Being Intentional about Building Culture

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This post is modified from the original posted on my school website.

I spent 3 days last week accompanying about 300 grade 9s and 100 grade 12s on our annual trip to Muskoka Woods, a beloved tradition which at the surface, seems like a fun and frivolous orientation, but it is so much more than that.

Challenge vs Opportunity

An endeavour like this does not come with an abundance of planning and sacrifice. Three teachers work hard the entire school year to make the event a success, and at least 20 teachers are needed to supervise. Then there is the possibility of kids getting injured and the hardship of having to provide supply coverage for the teachers who are away. But to me, there are so many more opportunities than challenges. We talk about risk-taking and resilience and the importance of school culture, and this experience had it all! I met so many grade 9s who, when they come to the Library Learning Commons for Library Orientation, will already have seen me in a context other than school. I also got to meet and get to know new teachers and other teachers I don’t necessarily get to see regularly.

Character and Skill Building

Grade 9 students were put into several different groups throughout the trip and put in situations where they experience activities, take risks, and meet people they would never normally meet. It is amazing to see students blossom over the course of the three day trip. I sat with one young girl who was having a panic attack from being away from home on Day 1, who smiled and laughed and participated willingly by Day 3. The planned activities also include experiences that many students have never had before. There is a focus on collaboration and teamwork, risk-taking and of course, fun!

The Muskoka trip was very fun. Throughout the way we conquered some fears. For example, I went on the Giant Swing and conquered my fear of heights. We were forced to talk to different people by using activities like balancing on a board with everyone on it. The staff and leaders were the main reason I loved it. –Jonah

Mentorship

The grade 9s not only meet each other, but they are constantly in the company of grade 12 leaders who are positive and encouraging (this was their primary mandate). This mentor/mentee relationship often extends throughout the school year. Throughout the three days, you could see and hear the grade 12 encouraging and cajoling the younger students. The scariest thing about starting high school is the feeling of not knowing anything, but because of Carter Muskoka, that

What was really great about this Muskoka trip was how friendly and welcoming all the grade 12s were. It really made you feel special and confident in making new friends. –Deanna M & Isabel L

The leaders energy was amazing and helped us feel welcomed, excited, and have a great time. They made things fun, not awkward. They helped us to feel more confident about speaking up. They were really a huge part of why we loved Muskoka! –Victoria and Julianna

Community & Faith

Cardinal Carter is a community of faith. This becomes very evident over the three days at camp but especially on two occasions. Dwayne Samuel, a Phys Ed teacher at my school, traditionally leads a “Light Ceremony” in which he motivates students to be a light for others. This year, some of the grade 12 leaders shared their own personal stories.

We also celebrate mass together as a school community.  And then, the students, who spent three days competing in “colour groups” come together as one family. Adamo Cresenzi, Vice President of Student Council said it best, “We came as individual colours, but we leave Carter green and gold.”

Leadership

It is amazing to see the grade 12 leaders flourish as well. In grade 11, students apply to be a Muskoka leader. They then have a training session in the Spring, where candidates are further weeded out. They spend time in the summer organizing activities and then during the trip, they run the entire show. In education we talk about life-long learning, transferable skills, and leadership, but never are these skills as much as during the Muskoka Woods. The fact that students not only get to experience Muskoka in grade 9, but then can apply to become leaders in their senior year, is an experiential learning opportunity students don’t often get.

I feel like this Muskoka experience has changed the grade 12 leaders. We will take this experience back to Carter and encourage the rest of the grade 12s to lead the grade 9s into a successful first year. –Isabel E

On a personal note, the zipline absolutely terrified me! Notice how long it took me to count down and how encouraging my colleague Leo was beside me. My arms are still hurting from gripping the rope so tightly, but I am glad I did it!

So maybe it’s not an overnight camp…

  • What can you intentionally do for students to experience something a little different, outside of their comfort zone?
  • How might you go into the community (Escape Room, outdoor scavenger hunt, etc…) and engage in an experience where team building is a priority? For staff? for Students?
  • What leadership and mentorship opportunities can you offer your older grades to interact with younger grades?

Would love to hear what you do!

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