A group of nine Trinity College School students and two faculty chaperones spent the Victoria Day Break immersed in the natural world as they headed to an eco-lodge on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Throughout their five-day journey, the students learned about sustainable living, explored the local flora and fauna, and experienced the tranquility of living in concert with nature.
Led by Ms. Tiffany Bathurst and Mr. Scott Sanders, the students travelled to the O.U.R. EcoVillage, located on 25 acres near Shawnigan Lake. This collective, which began in 1999, serves as a model of sustainable community living. Taking part in this year’s trip were Mattox O., June K., Jaden L., Chelsea Q., Marina Z., Roman E., Isabella L., Grace P. and Vidushi B.
After a long day of travelling and orientation at the lodge, the group enjoyed dinner and a film: the award-winning documentary The Biggest Little Farm, which chronicles the creation of a sustainable farm near Los Angeles, California.
Each day of the trip started with a “morning circle” (a chance to gather and share thoughts as a group) followed by breakfast. Then, through games and hands-on activities, the students learned about different aspects of the local ecology. For example, students took a “Walk on the Wild Side” to find examples of permaculture, learned to make their own yogurt and granola, created compost, helped with chores around the farm such as gardening and working with the goats, as well as getting creative with craft and building projects (building sculptures from recycled materials, creating mosaics, constructing using cob).
The group explored the area, including a hike up Baldy Mountain, and had lots of time in the evening to bond through fun activities such as campfires, board games and karaoke!
On Sunday night, as the students prepared for the trip home the following day, they shared what they had learned and how their experiences might influence their own sustainability practices once they returned home.
The final morning circle on Monday was a time to express gratitude, for our wonderful hosts at the eco-lodge, for the opportunity to learn from and feel at peace in nature, and for the chance to share this experience as a group. When the plane touched down in Toronto, the students were tired but also immensely excited to tell their families all about their wonderful adventure!
