Grade 10 Bike Quest: A Day of Kindness and Connection

Recently, our Grade 10 students embarked on a special mission—the annual Bike Quest in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Peterborough. This event is not just about donating bikes; it's an opportunity for our students to make meaningful connections with children in our community and demonstrate the power of kindness in action.

The day began with presentations from BBBS staff, who shared the stories of the 12 children our students would be paired with. They spoke about each child's personality, their likes and dreams, and the challenges they face at home. Hearing these stories sparked a sense of purpose and empathy in our students, helping them understand the importance of the day ahead.

Students then participated in the "Kindagious Quest," a unique scavenger hunt through the village of Lakefield. In teams named after each child, they gathered accessories for the children’s new bikes and completed random acts of kindness along the way. This experience built anticipation for the afternoon, where they would finally meet their "Littles."

When the children arrived on campus, they were greeted with signs bearing their names, a warm welcome that quickly eased any nervousness. Our students jumped right into action—helping some children learn to ride for the first time, playing games, and making them feel comfortable. One girl, shy and hesitant to ride, was met with patience and care as her group spent time simply chatting and enjoying cookies until she was ready.

Throughout the day, our students were thoughtful and kind, going beyond expectations. They remembered small details from the morning presentations and picked out personalized gifts for their Littles—fairy wings for one boy who dreams of being a fairy, a horse figurine for a girl who loves horses, and bejeweled helmets for others who adore sparkles.

The impact of this experience was clear. Many of our students sparked connections with their Littles, finding it hard to say goodbye at the end of the day. For our students, this event was a powerful reminder of the ripple effect that small acts of kindness can have, both on others and on themselves.

By the end of the day, they had not only gifted bikes but also shared something far more meaningful—time, connection, and compassion. The Bike Quest offered our Grade 10 students a chance to see firsthand the importance of community stewardship, and they rose to the occasion with generosity, warmth, and care.