Building Resilience... & because we love Campfires!
Winter brings with it a distinct beauty—crisp air, snow-covered landscapes, and a unique opportunity for adventure and learning. While many might associate the need to “get outside” with warmer months, winter provides a distinct setting for outdoor education that offers numerous benefits for students of all ages. From building resilience to fostering creativity, outdoor education in the winter can be both enriching and transformative.
Being unplugged from technology for the week helps to foster friendships and allow students and teachers to connect with one another in a meaningful way. And this was the setting for the 4-day winter excursion, for students in Grades 7-12, at Camp Wanakita.
The trip, which is facilitated by ALIVE Outdoors and their engaging staff, challenges students to try new activities, including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, broomball and high and low ropes initiatives. Through these activities, students learn new skills and work collaboratively with their peers to support one another as they take risks and explore the world around them.
Some of the most beautiful byproducts of outdoor education experience are resiliency,developing a sense of responsibility and independence and a deep sense of community. Through facilitated workshops students are called to think critically about their actions, the way in which they want to be perceived by the world and how to develop healthy and respectful relationships.
For HNMCS students, both campers and leaders, the common highlight of the trip is the bonds that are formed during the four day experience. Students have a chance to interact with peers in different grades, perform talents at a campfire that let other students know their many gifts and share in meals together and engage in meaningful conversations. Student leaders make this experience memorable for campers with the many games, crafts and activities that they plan for the evening time in cabins.
Beyond the physical benefits, winter outdoor education fosters mental resilience, encourages teamwork, and deepens our connection with nature. The experiences gained through outdoor education in winter can leave a lasting impact, preparing our girls to face the challenges of both nature and life with confidence and curiosity.
- Ms. Kathryn Anderson, Acting Co-Head of School & Director of Student Life
