During the first week of school, the grade 7 and 9 students at HNMCS had the unique opportunity to connect with nature and engage in activities that fostered teamwork and resilience through the guidance of Alive Outdoors counsellors. The students enjoyed the many water activities in the sweltering hot weather from the traditional polar bear dip each morning, to kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking and swimming.

Many of the grade 9s conquered the high ropes course where they faced their fears, built confidence and developed problem-solving skills to navigate through either the vertical canoe or tires to sit in the supreme chair high above the trees.

New to HNMCS, Nemine Akan ‘27 said, “I loved trying so many different activities, and the counsellors encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone ,which helped me become more involved in group activities and meet new people! Starting HNMCS by going to camp made me feel nervous at first because I didn't know anyone, but the activities the counsellors chose required us to interact and make decisions together, forming strong bonds that carried from camp to school. Not only around the camp but in my cabin, we played games, shared stories and I really bonded with not just students new to HNMCS but students who have attended for years.”

Our grade 7 class had an amazing experience bonding with their new classmates, facing challenges and fears as they spent 3 nights away from home. They were able to kayak, jump from the tower into the lake, climb the challenging climbing wall and experience the quiet of the forest, which we learned is not so quiet! They worked on figuring out the characteristics of a good friend and challenged themselves to be a good friend.

Overall, the students connected with nature, formed new friendships and challenged themselves in a safe supportive environment.