Good things come to those who wait.
In the fall of 2019, a group of faculty decided to spend the night on campus to explore the possibility of using our incredible space in a new way. Upon completion, we were convinced it would be worth trying with families and planned to launch this experience with a limited group in the spring of 2020. Unfortunately, the world had other plans.
After years of holding steady and remaining patient, our dream became a reality. The weather provided us with an incredible evening, and we piloted an on-campus campout with a group of Grade 2 families.
Our desire to create this type of experience was rooted in several thoughts. First, we believe that childhood should be full of moments that create joy and a sense of awe. Second, we feel that bringing individuals together with intentionality around building relationships creates a stronger sense of connection and belonging for all. Finally, each day we witness students engaging with the natural world in ways that enrich their cognitive, physical, and emotional development, and we want to amplify those opportunities.
The campout experience was simple by design and rooted in the ideas mentioned above. Families set up their tents, went for a nature walk, enjoyed a BBQ dinner together, engaged in open play, roasted marshmallows, and slept under the stars. It was a magical collection of moments, to say the least, and we are grateful to the families who participated with open hearts and open minds to help us learn and grow as a community.
