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.

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Mar. 29th, 2011 – Kitchen Session at Brickworks

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

Another great day with the Healthy Choices Program!  On Monday, March 28, we went to Brickworks for one of the kitchen sessions.  Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, watch out…here comes the YMCA Academy!  In this session, students learned about reading labels and how to compare products to make the best choice.  We learned that if we can’t pronounce or don’t recognize an ingredient, then it’s not healthy food.  We also learned about shopping the periphery of a grocery store and to stay away from the packaged food in the middle.  Students worked in three teams to prepare a feast of spicy salsa, guacamole and corn chips, yummy home-made mac and cheese, and delicious oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, all made with fresh healthy ingredients.  Afterwards, we enjoyed the fruits of our labour and sat down for a family-style meal.  Well done, Academy chefs!

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Mar. 25th, 2011 – Student speaks at SKC launch

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Community, Events

Families gathered at YMCAs across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) February 21st, 2011 to celebrate Family Day and kick off the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, which raises money so more kids can participate in life-enhancing YMCA programs.

“The YMCA is like a second home to me,” said Alex, a YMCA Academy student who has benefited from the Strong Kids Campaign. ”I’ve been able to discover my skills and passions, meet new friends and accomplish more than I ever thought I could.“

Academy student speaking during the SKC kick-off.
Metrocentral YMCA SKC kick-off

Speakers at the SKC kick-off event at Metrocentral YMCA.

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Mar. 7th, 2011 – Our Health Our Future Launch

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Community

The official launch of the Our Health Our Future: A National Dialogue on Healthy Weights Website took place at Metro Central YMCA today. Academy students were present during the live demonstration and had the opportunity to meet Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq and YMCA Canada CEO Scott Haldane.

“This site is an interactive forum that lets Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments get input from citizens, communities, industry and other stakeholders across the country to start thinking about ways to reduce childhood overweight and obesity. It also allows Canadians across the country to connect with each other to share their ideas about how to promote healthy weights for children and youth.”

Academy students during the launch of the Our Health Our Future Website.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq speaking about the new Website.
Academy students with YMCA Canada CEO Scott Haldane and Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq.

Visit the Our Health Our Future Website

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Mar. 1st, 2011 – Outdoor Session at Brickworks

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

Yesterday, part of the school went to Brickworks as Part of the Healthy Choices program, and participated in our first outdoor session.  We had an invigorating afternoon outside learning about some of the native plant species on site, and learning how to make an outdoor fire – even in slushy, wet and wintery conditions.  Brian and Michelle took us into the woods to collect appropriate firewood, showed us how to prep wood to make it usable for a fire, and how to build both a log-cabin and teepee style fire.  We soon discovered that we had a few survivor men in our midst, as they worked diligently to start a fire despite the brisk breeze.  Our afternoon was capped off with a warm cup of delicious cedar tea.  Thanks to Brickworks for another great day!

Academy students learning about native plant species.
Academy students learning how to make an outdoor fire in wet conditions.
Students warming up delicious cedar tea over an open fire.

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