There is something powerful about the growth that occurs when we step out of our comfort zones to try something new. New experiences open up worlds of possibilities, expanding our understanding of both ourselves and the world around us. While students who grow up in the city develop skills that help them thrive in that environment, a well-rounded education offers opportunities to explore entirely different ways of being.
This year at Urban Academy, outdoor education is taking center stage in the middle school. We are intentional about this timing because the middle school years are critical for developing a child’s self-esteem. Facing and overcoming new challenges during this period helps students build confidence, which then translates to many other areas of their learning and lives.
To kick off the program, Grades 6 and 7 ventured to Gibsons Farm this fall for an immersive, hands-on experience. Students interacted with animals, learning how to care for them while gaining a deeper understanding of the work involved in sustaining a farm. After harvesting crops and preparing dinner from their spoils, they practiced using hand tools and even learned how to start and maintain a fire—valuable skills that many experienced for the first time. The goal of such excursions is for students to leave with not only a greater appreciation for where their food comes from, but also practical knowledge and skills to apply in their everyday lives. (Plus, they had a great time!)
In June, students in Grades 4 through 8 will participate in various outdoor camps along the West Coast. Each camp offers unique opportunities for team-building, outdoor skills training, and environmental stewardship. While some students may have had these kinds of experiences with their families, these trips offer new, intentional opportunities that they likely won’t encounter elsewhere. They consistently step out of their comfort zones, collaborate with peers, and deepen their relationship with the natural world.
In addition to tangible skills, outdoor education fosters self-sufficiency, problem-solving, and teamwork in ways that a traditional classroom cannot replicate. By spending time in natural environments, students engage in learning that is tactile, immediate, and grounded in real-world experiences. For anyone who has spent time in nature, we also know that it can promote resilience. Navigating challenges—whether it’s caring for animals or building something with their hands—helps students develop confidence and perseverance. These experiences teach them to approach problem-solving creatively and collaboratively.
What stands out most about Urban Academy students during these experiences is their growth in responsibility and curiosity. They embrace the opportunity to care for the world around them and often return from these trips with a deeper sense of stewardship and appreciation for the environment. Whether learning about sustainable farming at Gibsons or mountain biking in Squamish, students develop a richer connection to the world.
Over the years, we’ve seen students so profoundly impacted by outdoor education that it influenced their choice of study and post-secondary plans. They value the opportunity to glimpse what’s possible in a future career or field of study. Witnessing students embrace these experiences with such vigour reinforces what we know to be true: outdoor education does much more than enrich academic learning. It helps shape well-rounded, thoughtful individuals who value their environment and begin to understand the interdependence between nature and society.