OUTDOOR EDUCATION
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WELCOME TO OUTDOOR EDUCATION! At Brockton, we believe that time spent outdoors in nature is a vital part of a child’s healthy physical and emotional development. Complementary to our academic programming, our Outdoor Education programming is designed to support a holistic approach to education. Every student at Brockton School has the opportunity to participate in the Outdoor Education program, a program which has been purposebuilt to provide a safe, playful, and age-appropriate outdoor learning environment. Brockton’s campus is situated at the edge of Lynn Canyon Park, which provides 617 acres of second-growth forest, ideal for the outdoor classroom. In Outdoor Education, students are challenged to develop self-management and social skills, connect meaningfully to local landscapes, and develop a sense of environmental stewardship.
INSPIRING THE GROWTH OF OUTSTANDING HUMANS
JUNIOR SCHOOL From the early years onward, students at Brockton engage in naturebased experiences that nurture curiosity, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Outdoor Education fosters transdisciplinary learning by encouraging students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts, promoting deeper understanding and reflection.
JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN Students in Junior Kindergarten spend daily outside time in the Little and Big Woods on campus; this is intentionally woven into afternoon schedules. Students enjoy the weekly Friday Field Trip to Lynn Canyon, where they spend the morning discovering, collaborating, and learning about our natural environment. The children are also proud gardeners and learn to grow and care for their classroom crops. Field trips in JK may include visiting the Ecology Center, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and exploring the woods of Lynn Canyon.
KINDERGARTEN Each week, Kindergarten students participate in “Woodlands Wednesday,” an afternoon dedicated entirely to outdoor learning. During this time, children immerse themselves in nature through various engaging activities such as building forts, identifying local plants and animals, and exploring the natural world around them. These hands-on experiences and moments of guided play spark curiosity about the environment and help students build important life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Our Outdoor Education program encourages a deep appreciation for the outdoors while fostering a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age. Kindergarten field trips further enrich this learning, with visits to places like the Vancouver Aquarium, Whytecliff Park, the wooded trails of Lynn Canyon, and community walks through the local neighbourhood.
GRADES 1-5: DAILY OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING Students in Grades 1-5 engage in 80 minutes of Outdoor Education each week. Learning experiences evolve in complexity as students grow, providing authentic opportunities to revisit concepts with increasing depth. Through inquiry-based learning in diverse natural environments, students build independence, resilience, and an enduring connection to the land. Field experiences may include: Loutet Farm, Maplewood Flats, Grouse Mountain, Whytecliff Park, and more.
Extended Outdoor Programming Grade 3 Extended Day Program - Grade 3 students participate in an enriching extended day program at the Cheakamus Centre in Squamish. They engage in the Longhouse Program, where they are welcomed into a traditional Coast Salish longhouse and experience Indigenous stories, songs, and hands-on cultural activities. The Field Study program complements this with explorations of local ecosystems, including pond studies and plant identification. This immersive experience supports personal growth, environmental stewardship, and a deeper connection to the natural world and each other. Trip Date TBC. Grade 4 Overnight Programming - In September, students in Grade 4 can participate in an overnight program at Gibson Farm. This trip focuses on personal development, community building, and a connection to food and land. From field to plate, students will experience real life on a farm; harvesting food for meals and cooking together, hands-on farm work, storytelling and music by the fire. Students will make deep connections to curriculum learning objectives while having an unforgettable camp experience. Trip Dates are September 21st - September 23rd, 2026. Grade 5 Overnight Program - Sasamat Outdoor Education is an Outdoor Adventure-Based Program that allows students to learn, challenge themselves, and build connections through hands-on experiences in the natural environment. The program combines adventure, teamwork, leadership, and outdoor skill development through activities such as rock climbing, high ropes, raft building, canoeing, kayaking, archery, orienteering, shelter building, and camp-wide games. Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, work collaboratively, solve problems, communicate effectively, and develop confidence and resilience through a variety of physical and experiential challenges. With the forest, lake, and camp setting as the classroom, Sasamat provides an engaging and memorable experience that blends adventure, outdoor learning, personal growth, and community building. Trip Dates are October 14th - October 16th, 2026.
SENIOR SCHOOL The Senior School Outdoor Education Program offers students a meaningful journey of exploration, personal growth, and self-discovery during a pivotal stage of their social, emotional, and academic development. Whether tackling challenging hikes, collaborating on ropes courses, or engaging in sustainable environmental practices, students build resilience, sharpen problem-solving skills, and deepen their connection to the natural world. We believe experiential learning is an important part of the student experience. In the Senior School, each grade level participates in one major trip each year, complemented by a range of day programs and extracurricular opportunities. These include our popular Whistler Ski & Snowboard Day and, for Grades 6 and 7, climbing, bouldering, as well as mountain biking programs offered through our extracurricular activities.
