Outdoor Education
An unconventional classroom to strengthen your sense of self
Rooted in a rich connection with beautiful British Columbia’s natural landscape, Outdoor Education is an essential part of learning and self-discovery at York House. From day trips to local beaches to excursions into the wilderness, every Yorkie builds foundational life skills through immersion in nature—and learns the importance of protecting our planet.
Little and Junior School Outdoor Education
Primary students begin cultivating an appreciation and respect for nature as early as Junior Kindergarten. Younger Yorkies gain confidence in different weather and terrain by packing and wearing the correct layers and gear. As they begin to identify local flora and fauna, they learn the First Peoples' knowledge of the land and the Leave No Trace Principles that lighten human impact on the earth.
Overnight camp in Grade 4 marks a significant milestone where students develop their independence and sleep away from home. On this multi-day journey, they also learn water safety and complete a swim assessment to prepare for future activities on the water.
From Grades 4 to 7, Yorkies regularly participate in some of B.C.’s most renowned outdoor education camps—including Sea to Sky Outdoor School, Camp Summit, and Evans Lake. Every paddle through sparkling lakes, descent along a mountain bike trail, and constellation spotted around a campfire becomes a treasured memory and a catalyst for growth. On these quests outside the classroom, Junior School Yorkies step outside their comfort zones and form deeper connections with themselves and each other.
Senior School Outdoor Education
Grade 8 students begin Senior School life at York House with a transformative multi-day camping trip. This experience sharpens their outdoor skills while strengthening bonds with their peers and advisors who will support them throughout high school.
In Grade 9, the adventure deepens on a front-country hiking and camping excursion. Here, students master the essentials of proper hiking techniques, tent setup, and cooking their own meals over camp stoves. This crucial stepping stone builds their confidence in survival knowledge and prepares them for the pinnacle full-grade trip the following school year. A multi-day backcountry hiking trip in Garibaldi Provincial Park puts our Grade 10s’ resilience and hard-won expertise to the test. This iconic landscape is a bucket list item for many—and, nestled in our figurative backyard, it’s the setting where many Yorkies learn just how much they’re capable of.
These Grade 9 and 10 excursions align with the Duke of Edinburgh International Award requirements, encouraging York House students to spark a passion for the outdoors while working towards a SMART goal. Grade 11 and 12 Yorkies can fulfill the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award requirements through team-formulated trips with support from the YHS Outdoor Education Coordinator. They can also step into leadership roles and join the Junior School overnight excursions as Senior Leaders, inspiring younger students and building their leadership skills.
GO! Program
The Get Outside! (GO!) Program is a path for students seeking deeper outdoor exploration and self-exploration. As an optional alternative to Physical and Health Education in the regular timetable, Yorkies in the GO! Cohort are immersed in holistic experiential and environmental learning through outdoor pursuits like hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking, and bouldering. The GO! curriculum also addresses critical mental health topics related to substance use, sexual education, and nutrition. Upon completing the program, students receive three certifications:
- Introduction to Wilderness First Aid
- Avalanche Safety Training Level 1
- Paddle Canada Basic Kayaking Skills