Field Trip to Outward Bound, Friday, April 29

WEATHER UPDATE: Please dress for the temperature!

Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Eco-Literacy, Environmental Stewardship, Group Facilitation, High School Credit, Leadership Training, Natural History ... these are some of the uncommon offerings coming to your neighbourhood. Outward Bound, says Wikipedia, "is an international, non-profit, independent, outdoor education organization with approximately 40 schools around the world and 200,000 participants per year." Check out this Breakfast Television feature for a preview of the place.


Right here in Toronto, we've been privileged to be among the first organizations to be invited to tour their Open House at Evergreen Brick Works. Our MicroSkills LINC 4 - 5 class will be among the first to participate in Outward Bound's brand-new "urban base camp" in the middle of our city. Although the regular cost for a three-week program for Grade 11 and 12 children is $1,700, admission is free for us. Also, there will be healthy snacks available to all, according to the website. Activities there include:

• Climb our 60-foot high ropes “Challenge Tower” - view photos at Facebook
• Scale our 30-foot Climbing Wall
• Scamper up our Climbing Boulder in the historic Brick Works Kiln building
• Leadership Initiative Activities to develop teambuilding and problem solving skills
• Motivational presentations by inspiring staff members including a Mt. Everest climber
• Guided ravine hikes and site tours
• Tasty (but healthy) traditional and creative trail treats and light refreshments
• Presentations on Outward Bound Canada’s Urban Adventure and high school credit programs
• Outward Bound Canada Staff and Instructors will be on hand to help connect you and your students, school, family members or community group with the opportunities for exciting adventure-based learning at the Brick Works.

Please meet at Sheppard Yonge Subway Station at 8:45 a.m. As we have a booking for 10 a.m., we'll need to leave the southbound platform of Sheppard Yonge at 8:50 a.m. to get to Broadview Station by 9:30 a.m., where we will catch a shuttle bus to Evergreen Brick Works, where Outward Bound Canada is located. Let's not be late because the shuttle bus comes half hourly and seating is limited (about 24 in each bus): "Take main exit to Broadview Avenue and walk north one block north to Erindale Avenue and catch the free (large white) shuttle bus to the Brick Works that leaves every half hour, starting at 9.15am and takes under 10 minutes."

You can also drive (parking is $6) or walk there from Castle Frank Subway Station if you would rather not take the shuttle bus. Do bring your cameras, good walking shoes, and completed-and-signed risk-waiver forms. And welcome to the great Canadian outdoors! What a way to round out our week on the theme of a healthy lifestyle!