by Sylene Argent
Grade six students from Windsor-based elementary school, St. Teresa of Calcutta, were pleased to put away their text books for a few days to learn hands-on outdoor skills at Camp Cedarwin last Wednesday through Friday.
The 53 students were excited to learn how to cook on an open fire, how to shoot a bow and arrow, how to handle a sling-shot, and conquer on the onsite ropes course through the annual Schools & Scouting Camp. They also enjoyed the opportunity to canoe and hike.
Scouts Canada has organized the camping experience for the students annually for the past 15 years. Scouters from local groups volunteer to run activities for the youth to enjoy. Steve Blain, Area Commissioner for Scouting, said Scouts Canada organizes the event ever year to provide an outdoor experience for the students, some who may never get to enjoy an experience like this one, otherwise.
The event allows the students to enjoy nature, he said. Through participation, students also build on their leadership and teamwork skills, based on some of the activities offered over the camp.
The event also introduces the youth to Scouts and all the organization has to offer. Before the camp, representatives of Scouts Canada headed out to the school to teach the students outdoor skills, including knot tying. These visit, though informative in helping the future campers prepare for the adventure, also got them excited to experience nature.
Teacher Ryan Bode noted that the students get excited to go to camp every year. It is an end-of-the-year celebration for the class.
The grade six class of St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School makes up a small portion of youth who get to enjoy Camp Cedarwin every year. Robert Boose, Co-Chairperson of Camp Cedarwin, said around 3000 youth attend the camp annually. The students typically come in groups from Scouts, schools, churches, or cadets. The outdoor training program is designed to get youth interested in enjoying and respecting nature.