For Oore, a new student to the SMLS community, the trip was a rush of new experiences, like swimming in a lake for the first time and bonding with her new classmates. She reflected: “One thing I enjoyed the most was all the things that I got to do- canoeing more than 15km, swimming in probably the coldest lake ever, and bonding with the counselors and my classmates over the days. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to anyone.”

Aiden also detailed the unique challenges of the wilderness and her leadership role in the canoe, stating “I experienced amazing things, and learned a lot of new skills. My favourite parts of this trip were, portaging 1.2km and carrying a canoe on my head with my friend Roquel. My second favorite part was sleeping in the tents, and learning more about my classmates, and counselors. During the canoeing experience I was the Stern, and although it was hard, and I did occasionally steer into trees, It really was a wonderful experience.”

Led by experienced ALIVE Outdoors educators and guides, the trip emphasized collaboration and environmental stewardship. The young women learned how to read maps, pack efficiently, manage group dynamics, and cope with the unpredictability of travel. “Aiden quote”

Students worked collaboratively to set up their tents, prepare and cook meals over fire and portable stoves and to paddle to two unique campsites during their time in the park. On the second day of the trip, students portaged their equipment and canoes, while singing songs and laughing. When they arrived back at the dock of Camp Arowhon, the shared sentiment of personal accomplishment and a deeper connection to their peers was evident in each of their smiling faces, excitement while sharing stories about their time disconnected from technology amongst the coloured leaves!