Every year, our Grads (Grade 12 students) travel north to Algonquin Park for the annual and much anticipated,
Algonquin Expedition.
This 4-day, 3-night canoeing trip is a time-honoured rite of passage for the Grade 12 Class. A test of grit and determination for some, the paddling trip into the Canadian wilderness has become a traditional start to the Grade 12 leadership year at The Grove.
The trip's origins have a long place in LCS history as it has been practiced for over 35 years!
Beginning the day before their departure, senior students were involved in various packing and training exercises to prepare for their trip. They learned techniques for packing packs, food preparation and portaging and participated in a canoe-over-canoe rescue in order to ensure that they felt well-prepared. The next day, the entire class headed out early on busses for the 2.5-hour drive north to Ontario's beautiful Algonquin Provincial Park.
Over the course of the expedition, students came together and worked hard to complete portages, carrying heavy food barrels and canoes across the rough terrain. Despite long and physically demanding days of paddling and setting up camp, spirits prevailed with many positive stories of triumph and fun. All of the students returned safely on Saturday, September 17 ready to immerse themselves in their classes on Monday.
The Grad Class of 2023 started the new school year off with an impressive mix of effort, grit, determination and teamwork while exploring the beautiful wilderness of Ontario. They've formed new friendships with staff and students and already have so many good memories to share, ones that may fade, but will never be forgotten, as they set the course of their final year at The Grove.
For some, it was a huge step outside of their comfort zones. For others, it marked a celebration of three years in our Outdoor Education program. For everyone, the Algonquin Expedition provided opportunities to be physically challenged, disconnect from the demands of technology and social media and reconnect with themselves and their peers in some of our most beautiful natural fall landscapes.