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1ST Paris Scouts plant trees in recognition of the Queen and Truth and Reconciliation Day

The 1st Paris Scouting group gathered recently for the 34th Brotherhood Camp at Camp Impeesa, just outside of Paris. To start the day, two trees were planted; a Sugar Maple tree to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II for her long reign and love of Canada and a River Birch to celebrate Truth and Reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples. These trees are at the top of Ebor Park where everyone can see them and remember these important events. Also, October 14th & 15th will be Apple Day and 1st Paris appreciates community support. If you see a Scout, grab an apple and make a donation!

Photo submitted by Sheila Sager

High School students connect with nature

Grade 11 students from Garth Webb Secondary School in Oakville ventured into rural territory earlier this week during a field trip to Five Oaks. While visiting the facility, just off Bethel Road, the high school students met with Tara Carpenter, owner of GROWE Outdoor School. They hiked the Carolinian Forest surrounding the heritage Grand River, caught their own lunch and brought it back to camp where Carpenter showed them how to filet and cook the trout. Carpenter operates a nature immersion-based program with an inquiry playbased learning atmosphere for children ages 412. Learn more about GROWE on pages 16-17!

E D U C A T I O N N E W S The future of modern schooling?

Private outdoor school connects kids with nature, builds confidence and independence

By Bailey Zimmer

GROWE with the future of modern schooling as Tara Carpenter and her team introduce Grand River Outdoor Wilderness Education. GROWE, a private school within the Ministry of Education, is focused on nature-based learning and offers alternative lessons to regular public school as you know it. Located at Five Oaks on 1 Bethel Road and in the fifth year running, GROWE builds confidence and independence in school kids. GROWE encourages independent and creative learning, allowing children to discover and build their critical thinking and decision making. “Children are overstructured nowadays. They’re told what to do all the time. They’re told what to do in school, they go to lessons after school, it’s very structured … there’s no time for them to be free in doing what they need to do,” said Carpenter, founder and principal of GROWE. While GROWE teaches children lessons, similar to how indoor public school does, it varies in methods of education. While other schools teach subjects like math or English, GROWE teaches children skills that are not normally focused on in public schools but will develop their life skills. GROWE is outdoor and nature based, teaching kids about the environment, the world around them and their interactions with the earth. The children learn about natural resources and how to use these in their lives, such as making paint

GROWE is outdoor and nature based, teaching kids about the environment, the world around them and their interactions with the earth. Children learn about natural resources and how to use these in their lives.

from flowers or using an open fire to cook. The school also allows children opportunities to develop critical thinking skills. Carpenter encourages mistakes to be made so there are opportunities to learn. “Critical thinkers become leaders. We need to make mistakes. Making mistakes is very important,” said Carpenter. “In indoor school you’re not allowed to make mistakes, you’re not supposed to make mistakes, or you get a big X or a sad face or bad marks. ” Continued on page 17