From January 14 to 17, Holy Name of Mary College School students and staff came together with ALIVE Outdoors for the annual winter trip to Camp Wanakita in Haliburton. Thankfully, Mother Nature cooperated and provided us with a beautiful canvas for our fun-filled week.

The students in grades 7 - 10 and their teachers had a wonderful time as they engaged in a variety of exciting activities! The grade 7 and 8 students participated in cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, the high ropes course, arts & crafts and the Camp Wanakita classic, broomball. Fun was had all around by our grade 9 and 10 girls who went tobogganing, built snow shelters, and had a eventful Iron Chef competition.

A special component of the Camp Wanakita experience is the student mentoring that exists between the grade 11 and 12 leaders and their cabin and rotation groups. This year’s student leaders absolutely lived up to the high expectations that were set for them. They were caring, hard working and always enthusiastic. They helped make this year’s camp experience a special one. A huge thank you goes out to all of the Grade 11 and 12 leaders who made the week so special for their younger peers. The week couldn’t be done without their enthusiasm and excellent leadership!

In our Outdoor Education programme, we strive to embody the HNMCS Core Values: respect, compassion, justice and excellence. Over the week, the girls had many opportunities to live these values as they strengthened their relationships with one another, tested their resiliency, and tried new activities, all with a spirit of continuous improvement. Now back on campus, they bring this vibrant experience and fond memories to enrich their daily lives at school and at home.