EX10DAYS: Fostering Adventure In The 10s

28 May 2024Christian M, Privett ‘26

As the warm sun shines amid the harsh bustle of AP exams, the Grade 10 students exercised their adventurous spirit by venturing into familiar and unknown experiences.

EX10DAYS, organized by the renowned Mr Dan Norman – Math and Outdoor Pursuits Teacher – gave the 10s the amazing opportunity to spend the Monday and Tuesday of May 6th and 7th attending various activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, white water rafting, yoga, and much more, providing them with various opportunities to disconnect from technology and immerse in nature, have enriching educational experiences, and learn new skills.

Surrounding ourselves with lush environments away from city lights, many students participated in activities that allowed them to connect with nature by spending time in the great outdoors. One of these activities, Outdoor Art, assigned students to walk around in nature and create art. Lily A, Hope ‘26 and one of the attendees, says “It was peaceful and I liked just doing my own thing”.

Taking place in one of Vancouver Island’s many beautiful forests, another one of the groups volunteered to help battle against invasive English Ivy. With laughter and chatter filling the forest, the students worked hard, doing their best to stop the spread of the ivy. Volunteer Zoe D, Allard ‘26 thinks that although it may not have been the most fun activity, “It was nice to get some fresh air outside the campus and spend some time with my friends”. In addition to this, the group was also taught about some of the history behind English Ivy in Canada and the effects it has on local ecosystems.

EX10DAYS gave students the opportunity to learn new skills such as stand-up paddleboarding, disc golf, scuba diving, and more. This gave students the chance to connect with one another, new opportunities for socialization in the future, and a taste of different hobbies we may pursue in the future. One of the paddleboarders, Keiran V, Privett ‘26, believes that “Paddleboarding is a very good skill to have, especially for me since I live next to an ocean”. Knowing how to paddleboard, for example, opens up more opportunities to connect with peers and relieve stress.

With the end of the year closing in, EX10DAYS has done well in providing a respite for the Grade 10 students as they cherish their last weeks of school, creating memorable experiences for everyone. Mr Cody Gibson, Contemporary Indigenous Studies Teacher and Metchosin Farm EXtenDAYS leader, states “[This EXtenDAYS] was my first time and it was extremely fantastic. I really felt that my three-day excursion was like no other because everyone can survive a day, however, after three days, everyone got very involved and started to enjoy their time there”.

Special thanks to all of the staff who made EX10DAYS possible!

Christian M, Privett ‘26

Where Students Choose To Be