At a Glance
Building Community in the Great Outdoors
Our Outdoor Education program begins in Grade 4 and becomes a defining experience for students at every stage of their journey. These adventures create outstanding memories, fostering deep connections between students, teachers, and the natural world. From planning and problem-solving to overcoming challenges together, students develop resilience, courage, patience, teamwork, and grit – skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Activities by Grade
Experiences to Remember
Please note: Our outdoor education destinations are subject to change.
Grade 4
Grade 4 students spend one night overnight on our 40-acre campus and two days immersed in exciting activities and challenges both on-site and in the surrounding areas. They explore the outdoors through hiking, tidal pool exploration, and shelter building. They learn about adapting in the outdoors, shelter building, fire building, campsite set-up. With campfire songs, hands-on activities, and a focus on adventure, they gain confidence, resilience, a deep connection to nature – all while building deeper friendships with their classmates.
Grade 5
Grade 5 students spend two nights off campus at a local camp and three days of exploration in the local area. They embark on exciting outdoor adventures, including hiking, beach exploration, and a guided trip to Saysutshun. They develop essential outdoor skills like shelter and campfire building while taking part in hands-on environmental stewardship projects to enhance our campus. Orienteering, led by our Grade 10 students, teaches them map reading and navigation skills, while team-building exercises help foster leadership, collaboration, and confidence in the great outdoors.
Grade 6 & 7
Middle School students embark on a three-night, off campus trip to an outdoor education center located on Vancouver Island. They participate in rock climbing, canoeing, team building challenges, campfire activities, and outdoor skill development. With opportunities for beach exploration, hiking, forest-wide games, and cabin stays, this immersive trip fosters resilience, confidence, friendships, and a deeper connection to nature.
Grade 8 & 11
Our Grade 8 and 11 classes join together for a two-night, three-day day trip to Camp Potlach in Howe Sound. The journey begins with a ferry ride to Horseshoe Bay, followed by a scenic 45-minute water taxi to this picturesque, water-access-only camp. Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Howe Sound, students stay in cabins and take part in hiking, rock climbing, archery, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. They build outdoor skills like fire-making and enjoy team-building activities, games, and campfire fun—creating lasting memories.
Grade 9 & 10
Grade 9 and 10 students embark on an unforgettable three-night, four-day adventure at the Strathcona Park Lodge Outdoor Education Center on Vancouver Island. Led by the outstanding guides at the lodge, students participate in trip preparation, campfire activities, low ropes, high ropes, tree climb, rock climbing, zip lining, canoeing, and hiking. They also develop essential outdoor skills as they plan and execute their trip – learning to pack, prepare meals, set up shelter, and navigate the wilderness. This immersive program challenges students to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and embrace adventure.
Students are able to begin the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award in Grade 9.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award
A Collaborative Challenge to Remember
Students from Grade 9 onwards are all given the opportunity, and encouraged, to start completing the three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Duke of Edinburgh Award gives students the opportunity to make a positive impact to the lives of others through community service, to learn and develop valuable skills for the future and take up the challenge of an Adventurous Journey with their peers. Aspengrove School is one of the only Award Centres for Mid-North Vancouver Island.
For more details please contact our Certified Award Leader, Natasha Parsons.
Level 1
Bronze Award
(Ages 14+)
26 Weeks Minimum Participation
Adventurous Journey: 2 Days & 1 Night
Level 2
Silver Award
(Ages 15+)
52 Weeks Minimum Participation
Adventurous Journey: 3 Days & 2 Nights
Level 3
Gold Award
(Ages 16+)
78 Weeks Minimum Participation
Adventurous Journey: 4 Days & 3 Nights
Discover Our Arts Programs
Get creative with our Performing Arts and Visual Arts programs! Students learn to express themselves, develop skills as artists and performers, and connect with one another.