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
The Junior School Outdoor Education Program provides a unique educational experience where students engage with nature as their classroom. Through hands-on, experiential learning outdoors, students develop a deep appreciation for the natural world, and cultivate essential life skills. The program encourages curiosity, creativity, and resilience as students explore, problem-solve, and take risks in a safe and supportive environment. With the intention of developing environmental stewardship, the program nurtures a lifelong love for nature and fosters a strong sense of connection to the world around them.
Students in Grade 3-5 have the opportunity to participate in an overnight Outdoor Education trip. Prior to overnight trips, parents will receive a Parent Information Letter that describes the trips in detail.
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
Every week, Kindergarten students have the opportunity to participate in “Woodlands Wednesdays”, where they spend the entire afternoon outdoors in nature. During this time, they engage in a range of outdoor activities such as building forts, identifying plants and animals, and exploring the natural world around them.
Through hands-on experiences and guided play, students not only learn about the wonders of the natural world but also develop key skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. By fostering a love for the environment and teaching children to appreciate the world around them, our nature school program helps to develop a sense of environmental responsibility.
Field trips in Kindergarten may include visiting the Vancouver Aquarium and the VanDusen Botanical Gardens, exploring the woods of Lynn Canyon, and taking community walks through the neighbourhood.
GRADES 1 & 2
With weekly time woven into their schedule, students in Grades 1 and 2 can expect 80 minutes of outdoor learning activities per week. Our Grade 1 and 2 students often take advantage of on-site learning spaces, and can expect to travel off-site for some special field trips to Loutet Farm, Maplewood Farms, Lynn Canyon, and to the local ice rink.
GRADE 3
With weekly time woven into their schedule, students can expect 80 minutes of outdoor learning activities per week. Students in Grade 3 spend more time off campus including visiting Maplewood Flats Conservation Area, ice skating, snowshoeing, and trips to Lynn Canyon.
In May, students in Grade 3 can also expect an overnight program at Cheakamus Centre.
This trip focuses on personal development and community building, and is facilitated through carefully selected experiential learning activities. Spending one night away from home and family allows students an opportunity to practice some personal independence, and space to safely build self-confidence and resilience. Students will try new things (new foods, new activities, new beds) as they learn what it means to embody being a risk-taker. The selected activities provide students with an exciting atmosphere for positive risk taking, individual growth, and group problem solving and teamwork.
This trip allows students to explore their natural environment, discovering an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, hiking trails, forests, salmon spawning channels, and ponds. At the Cheakamus Centre students participate in the Skw’une-was Program, which was developed in conjunction with Squamish Elders and introduces students to traditional Coast Salish life - including participation in traditional activities (plant gathering, wood working, cedar bark working, wool weaving, and hunting/fishing), and ceremonial song and dance. Together, students will prepare meals using time-honored cooking methods and learn how to cook bannock over the fire. Hands-on experiential learning is foundational in this program.
GRADE 4
With weekly time woven into their schedule, students can expect 80 minutes of outdoor learning activities per week. Grade 4 students spend even more time off campus and field trips students may may include Whytecliff Park Intertidal Study, ice skating, trips to Lynn Canyon, snowshoeing, and the Whistler Schools on Snow program.
In September, students in Grade 4 can participate in an overnight program at Gibsons 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. Gibson’s farm educators are certified teachers with years of experience passionately combining outdoor education with farming and food. Happening early in the year, this trip aims to create a strong community foundation for the months ahead.
GRADE 5
With weekly time woven into their schedule, students can expect 120 minutes of outdoor learning activities per week. Grade 5 students often travel off-campus on field trips that include Loutet Farm, ice skating, trips to Lynn Canyon, Britannia Mine Museum, snowshoeing, the Whistler Schools on Snow program, Lighthouse Park, and Terra Nova Park.
In September, students in Grade 5 can also expect an overnight program with Sea to Sky Outdoor School.
This trip focuses on personal development, community building, and environmental stewardship. Facilitated activities in wild places engage students in expanding their comfort zones and connecting with the wisdom that can be found in the wild. They will develop their confidence, curiosity, and vision of themselves as resilient humans and leaders. Happening early in the year, this trip aims to create a strong community foundation for the months ahead.
