Brockton School Outdoor Education

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.

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 Sept 17-19, 2025.

Grade 5 Overnight Program - Students participating in the overnight program with Sea to Sky School are based out of the beautiful Camp Fircom, nestled in a stunning natural environment. This immersive experience invites students to explore the connections between ecosystems, communities, and themselves through hands-on activities and meaningful outdoor learning. With engaging lessons in environmental science, Indigenous knowledge, and team-building challenges, students deepen their understanding of their place in the web of life while developing confidence, resilience, and leadership. Trip Dates are Sept 10-12, 2025.

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.

Throughout the academic year, students in Grades 6 through 12 participate in a variety of Outdoor Education trips, guided by Brockton’s dedicated Outdoor Education staff and experienced partners. Past adventures have included rock climbing, bouldering, mountain biking, sea kayaking, hiking, skiing and snowboarding, whitewater rafting, snowshoeing, skating, and cross-country skiing.

GRADE 6-7 PROGRAM 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 6-8, 2025.

GRADE 8-9 PROGRAM Strathcona Park Lodge: In April, 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 leadershipfocused activities. Grade 9 students build on these foundations by taking part in a student-supported, off-site overnight backcountry camping expedition. Through collaborative planning and handson 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 7-10, 2026.

Grade 10 – 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 27-29, 2026.

Grade 11 – 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 4-6, 2026 Grade 12 – 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 8 - 11, 2026.

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