Trailhead Students Reflect on a Life-Changing Experience
by Karyn Pickles
Halton District School Board’s Trailhead Program offers grade 10 students the opportunity to spend a semester learning leadership skills and studying environmental and conservation issues in a completely non-traditional school environment while earning 4 credits. As the current semester draws to a close, the current Trailhead students invited their families to share in their celebration and reflections on a life-changing experience at Camp Sidrabene. In keeping with Trailhead’s focus on leadership, the evening’s program was completely designed and led by the students, with staff members Erin Nicolardi, Darryl Houghton, and Jodie Schnurr acting only as supports. Throughout the presentation the students took turns speaking and sharing slideshows about the different aspects of their Trailhead experience.
Early in September, the students went on a 4-day canoe trip, getting to know each other and bonding as a group amid the spectacular autumn foliage of Algonquin Provincial Park. For many of the students and staff, this trip was the highlight of their Trailhead experience. Another highlight was the experience of teaching younger children during the day-long Forest Festival for grades 5-7 and the four-day Earthkeepers program for grade 4 students. ‘Supernova’ (at the beginning of the semester each student received a nature-based nickname) grinned as he told the audience, “We taught little kids and we were teaching ourselves at the same time…such a cool experience and so great! They actually respected us!” ‘Border Collie’ described some of the innovative ways in which the teenaged Trailhead students had taught the grade 4 ecology unit during Earthkeepers, including costumes, games, and a treasure hunt and said that he felt that through these activities, “the kids actually retained the knowledge, which they might not have done in a classroom environment.” Supernova summed it up as, “such a good experience that I’d never be able to replicate at a regular school system.”
Another student, Bear described some of the field trips that they took: How many grade 10s can say that in one semester, they went rock-climbing, harvested apples to donate to the food bank, and donned hip-waders to restore a riverbank? Through hands-on experiences such as these, Bear said, “We got to grow as a group and trust each other.” The Trailhead Program’s success was perhaps demonstrated best by Spider, who ably led the group in planning and executing the entire evening’s events: He opened his wrap-up speech with the words, “Before I came here, I didn’t have a lot of confidence.” Through Trailhead he has clearly gained the confidence and leadership skills to set him on his own path to success!
The opportunities don’t end with Trailhead: For grade 11 and 12 students, Halton offers the Bronte Creek Project (BCP) as a Specialist High Skills Major in Environment to prepare students for their pathway to apprenticeship, college, university, or work in a variety of exciting fields. The website describes Trailhead and BCP as, “A place for people who care about the fate of the planet, who like kids, who are willing to take a few risks, and who are excited to learn about themselves, their group, how this planet works, and how to play in it.” If that reminds you of yourself or your child, visit www.trailheadprogram.org or www.brontecreekproject.com to learn more!
What is Trailhead?
TRAILHEAD (GRADE 10)
The Bronte Creek Project offers "Trailhead",a grade 10 program that focuses on adventure, exploring your community and developing leadership skills. Trailhead is a four-credit interdisciplinary course package with an overall theme to develop a relationship with your community and the natural world. Our campus is located at Camp Sidrabene, a beautiful 55 acre natural setting with several buildings and unique classrooms. The program is based at Sidrabene and includes numerous opportunities to learn and explore the neighbouring communities as well while earning compulsory credits.
Why get involved?
- Learn about yourself,and your local community
- Make a difference by Teaching the Novice Earthkeepers Program to grade 4 students
- Develop leadership and Team Work Skills
- Meet interesting, creative & motivated peers
- Explore your future career options Build your Resume with real life experience!
- Get outside: Explore English class outdoors
What can I do to prepare?
- Gain experience working with kids and people by working at a summer camp
- Volunteer with a local community group
- Plan your courses carefully so that you can take a full semester in grade 10 at Trailhead.
Program Planning
- Requires a full semester in Grade 10
- Students earn three compulsory credits and one elective credit:
| ENG2D |
Grade 10 English Academic (Compulsory) |
| GLC20/CHV20 |
Career Studies/Civics Grade 10 (Compulsory) |
| PAD20 |
Healthy Active Living: Outdoor Education, Grade 10 Open (Group 2 Compulsory) |
| IDP30 |
Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 11 Open (Elective) |
How can I get more information?
- Visit the Trailhead web site www.brontecreekproject.org
- Visit your School Guidance Counsellor, Sign out a Trailhead/ BCP video
- Get a Trailhead brochure
- Visit the Trailhead site to talk to students or alumni: Sidrabene, 5100 Appleby Line
- Phone (905-331-3500) or email the BCP staff (staff@brontecreekproject.org)
What do I select on my option sheet?
- If interested, choose course code XXXBCT.
- See your School Guidance Counsellor for more information.