Students Take a Hike

Carlin Dykstra

            The Dunnville Secondary School (DSS) Trail Blazers class set out on Monday, February 27, for a three day long camping trip to enjoy the outdoors.

            Taught by Mark McCormack, Trail Blazers is a course designed to make students aware of the environment and the issues facing the world today. The class runs once a year and the students participate in many activities including the three day camping trip, bird banding, and an overnight kayaking trip at the end of the semester.

            The first day of the trip, the class boarded the bus, eager for the two hour bus ride to Blue Springs Camp in Acton, Ontario. Upon arrival, the class hiked for three hours and received their cabins.

            On Tuesday, the students began the day with a hike through the woods and participated in activities including an obstacle course, capture the flag, and Geocaching. When the sun went down, the class went on a night hike where flashlights were not permitted. After reaching the top of a steep, ice

covered hill, McCormack instructed the class to be silent for seven minutes. The students were amazed when the sounds of coyotes grew louder and louder.

            “The trip was an amazing experience to be out in the wild and to figure out what works and what doesn't in terms of winter survival. Despite the cold, it was a lot of fun,” said Trail Blazer, Emily Schilstra. “I would recommend for everyone to take this course.”

            On Wednesday, the Trail Blazers packed their bags and returned to DSS to tell their classmates about the amazing time they had on their trip.