May 17th, 2011 – Safe bike riding at Brickworks

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning, Healthy Living

Yesterday, we participated in a Bike Workshop as part of our Healthy Choices Program.  We learned about safe riding (including helmets and bike checks), hand signaling and did some safety drills.  We then took the bikes out on the Rosedale Ravine trails for a bit of a muddy tour of the surrounding area.  We not only got out into our environment – it also got all over us!  It’s a good reminder for city folks that we don’t have to go far to experience real nature.  Thanks to Shah and Brian for a great workshop and ride.

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May 10th, 2011 – Kitchen Session at Brickworks

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

For our 3rd Kitchen Session. Students, staff and volunteers mastered their cooking skills by tackling recipes for chicken quesadillas, guacamole, and fruit smoothies. Students left with an arsenal of healthy snack ideas and the skills to cook them.

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May 3rd, 2011 – Outward Bound Open House Pics

YMCA Academy Community, Experiential Learning, Healthy Living

The Academy Healthy Active Living classes were invited to participate in the Outward Bound Open House on Friday April 29th.

Despite rainy weather students trekked through the downtown hiking path network to the Brickworks site where they had an opportunity to:

  • Climb a 9m climbing wall
  • Climb a 18m challenge tower
  • Boulder on an indoor  bouldering wall
  • Attend a motivational presentations by inspiring staff members including a Mt. Everest climber

Thanks to Outward Bound for the invitation! We had an amazing afternoon!

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Apr. 18th, 2011 – The Green Living Show Trip

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning

On Friday, students form the Environment class went to check out the Green Living Show at the Direct Energy Centre.  It included booths about green energy, home products, green businesses, home and garden, food and health.

Academy students at the Green Living Show, Friday April 15th.

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Apr. 12th, 2011 – Outdoor Orienteering Pictures

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

This week at Brickworks, we learned that people can get around without relying on a GPS (no, seriously!) as we gained outdoor orienteering experience!  We learned about mapping skills and how to use a map and compass, as we roamed and explored all of the trails and habitats around the Brickworks valley ecosystem.  It was a lovely day to walk around and explore the area, as we marked native trees, waterways, animals and plants on our maps. We discovered that spring has truly sprung, as we spotted the first wild tulips of the season.

(Note: The following part works best when read with David Attenborough’s accent.)  We also spotted a rare variety of the “scampering teenager” as we traversed the slopes of the old Brickworks pit in search of the ultimate feast of “trail mix”. The young males of the species often go head to head in an effort to secure the energy necessary to make the long trek home.  Alas, today was a peaceful struggle, and the pride of students returned safely to their migrational pattern.

Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!