The Leadership Camp is always eagerly awaited by the Board's 7th and 8th graders. This year, the camp was held again in the enchanting setting of Loch Lomond in Thunder Bay.
This camp is designed to bring students together in an inspiring and rejuvenating setting, to help them become aware of their role as leaders in the French-speaking world, in spirituality, and in their identity journey. It's a space where they can blossom, learn about themselves and assert themselves in a spirit of respect and community.
For three days, the young people took part in activities carefully designed by the educational services to unite them, stimulate their collaboration and boost their self-confidence.
As soon as they arrived, an experienced and enthusiastic team welcomed them with a warm ice-breaking session, designed to facilitate mutual discovery.
They experienced a moment of spirituality, marked by an inspiring presentation of The Tree of Life led by Deacon Étienne Roussel, before moving on to team formation, symbolized by colors and a meaningful rallying cry.
The workshops began with a deep immersion in Aboriginal education, guided by Métis traveler Christian Pilon. Students were able to connect with themselves through the movements and practices of Aboriginal travelers. They also took part in paddle-building using sandpaper and pieces of wood, and in other collaborative, communicative and cooperative activities.
The highly dynamic improvisation workshop, led by Jonathan Dion, encouraged future leaders to develop their oral expression skills. This participatory exercise was offered to the students to develop their self-confidence.
The students also had a moment of introspection with Sébastien Hardy, as they were invited to reflect on their personal journey and assert themselves within the Francophonie. It was also an opportunity to discuss what the Francophonie means to them, and how they would like to live it in their daily lives.
Each evening, the group gathered around the campfire for a convivial moment of sharing, French song and dance, joy and celebration.
The camp provided a rich learning experience for the young leaders. "The students demonstrated great leadership and collaboration skills through a wide variety of activities," shares Caitlin Guarasci, educational consultant.
For some, it was also a moment of reunion, notably with comrades met at Camp Boréal last June.
"We were delighted to see that students who participated in Camp Boréal when they were in Grade 6 continue to have very strong bonds," she adds enthusiastically.
The students really enjoyed the camp, as Léora and Reagan, two students from ESC de La Vérendrye, can testify.
"I'm happy to be out in nature and to take part in various interesting activities, such as paddle building. You immediately feel part of a community." Léora
For Reagan, it was above all the richness of the French-speaking world and the diversity she was able to fully experience through the camp, which touched her deeply.
