After a very successful year, the Outdoor Education Program of Nakusp Secondary School has decided to give back to the community via a donation of canoes.
Students in the program have been visiting trade shows around British Columbia and parts of the United States, selling products they make themselves, such as fishing flashers and fire starter kits.
“We live on a lake, and it’s something that we should be able to take advantage of on the waterfront,” said Renée Goodman, one of the students in the program. “To have that facility immediately accessible for anyone, like Phys Ed classes, Outdoor Education program, that’s kind of the idea.”
The idea to buy canoes came from Dorian Boswell, the program’s teacher.
Once the group decided to purchase the canoes, a lot of research was done to determine which ones would best suit the needs of students in the school district.
“It’s mostly directed at the younger kids who we had in mind when we made our selection,” said Goodman. “Like if we had fifth-graders or younger children using these canoes, how do we make it easy and safe for them?”
The group decided to go with clipper canoes because they’re light, which makes it easier for younger students to carry them, and because they’re stable.
There is some money left over from the class’ entrepreneurial programs, which will also be put to good use. Students in the program are also planning to build a rock wall in the community at some point in the future.
While getting their fellow students involved in outdoor learning and activities is important, those in the program hope something bigger takes place.
“Getting more involved in the community as well as in the program,” said Cameron Olson, another student in the Outdoor Education Program. “The program develops people, and not only people, it develops product and community involvement.”
