30 cm (about one foot) into the walls as guides to ensure the correct thickness. If they hit a stick while digging, they knew to stop. Once complete, students smoothed out the walls, reinforcing the structure with moisture from their breath, which froze into a solid shell. The most dangerous part of building a quinzhee is the excavation phase, but once finished and glazed, they become incredibly strong—almost impossible to collapse.

 

Working well into the evening, students completed their shelters and prepared for an early night. At 8:00 p.m., after cleaning up camp, OE Assistant Mike Judson led the group on a warm-up hike to a forest clearing, where they participated in a Wolf Howl. Unfortunately, there were no replies, but the experience was a great way to get moving and shake off the cold before bed. By 9:30 p.m., students were safely tucked into their quinzhees for the night.

 

The next morning, they slowly emerged from their shelters and started preparing breakfast. The day was spent reinforcing and expanding sleeping areas while staying fueled with calorie-rich meals to keep warm. In the afternoon, students embarked on one of two adventures: one group snowshoed to a picturesque waterfall, led by OE SIC (Student in Charge of Outdoor Education) Griff Dunkin, while the other Nordic skied to Lake of Two Rivers, gliding along the Railbed through fresh snow and breathtaking scenery.

That evening, after a hearty meal, students gathered around the campfire for s’mores before heading out on another warm-up hike. With the moon set, the night sky opened to a spectacular display of stars, providing a stunning end to the day as they made their way back to camp.

 

On Saturday morning, the group awoke to a crisp, bright winter day with temperatures at -24°C. Despite the cold, they quickly got moving, packing their pulks and preparing for the journey back. Pulling sleds filled with their gear, students made their way to the parking lot, ready to head home by 10:00 a.m.

After weeks of preparation, the trip was an incredible success, challenging students to push their limits while fostering teamwork and resilience. Reflecting on their experience, they will now use what they’ve learned to hone their leadership skills through group discussion and self-reflection.

 

This adventure is just one of the many ways Lakefield College School integrates outdoor education into learning—helping students build confidence, leadership, and a lasting appreciation for the natural world.