A Lifetime Of Memories In Three Days: A Graduation Trip Story - Part 2 (The Experience)
If you missed part 1 check out my previous post where I introduced our annual grade 8 graduation trip. This is something we have been doing for 10 years now, since our first graduating class. It is a trip that students look forward to from the time they reach grade 6. It is an educational trip to St. Donat, Quebec where the kids will spend 3 days skiing and participating in French Cultural activities. This post is all about the experience our students have.
The downhill skiing each day is just one component of the trip for our kids. The remainder of our time is made up of a variety of cultural and physical activities. The whole group of 80 kids is split up into different groups based on legends they will learn about. These legends are cultural folklore of Quebec and the St. Donat area. These are stories that have been passed down through generations of francophone speaking people. A whole post could be dedicated to the legends alone. The students are engaged in the stories through drama, art, and music, They are immersed in the legends to a point where they are almost part of them. In fact, several students get to take part in the big ending show where all the legends are acted out through a musical and dramatic performance.
The various activities that take up the rest of our time include:
Language workshops | Musical activities | Exercises in oral expression |
---|---|---|
Dance | Cross-country skiing | Snowshoeing |
Outdoor relays | Tubing | Skating |
Students are kept active and engaged right up until 8 PM. After dinner, we head out to do snowshoeing under the stars and tubing. The nighttime effect gives a different dimension to the activities. Light is not an issue as there is a full moon and the snow-covered paths almost glow in the moonlight. After dinner on the second night, we head over to the outdoor skating trail. This is an amazing 2-kilometer trail that has been carved out through the woods. It is maintained and groomed by the town and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The trail is lit up by lights all along the edges. Skating on a trail like this is such a unique experience and is truly enjoyed by all.
In the evenings after all the activities are done the kids are treated to some fun entertainment. On the first night, there is a theatrical performance all about the rules and expectations of the stay at St. Donat. It is absolutely hilarious as it is done in the theme of Star Wars. The second evening students are asked to showcase their skills in a talent show. This is a great opportunity to learn about special talents that students have that we may not have been aware of. These talents can range from solving a Rubik's cube super fast to singing and dancing to performing some gymnastics move. The kids are always thrilled by the show. On the final night, we are treated to a cultural spectacle. Each of the legends that students have learned about is told through song and drama. We get to see the legends acted out while listening to the songs that have passed the stories down through generations. The best part is that many students get to act in these presentations and show us their improve skills. During each show, the students can win prizes based on how much effort they have been putting into speaking French during our stay. Students receive tickets for participating in French that can be drawn for prizes.
After three days of activities and fun the students finish up their final morning of skiing and we are set to board the bus for home. This has to be the absolute quietest bus ride with grade 8 students you are ever going to experience. Before separating we stop to pick up our lunch. Every student gets a fresh homemade bakery sandwich with a dessert and a drink. The sandwiches might be my favourite part of the trip. The 3 ½ hours home goes quickly as most people are exhausted from the events of the past three days and many spend the trip home sleeping. There is quiet chatter about the fun had and memories created. This is an experience that will be long looked at as one of the best moments of their young lives.
In the final installment, the kids have arrived home and the excitement is being shared with families and friends. Will this be the last time students from our school get to experience this? Will students who are already looking forward to this moment next year be in store for disappointment? Stay tuned for the 3rd and final part.
Images: 1
All other pictures were taken by me
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