GRADE 6-7 PROGRAM Bi-Weekly Programming Students in the Grade 6-7 program participate in Outdoor Education every two weeks for 60 minutes. These sessions mark a shift toward increased independence, introducing students to camp craft, leadership development, and team-building. Students begin to take greater ownership of their outdoor learning and develop skills in lifelong outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, and hiking. These experiences foster autonomy, resilience, and a sense of adventure. Overnight Program (Camp Summit, Squamish Valley) The Grade 6 and 7 overnight experience at Camp Summit provides a dynamic environment for students to engage in outdoor challenges, including high ropes, hiking, climbing, and wilderness skills. With a focus on collaboration and personal growth, students participate in activities designed to build leadership, communication, and self-confidence. Camp Summit encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, strengthen peer relationships, and develop a strong sense of self within a supportive and inspiring natural setting. Trip Dates are October 5th - October 7th, 2026.
GRADE 8-9 PROGRAM Students in Grades 8 and 9 take part in a 3-night outdoor learning experience that supports personal and community development. Grade 8 students remain on-site for a program that includes canoeing, high ropes, wilderness skills, hiking, and leadership-focused activities. Grade 9 students build on these foundations by taking part in a studentsupported, off-site overnight backcountry camping expedition. Through collaborative planning and hands-on experience, they explore leadership strategies, develop group decision-making skills, and reflect on team dynamics in a safe and supported setting. These experiences help students build confidence, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and deepen their sense of responsibility toward themselves and their peers. Trip Dates are April 27th - April 30th, 2027.
GRADE 10 PROGRAM Sechelt Inlet Kayaking Expedition Students in Grade 10 participate in a 2-night kayaking expedition in Sechelt Inlet, an ideal environment for developing foundational expedition and outdoor living skills. During this journey, students build confidence on the water as they develop paddling techniques, navigation awareness, and safety practices essential for sea kayaking. On land, they practice basic campcraft, including shelter setup, fire-building, and outdoor cooking. Exploration of the local intertidal zones enriches the experience, offering students the opportunity to observe and learn about the rich biodiversity of the inlet’s marine ecosystem. Through these hands-on experiences, students grow their understanding of responsible travel, environmental stewardship, and the skills needed to thrive in a group expedition setting. Trip dates are May 3rd - May 5th, 2027.
GRADE 11 PROGRAM Whistler Winter Experience Grade 11 students embark on a winter adventure in Whistler, engaging in uniquely Canadian outdoor experiences. Students take part in biathlon, skeleton, and snowshoeing, gaining hands-on experience in winter sports. Staying in shared cabins, students take responsibility for planning and preparing their own meals, developing independence and collaboration through group living. The experience fosters resilience, organization, and self-reliance while encouraging students to explore the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Sea to Sky region. Trip Dates are March 3rd - March 5th, 2027.
GRADE 12 PROGRAM Tofino Graduation Journey In June, graduating students celebrate the culmination of their Outdoor Education journey with a final trip to the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. Through surfing, sea kayaking, and coastal hikes, students reconnect with nature and each other. Designed as a meaningful close to their time at Brockton, this trip offers students a chance to reflect, connect, and celebrate together in a beautiful coastal setting. Shared meals, time around the fire, and exploration of intertidal ecosystems create space for lasting memories and thoughtful conversations about the road ahead. Trip Dates are June 14th - June 17th, 2027.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH - GOLD TRIP The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at Brockton School empowers students to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Through service, skill development, physical recreation, and adventurous journeys, students build leadership, resilience, and confidence while pursuing personal goals. As students progress through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels of the Award, they develop a spirit of volunteerism, strengthen their outdoor skills, and gain experiences that prepare them for success both in school and beyond. Trip Dates are June 7th - June 10th, 2027.
ATTENDANCE Outdoor Education is a core component of the Brockton School experience, designed to support student growth, connection, and learning beyond the classroom. As such, students are expected to participate fully in all Outdoor Education programming. Trip dates are shared with families in advance to help prioritize attendance and minimize scheduling conflicts. If a student is unable to attend - for medical or other extenuating reasons - families should notify both the Outdoor Education staff and the student’s classroom or advisory teacher as early as possible to allow for thoughtful planning and support. Students who do not attend are required to complete an alternative learning assignment designed to reflect the skills and concepts explored during the trip. Participation and learning from Outdoor Education trips will be included and reflected in student reports.
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