Sink or Swim: Meta 9 Cardboard Boat Challenge

3 October 2025Liza D, Mackenzie ‘26

The famous Brentwood Metamorphosis 9 program has been working tirelessly recently to prepare its handmade cardboard boats. These craft needed to be able to withstand the weight of a Grade 9 student and navigate a course of roughly 100 meters on the Saanich Inlet.

On a very sunny Tuesday, September 23 the boats set sail as spectators bet on who would sink and who would swim. “I can’t wait to see how our little boat does out there in the big, scary ocean,” Julia M, Mack ‘28, said as her group excitedly made their way to the starting line.

The boats were constructed from cardboard, tape, and garbage bags. Creativity and hard work were essential to the success of each group’s vessel, but the boats were far from boring as each group added their own spark with balloons, pictures, paint, and colour to make it stand out. With around 20 boats competing, the trials began as one brave little Grade 9 hopped into the boat and fearlessly paddled like their lives – and grades – depended on it. Each group member dressed up like the theme of their boat; a Barney costume, pirate hats, and even ski goggles were worn by the cheerleaders. Not only did the students enjoy their day, but the staff had a whale of a time! Mr. Scott Doehler was all decked out in his pirate costume, ready to make students walk the plank.

As the courageous sailors made their rounds, crowds of students in grades 10-12 came out to cheer them on as they either stayed dry and warm or sank into the chilly Pacific Ocean and came out a little wetter – but with triple the amount of joy.

A huge thanks goes out to all the Meta 9 teachers, as well as Mr. Steven Ross, who was there to ensure the safety of every student. Although the goal of the event was to learn and have fun with their peers, it was also a bit of a race, as Luca C, Ellis ‘28, said, “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, until you lose.” Do with that what you will.

The event was a huge success, and all who attended left with a smile on their faces and many stories to tell about their housemates and peers enduring the treacherous seas.

Additionally, this Cardboard Boat Challenge was one for the books as Mrs Sue Cheung, one of the science teachers of the Meta program, put it: “The sun was shining and the boats were floating and this year, for the first time in Meta history, we had a group fit all four participants in their boat.” This small square boat was engineered in such a way that all four of them could comfortably squeeze into it and make their way through the course. This was very impressive and deserves a huge shoutout to Hudson V, Grayson C, Cadence C, and Nevina M!

Stay tuned for more epic adventures from these fearless sailors!

Liza D, Mackenzie ‘26

Where Students Choose To Be