On Sunday, November 24, 2014;60 students, 11 teachers, 11 facilitators, and 10 high school mentors from the Toronto Catholic District School Board and Toronto District School Board, along with the Toronto Police Services Team packed their suitcases an leadership toolboxes to travel to Camp George in Perry Sound for the S.M.I.L.E Camp Experience. During this camp, the students had the chance to meet new student leaders and build connections with the teachers, facilitators, high school mentors, and the police officers by sharing their experiences and spending quality time with them. The students learned many leadership skills through fun activities and inspirational speakers which will help them become a better leader. Throughout this experience, students put forth their best selves which gave them the ability to network and build a community with other leaders.
We finally arrive at Camp George! Everyone is excited to get off the bus to start this leadership experience!Students get off the bus with their suitcases.Mike explains to everyone that “What you put into it, is what you get out of it”. If you put our best self into something, you will get the most out of it.Students, teachers, facilitators, mentors, and police officers all join in an icebreaker called “I am, I love, I hate, and I dream”.Now it’s time to challenge your partner to a Thumb War!!After, everyone had to create an awesome dance routine with their partner!Brave volunteers presenting their awesome dance routine in front of everyone. Great moves!A behind the scenes look: Mike has a meeting with the high school mentors!
Our first reflection is presented by our high school mentors – The Cold Within. While we are at camp, We should not look at our differences, but at our similarities to make this the best camp experience ever!!After dinner, students participated in 5 fun activities where students learn many leadership skills, also known as Rope Orienteering.Students participated in the following activities during Rope Orienteering… Raccoon Circles- Students learn to trust each other and to depend on one another Pass the Squeeze- Students learn to work together to accomplish a goal. Synergy Toss- Students learn that you have to keep life moving even though you made a mistake. Conveyor Belt- Students learn that you may have to think and use different strategies to accomplish a goal. Human Machine- Students learn that communication is an important key to accomplish a goal.
Simon says “Touch your head”. Simon says “Touch your nose”. Simon says “To be a great leader, you must be a great follower”.Each group discusses and writes down “what are the qualities of a leader” at their tables.Here are some examples of leadership qualities!Groups presenting the qualities they wrote down.Think Quick, Act Quick…..Cheese!It’s time for the nighttime snack!Everyone debriefs in their journals about the leadership lessons they learned today.
To end the day off, Merle reads a story to everyone. Lights out at 11:00pm. As Day 1 of SMILE Camp ends, everyone is excited of what fun activities are planned for Day 2!
