On Wednesday September 4th the Grade 9 students packed their bags, rolled up their sleeping bags and gathered with their peers to take part in a three day outdoor adventure at camp Northland, in Haliburton. This annual camp has become a valued tradition at HNMCS, facilitated by ALIVE Outdoors. This experience allows our grade 9 students the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, and challenge themselves in a variety of ways.

The theme this year was community building, where students were able to participate in a workshop focused on conflict resolution, specifically, supporting each other and what it means to be their true authentic selves. Everyday was filled with a variety of activities that included canoeing, high ropes, swimming, arts and crafts, team initiatives, campfire prep and every morning if desired a polar bear dip in the lake.

Grade 9 students came to Haliburton in search of new experiences and left feeling grateful for new friendships and memories made and the strong community that continues to emanate through the halls of HNMCS. What a fantastic way to start the school year!