On a brisk, cold Monday morning, the Grade 8 &10 students along with their Grade 11/12 student-leaders trekked up north to Camp Wanakita to embark on a four day wintery outdoor adventure. The chilly weather and snow-covered landscapes of the Haliburton Highlands provided the perfect backdrop, full of adventure, camaraderie, and skill-building activities.

Under the guidance of our charismatic ALIVE Outdoor instructors, students were offered a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Our young adventurers embraced the challenge of gliding through pristine snow on cross-country skis, enjoying breathtaking scenery and the crisp fresh air. Snowshoeing provided students another opportunity to appreciate the beauty of winter while also providing opportunities to reflect and engage in simple mindfulness practices.

To break up time out in the cold, activity rotations included a guided yoga practice for both Grade 8s and 10s, a Community Banner art project for the 8s, and an Iron Chef challenge for the 10s. In yoga, the girls were guided through a series of gentle poses, fostering mindfulness and relaxation amidst the tranquil snowy surroundings. Both the Community Banner art activity and Iron Chef challenge tapped into their creativity and challenged them to think outside the box!

For many students, the high & low ropes courses were a highlight of their time at Wanakita. Under the watchful eye of experienced instructors and their peers, the girls conquered the towering “Quadzilla”, worked together to tackle the “Team Wall & Web”, and the “Dangle Duo”. The sense of accomplishment that came with reaching new heights was striking, and the lessons learned during these activities will undoubtedly resonate in various aspects of their lives.

Winter camp wouldn't be complete without some friendly competition, and broomball provided the perfect outlet. Students divided into teams, donned their winter gear, and hit the ice for several action-packed games. Laughter, teamwork, and a bit of friendly rivalry makes broomball another camp favourite.

In addition to the outdoor adventurers, our time at Wanakita also featured workshops with a focus on character development. Students engaged in discussions, team-building exercises, and activities designed to enhance their character and their leadership skills. These workshops provided valuable insights into effective communication, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills that will serve them well in their academic and personal lives.

As our time at Wanakita came to a close, the students returned with a sense of accomplishment, new skills, and unforgettable memories. The overnight trip not only allowed all of us to embrace the beauty of winter but also provided a platform for personal growth, fostering resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. Wanakita is an integral part of the HNMCS experience, and we can’t wait to see what our next visit will bring!

- Ms. Apuzzo, Ms. Lubanski & Ms. Minkarious