On Monday May 26th Selkirk Secondary School Outdoor Education 10,11,12 and Outdoor Exploration 9 students hosted a Take Me Outside for Learning event for nearly 400 elementary students from Kimberley, including four of our community’s schools. Take Me Outside for Learning https://takemeoutside.ca/ is a national initiative to encourage education to happen outside of the classroom, in the community, and in nature. These secondary students picked activities, practiced, planned, and then facilitated the event.
This is an authentic leadership opportunity where secondary students have the opportunity to test and improve their leadership skills throughout the planning and facilitation process. Selkirk Secondary School's Outdoor Education Program teacher Jenn Meens shares, "I was so impressed to see the mentorship from senior secondary students as they navigated the activities and then passed the leadership over to the grade 9 students as the day rolled on. I am very proud of the hard work, creativity, and flexibility demonstrated by all involved."
“It was FUN, but very tiring” says Alme, a grade 9 Outdoor Explorations student. This reflection was echoed by many other students at the end of the day. Whether it was Kindergarten students sleeping on the bus home, or secondary students finally taking a moment to sit down and express their exhaustion – a full day outside is a full day. The wonderful thing was the smiles and the contentment after a good day outside!
“This was an amazing experience to see all the kids from ALL the elementary schools! Such a fun day, and as a student mentor - it was good to see how the grade 9 students took on more of a leadership role as the day went on” Outdoor Education 10,11,12 student Avery Drouin
For the elementary school students, teachers, support staff and administrators, Jenn shares, "THANK YOU for your support and for taking part in this day. I know you often lend a hand, or ask a leading question to help the day stay on track and work best for your students. I hope that it is also inspiring to see your past students now take on a leadership and teaching role with your current students. So many mentioned seeing “all” their teachers and really enjoying re-connecting."
Ms. Julie form the Kimberley Independent School summed up her thanks, “I just wanted to send a HUGE thank you to you and your students for the amazing day you put on yesterday! We were blown away by your organization of the day and by your students’ abilities to plan and run the stations so effectively. We had so much fun. All of the teachers gushed about how great the day was. We hope to be a part of this amazing day next year!”
Author: Jenn Meens - Selkirk Secondary School Outdoor Education Program