On April 24, Indigenous students in Grades 6-12 across Durham Catholic District School Board joined together for a fun filled day at Claremont Nature Centre in Pickering. This day is one of the outings offered to members of the Indigenous Student Circle (ISC). Students took part in a series of outdoor activities that were led by the amazing team at Claremont Nature Centre with some help from DCDSB Indigenous Graduation Coaches and Indigenous Education Team.
During the morning, the ISC took part in team building activities which included a low-ropes course, a balance bridge, and traversing a path with only one safe route! During these activities the students communicated their ideas, shared their knowledge, and worked together to complete tasks. What started out as a quiet morning soon turned to smiles, laughter, and community.
Later on, students were joined by James from the Claremont team to introduce a geocaching adventure. Before heading off into the bush, students gathered into teams to compete for the title of Turtle Race Champions which helped lighten the group up after a delicious lunch!
For geocaching, students were equipped with a Garmin satellite GPS which included 8-waypoints for the students to walk to. At each point the students had to look up high, down low, and in those cracks and crevices that exist throughout a natural area to find what they were looking for! To end the festivities, students spent time around the campfire talking, sharing stories and recounting their favourite parts of the day, and roasting marshmallows.
Thank you to Brianna, Vicky, James, and the Claremont staff for their hospitality and for being a big part of this amazing day for the Indigenous Student Circle. The students had an amazing time and their smiles, laughter, and willingness to participate are a testament to the work of the Claremont staff.
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