Kicking off the School Year at Camp
St. Michael’s College School’s (SMCS) Outdoor and Experiential Education Camps are a big part of the inquiry-based learning programme. They take students out of the classroom, help them build relationships, experience new activities, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Our Grades 7 and 9 students, along with student camp leaders, spend the first four days of school at Camp Wanakita in Haliburton with ALIVE Outdoors. While Grade 8 students attend their outdoor education experience the first week after Christmas Break, they also visit Fr. Henry Carr Farm, CSB, for a full-day orientation to kick off the school year. Our Grade 10 students also step out of the classroom during the second week of classes to participate in an outdoor education activity day, with a variety of activities to choose from.
Read more about each experience, check out the photo galleries, and see how they impact our students.
Grade 7 Camp Wanakita
Grade 7 students kicked off their SMCS experience spending four days and three nights together before they even stepped into an SMCS classroom. Throughout the week, students stayed active, were challenged, and had opportunities to get to know one another. They participated in canoeing, hiking, archery, fire building, team-building activities, large-group games, swimming, beach parties, and, for those brave enough to take the plunge, the early-morning Polar Bear Dip!
They arrived as a large group of students at the beginning of a brand-new chapter, and over four days, friendships formed, confidence grew, and the group began to develop its own sense of community. While this year’s group was larger than previous years, students were enthusiastic and genuinely supportive of one another.
“For me, the real theme of the four days was connection and community,” says Ed Mourra, teacher. “Camp gave our students the chance to take some risks, try new things, work together, and, most importantly, begin building relationships before the school year even started. By the time we returned, they weren’t simply a collection of new Grade 7 students anymore. They had already started becoming a class and a community.”
What our students had to say:
“I had a great time at Wanakita as I got to meet a lot of new people. The activities at camp were also very fun but my favorite one was the skit because how funny the presentations were. The camp leaders were also very kind and helpful, and so was my cabin leader. I hope I get to go to camp in grade 10 because how fun it was.” – Joel Cukaj, Grade 7
“I had a great time at Wanakita. My cabin mates were really great, and it made the first week of school easier as I had friends in my classes. I really enjoyed the polar bear dip and all the activities. The outdoor mass was also very cool! When I am in high school, I hope to be part of the leadership camp so I can help the Grade 7s feel as I did.” – Alexander Pinto, Grade 7
“At first, I wasn’t so sure I would like camp because I had never been to camp before, but Wanakita was fun. I liked the polar bear dip, the food and the late-night chats with my cabin mates. I liked getting to meet some of the other new students. My favourite thing was the talent show. It was very funny and entertaining. Going to camp was a great way to start the school year and a fun start to Grade 7 at St. Mike’s.” – Carl Lindros, Grade 7
Grade 8 Orientation at Fr. Henry Carr Farm, CSB
On Thursday, September 10, the Grade 8 students travelled to Fr. Henry Carr Farm in Beeton, Ontario, for an orientation day designed to help the 106 Grade 8 students begin the school year by building relationships, developing teamwork, and establishing a strong sense of community. The day gave students, both returning and new to SMCS, a chance to connect outside the classroom and begin their Grade 8 experience together.
Students were divided into small groups and rotated through a series of activities focused on collaboration, communication, physical activity, reflection, leadership, and fun.
The team-building rotation challenged students to work cooperatively through activities and encouraged students to listen to one another, contribute ideas, and reach decisions as a group. Kickball provided students an opportunity to participate in an inclusive, active team sport, while developing communication, cooperation, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. The discussion rotation focused on the transition to Grade 8, academic goals, co-curricular involvement, positive relationships, and organization.
Students were encouraged to share experiences, support new classmates, identify personal goals, and consider how they can become involved in the school community. They also took a hike that offered a quieter opportunity to informally connect, enjoy the natural setting, reflect, and build relationships with classmates they may not normally interact with.
The day concluded with a brief reflection and debrief before the students returned to school.
“Overall, the Henry Carr Farm experience provided an important foundation for the year ahead, helping our Grade 8 students recognize that their success will depend not only on individual achievement, but also on how they support, include, and learn from one another,” says Matt Pagano ’92, teacher and Core Department Head.
What our students had to say:
During our time at the Henry Carr farm, we played various fun and engaging team-building games. This allowed us to develop a great bond with each other. With many new students joining the St. Michael’s family, this time allowed everyone to make new friends and reconnect with old classmates. – Marcello Biscaro, Grade 8
Our trip to Henry Carr farm was an awesome way to kick off our return to school and the start of Grade 8. The team-building activity allowed me to work with friends, form new friendships with classmates I didn’t know as well, and meet students who are new to St. Mike’s. A competitive game of kickball was a highlight of the day! – Preston Sirivar, Grade 8
Grade 9 Camp Wanakita
This year’s Grade 9 Camp was the largest in recent years with nearly 200 Grade 9s and 47 senior leaders. The students enjoyed traditional activities aimed at challenging them while creating the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that will last the next four years and beyond.
The Grade 9s enjoyed canoeing, kayaking, ropes courses, a tower climb, fire building, and so much more. A new addition to this year’s line-up was the SMCS trivia night, where groups competed to select a champion who then faced off against other teams to win prizes, while answering questions about the history of SMCS.
The boys attended an outdoor candlelit Mass celebrated by former Superior General of the Basilian Fathers, Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB, on their final evening together. The week concluded with the 25th annual eco-challenge race where students competed in challenges based on their 12 activities throughout the week. This year, it was a photo finish with the ‘Back Scratchers’ group coming from behind in the final seconds to take the prize.
What our students had to say:
“Camp was a fun, engaging, and collaborative experience for all Grade 9 students! It was an excellent opportunity to get to know each other and make new friends! We were able to participate in so many outdoor activities and experiences, which allowed us to interact in ways we wouldn’t normally do so at school.” – Luca Bellissimo, Grade 9
“I have had a really positive camp experience because the counsellors were very good at including the students in the activities, which led to me getting the opportunity to get to know my classmates. This helped me go into the school year not too nervous or scared, but confident because I had already met my classmates. I think this experience will help us work together in the school year. Overall, I think the most important part is that this experience brought together the St. Mike’s community.” – Adrian Fedchun, Grade 9
“Camp was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had. I met so many new people while also seeing some familiar faces. Water polo brought everyone closer and gave us so many memories to look back on. I’m really going to miss my counsellors and everyone I met. I’m glad I’ll be starting school knowing people.” – Callum Findlay, Grade 9
Grade 10 Outdoor and Experiential Education Activity Day
Grade 10 students could choose from three activity options that suited their interests and curiosity. Students set off early to Hardwood Hills, Steel Peak Climbing and Ninja Gym, or Sunnyside Beach on Lake Ontario.
Hardwood Hills – 48 students and four staff attended a fun day in Oro-Medonte to ride the cross-country trails in the forest, complete the obstacle course, climb, and take in nature during a forest bathing activity. Students and staff alike were challenged, humbled, and at times flying down trails to see how many more laps of the trails they could complete.
Steel Peak Climbing – 33 students and four staff travelled to Vaughan to tackle the climbing walls, bouldering activities, and take a run at the ninja course. Grip strength was challenged, lats and arms burned as everyone swung, climbed, and crawled their way along for the four-hour adventure.
Sunnyside Paddling Club – New this year, 39 students and six staff travelled to Sunnyside Beach to explore a variety of water activities, including team dragon boating, kayak/canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). A beautiful sunny day blessed the crew of water sports enthusiasts, allowing them to try new things and learn to appreciate the intricacies of paddling.
Related links: