It seems like September has flown by in the Outdoor Academy. We have been very busy with a number of off campus trips already done. In Outdoor Ed, we have been working hard learning how to set up our camps and how to hike efficiently. Our next lesson will be on camp cooking. All these things are leading up to our first overnight trip to Lindeman Lake. This short hike, will serve as our introduction to wilderness camping. All the skills we have learned in Outdoor Ed will be applied on this trip. Students can also expect some lessons in Science and Social Studies while we are away. We will continue to kayak and hike throughout October, as well as get deeper in to our academic subjects. Our term will culminate with a two night trip on the Flora Lake Loop, near Chilliwack Lake.

I have attached two permission forms to this post. The first form is for our single overnight trip on October 11 to 12. The second trip on October 29 to 31 is for our end of term trip. 

The October 11 to 12 trip will begin after school on Oct 11, which is a day 1. Students will then be back for the 2:40 bell on October 12. 

The October 29 trip will begin the morning of the 29th. Students will be missing one day of their day 1 classes and return by 1:00 on October 31.

Due to the nature of these trips being overnight we need an additional permission form filled out. As with any of our trips, there is always some risk involved and students are always informed of this risk and how to prevent anything from happening. Students will be under adult (male and female) supervision at all times. Please make sure you read and sign/initial every space on these forms.

Please email us if you have any specific questions.

Chris and Jason

Today we had our first hike. We did some lesson's in Social Studies and Outdoor Education at the top of Mt Thom. Please check out calendar for upcoming events. We have our first kayaking session on Wednesday September 19 at Cultus Lake. Student have been sent home with two consent forms that need to be signed and they are also attached to this blog. The $10 fee indicated on the consent form is being paid by the academy, so do not send extra money, unless you want to. ;)

Jon Allen, of the Chilliwack Centre of Excellence, is our instructor. While the weather is still sunny and warm, students can wear snug fitting quick dry tops with shorts over swimsuits for the lake sessions. Please see below for Jon's recommendations for dress once the weather turns cold and we move to the river.


DRESS: A wet suit is recommended and should fit tight. The club has some which can be borrowed but fit and availability is first come first serve.
If a wetsuit is not available please bring snug clothes that are NOT MADE FROM COTTON. 
First layer: Nylon, Polypro, underarmour etc are all good. 
Second layer: Wool/ Fleece etc 
Outerlayer: Wind breaker / Raincoat 
Shorts and water shoes that won't fall off when you swim. (which is always a possibility).
Helmets, Paddles, Spraydecks, Lifejackets and Boats will all be provided.
Also, here is a good website to check out with the group. http://www.atlantickayaktours.com/pages/expertcenter/how-to-dress/How-to-Dress-1.shtml

We are very thrilled with the Academy's start up. Bring on the River!