Outdoor School 3

Outdoor School is an incredible and exciting experience provided by Laurentian University for Human Kinetics students. All Human Kinetic students have to participate in this amazing three day canoe trip, providing students with skills such as canoeing, portaging and camping. This trip also provides the students with an amazing bonding experience, full of memories and breathtaking scenery. This is just one of the multiple ways Laurentian separates itself from so many other schools.

All students in Human Kinetics had to participate in this trip. This includes students in programs such as; Sport and Physical Education, Kinesiology, Health Promotion, and Sport Psychology. This entire trip was then run and led by our students in the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program.

I interviewed some students to ask about their personal experience during their Outdoor School 3 trip, and I received nothing but positive feedback. Katherine Cornelius, a student in Sport and Physical Education told me; “it was a great bonding experience between people you’ve never met before.” Another student, Ryan Faubert in Kinesiology explained; “my experience with Outdoor School 3 allowed me to bond with fellow Human Kinetics students, surrounded by nature. Not being distracted by technology allowed everyone to bond and create a great atmosphere to create new friendships.” Cassidy Hill in Health Promotion, told me that; “Outdoor School allowed all of the Human Kinetic students to get together outside and enjoy the nature together. Different programs, groups and people were able to connect on a different level, and truly become a Human Kinetics family. We pushed through, blood, sweat, mud and pain together to reach a mutual goal. It was everything and more than I could have ever asked for from Human Kinetics.”

Although the trip came with some challenging moments, with many hours of canoeing, and long portages, everyone seemed to absolutely love the experience. Students will be able to cherish these memories forever, and apply the skills they obtained from that weekend throughout their life. This was definitely a growing experience for everyone. It allowed people to work together and gain new skills in an environment beyond the classroom walls.