On this trip students will have the opportunity to paddle canoes, hike, learn wilderness skills, connect and build community, walk barefoot in the forest, and identify how their actions and the actions of others affects their community and natural environment.
SENIOR SCHOOL
The Senior School Outdoor Education Program offers a journey of exploration, growth, and self-discovery for students during a crucial time in their social, emotional, and academic development. Whether navigating challenging hikes, building teamwork on ropes courses, or practicing environmental sustainability, the program cultivates resilience, problem-solving skills, and a deep connection to the natural world. This transformative experience empowers students to become compassionate leaders, critical thinkers, and global citizens ready to embrace the challenges of the future.
Throughout the academic year, students in Grades 6-12 will participate in Outdoor Education trips under the supervision of Brockton Outdoor Education staff and various service providers. In the past, Brockton students have participated in activities such as; rockclimbing, bouldering, mountain biking, sea kayaking, hiking, skiing & snowboarding, whitewater rafting, snowshoeing, skating, and cross country skiing.
Students in Grade 6-12 have the opportunity to participate in an overnight Outdoor Education trip. Prior to overnight trips, parents will receive a Parent Information Letter that describes the trips in detail.
GRADE 6
Grade 6 students will have time woven into their timetable on scheduled Outdoor Education days throughout the year. Students can expect off-campus day trips that may include kayaking, snowshoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and more.
In October, students in Grade 6 can expect an overnight program at Camp Summit. In this program, students will participate in activities such as low and high ropes courses, rock climbing, mountain biking, archery, bouldering, and wilderness survival skills.
GRADE 7
Grade 7 students will have time woven into their timetable on scheduled Outdoor Education days throughout the year. Students can expect off-campus day trips that may include kayaking, snowshoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and more.
In May, students in Grade 7 can expect a 2 night overnight camping program at the Millard Learning Centre, facilitated by the Galiano Conservancy.
Students can expect to spend 2 nights camping near the waterfront of this southern gulf island. Students will learn basic frontcountry outdoor camping skills and hike through mature forests and along coastlines. Additionally, students will learn about First People’s traditional ecological knowledge through native plant study, and explore the marine life found along the intertidal zones.
GRADES 8 & 9
In October, students in Grade 8/9 can expect a 3 night overnight program at Strathcona Park Lodge.
On the Grade 8 Outdoor Education trip students remain on-site at the lodge to participate in activities such as canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, wilderness skills, high ropes, zipline line and leadership activities. The Grade 9 Outdoor Education trip takes students off-site to plan and execute a one-night backcountry camping experience. Students develop leadership skills, and backcountry wilderness camping skills in a fun and safe environment.
GRADE 10
In May, students in Grade 10 can expect a 2 night overnight backcountry Sechelt Inlet Kayak Trip.
The Grade 10 Outdoor Education trip introduces students to the concepts of expeditionary leadership in a wilderness setting. Wilderness settings and multi-day expeditions enable students to practice different leadership and communication models so that they can learn about their own leadership style and its impact on a group. On this excursion students will consider their own personal leadership style, and how best they can contribute to their peer community.
The Grade 10 program is a three day expedition offering students the opportunity for an kayak exploration of Sechelt Inlet. Students will have the option to move camp each night, or the establishment of a ‘homebase’ camp, giving them the ability to do day trips and paddling activities from a singular launch location.
GRADE 11
In March, students in Grade 11 can expect an overnight winter adventure program at Silverstar Mountain Resort.
The Grade 11 Outdoor Education Trip allows students to explore winter outdoor recreation pursuits in an area unique to British Columbia. Students learn basic to advanced skills (ability dependent), for Alpine Skiing or Snowboarding, Classic Nordic Skiing, and Snowshoeing. Accommodation is in ski chalets, where students cook their own meals with peers.
GRADE 12
In June, graduating students in Grade 12 can expect an overnight program in Tofino.
The Grade 12 Grad Outdoor Education trip is a celebration of leadership as our oldest students finish their final year at Brockton. There will be opportunities for students to spend time with friends and classmates while exploring the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. This program safely introduces students to a variety of activities unique to this area including surfing, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), sea kayaking, and hiking. Students will spend time at the beach playing games, building fires, and exploring intertidal zones.
www.brocktonschool.com | @brocktonschool 3467 Duval Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3E8