Intertwined at Eco-Challenge

16 September 2024Savannah J, Alexandra ‘25

As the excitement of Orientation seems to pacify our new arrivals and nerves turn into anticipation for the year ahead, new and old students alike get to experience the last memorable event that wraps up Orientation.

Eco-Challenge is a long-standing tradition at Brentwood that is made up of several outdoor events including canoeing, single and double kayaking, swimming, portaging, fire-building, and paddle boarding with each brother-sister house competing against one another to finish first.

Although Eco-Challenge creates a competitive atmosphere for the boarding houses, at the heart of it, it is an event where students get to bask in the sun with their friends before the academic year truly starts. Elena F, Hope ‘25 states, “The atmosphere of Eco-Challenge is electric, even though we are competing and yelling, we’re all still friends in the end”. The cheering and chanting from all students whether it’s Alexandra House or Ellis House fills our glorious campus with a sense of exhilaration and fire, as this event sets up the Interhouse leaderboard.

Credit is due to Mr Norman, a faculty member at Brentwood and one of the teachers of our famous sport, Outdoor Pursuits, when recalling how seamlessly the event ran. Mr Norman’s tremendous efforts in preparation allowed all participants to be safe while competing. His spirit for the event calls for huge thanks when remembering how memorable the event was, especially for the Grade 12s. Ella W, Mackenzie ‘25 reminisces on the event as a “memorable final Eco-Challenge with Mack”. Thank you to all the volunteers, teachers, and especially, Mr Norman.

In the end, whether your house is the winner or loser is soon forgotten as the true purpose of the event is to set up the new school year’s foundations of family. Brentwood is one big family filled with spirit and joy and the boarding houses’ competition fuels the spirit. That’s why there really aren’t losers and winners at the end of Eco-Challenge, but one big community that is formed.

Savannah J, Alexandra ‘25

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