This last week has been busy at SMUS, but not only in pursuit of academics in the classroom. In particular, our Grade 10 students ventured into the wilderness last week and traveled across our beautiful province of British Columbia to take in the great outdoors.
Each grade, from Grade 8 to Grade 11, participates in a 5-day outdoor trip — or “outtrip”— at some point during the school year. The goals of the trips include the following: Learn and develop general outdoor and camping skills, Make new friends, Visit new areas of British Columbia, Spending time outdoors in nature, Develop specific activity skills (surfing, kayaking…).
Here are some of the highlights from the Grade 10 Bolton Boys:
Leo: taking a nap on the bowsprit of his tall ship sailing boat and watching all the stars in the night sky during his night watch.
Fabian: was similarly impressed by the trip and said swimming in the ocean was by far the highlight for him, though not being woken for his final night shift was also rather enjoyable as everyone fell asleep!
Frank: found the climb to the top of the main mast exhilarating
Eric: thoroughly enjoyed rowing to one of the small islands to pick apples.
Malik: loved the third day of his rock-climbing trip as he zip-lined, free climbed and rappelled his way through caverns and along rock faces.
Pablo: also on the rock climbing trip, claims there were some near-death experiences as he contemplated the rope that held him suspended high above the ground!
Jason: was chef supreme as he partook in the Island Sampler and managed to avoid having his food and tent raided by the raccoons (a fate not spared some of his companions).
Adam: enjoyed relaxing at the Eco Village and didn’t even mind participating in the compostable out house.
Gavin: was very pleased to make some new connections with his group while surfing as he felt he was able to really get to know some of his fellow grade 10’s.
Our Grade 11 students are currently off on outtrips right now – we can’t wait to hear the tales from their adventures. For more information about the SMUS Outdoor Education program, you can check out the website at www.smusoutdoor.com.
In Bolton House, we had some other activities this week.
For Saturday Activities, Ryan ventured outside to help rid a local eco-system of the invasive species called “Broom”. It was hard work, but it makes such a difference to the community. PLUS it was a beautiful day today in Victoria.
Harry sharpened his culinary talents tonight by cooking a Pan Seared Tenderloin, with a side of puréed potatoes and radishes covered in mustard and mayo sauce. Unlike Mr. Danskin last week, Mr. Fryer was jealous that there were not enough plates to go around. Harry’s cooking is a hot commodity in Bolton House.
Sebastian, Gavin, and Pablo returned back from Fraser Academy in Vancouver where the the Junior Boys Soccer Team competed in the Independent Schools Association finals. They won a game against Shawnigan Lake school, which was the highlight of their tournament.
Upon their return, Pablo and Gavin lost a bet to each other and some of the girls from Timmis House promptly brought out their straightening irons to the common room. I think they liked the new style!
Sometimes it is great on a Saturday night to just laugh and hang out in the common room in an effort to pause and find balance with all of the endeavours at SMUS. After our first full month, I would say that Bolton is starting to feel like a second home for our new students.
It has been a full and rewarding September and we can’t wait to see what’s in store this Fall!