Outdoor Pursuits
Students in the Outdoor Pursuits (ODP) program will cultivate a gentle footprint on the natural environment—a holistic stewardship concept that starts on our beautiful oceanfront campus and extends into the most stunning locales that Vancouver Island has to offer.
ODP opens the door to a range of kayaking, hiking, and camping adventures … some that launch straight off of the Brentwood docks. Fall term teaches kayak wet exits and basic safety, followed by proper forward stroke technique, basic handling of the kayak, and care of the equipment. Parallel with this, students in the fall term learn to use camping equipment such as camp stoves, tarps, and tents. A highlight of the fall term is the multi-day circumnavigation of Salt Spring Island, where senior students camp at majestic beaches in between paddling the coastal waters of BC’s famed Gulf Islands.
In the winter term, experienced Grade 11 and 12 students can become student leaders for the younger grades—supporting kayak and camping skills development, while enjoying day hikes, paddles on the bay, and even canoe polo. Our spring term is open to all students and offers a special focus in whitewater kayaking, culminating in a regional kayak event on the Cowichan River.
