Student Enrichment

Outdoor Education

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Outdoor Education offers grades 3-12 students the opportunity to develop outdoor skills while learning about themselves and their peers in challenging yet safe environments. In OE, students develop knowledge of ecological issues and bridge connections with other academic programs, such as science and Indigenous education. Trip activities are designed to meet the needs of WPGA's diverse student population.

Through these experiences, students build confidence, resilience, independence, and teamwork while developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Each trip provides age-appropriate opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones, take on new responsibilities, and strengthen relationships with their classmates. The program encourages thoughtful reflection, responsible decision-making, and respect for the environments and communities students encounter.

OE Grade Trips

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  • Grades 3-7 

    Every year our grades 3 to 7 classes head to Camp Summit Outdoor Education Centre in Squamish. Trip duration increases by grade, from day trips to overnight stays; outdoor activities, which include rock climbing, mountain biking, navigation training, and low/high ropes, are also age appropriate. Aside from outdoor skills, personal development is emphasized, with students learning leadership, team-building and self-reflection skills. 

  • Grade 8

    Students participate in forest ecology programs designed by UBC Master of Forest Management at Evans Lake Outdoor School in Brackendale. 

  • Grade 9

    The grade 9 classes celebrate winter in the Cascade Mountains of EC Manning Provincial Park, cross country skiing, snowshoe hiking, tobogganing, and engaging in snow shelter construction and winter survival activities. 

  • Grade 10

    Students spend five days at Strathcona Park Lodge on Vancouver Island, where they choose from seven trip adventures, including river and ocean canoeing, sea kayaking and hiking.

  • Grade 10 Wilderness Pursuits*

    Developed by WPGA's outdoor education department, WP is an elective grade 10 course that integrates academic curriculum in highly experiential ways. The full-year program includes six backcountry excursions and is suitable for all levels of fitness and outdoor experience.

  • Grades 11-12

    Students choose from three trip options: rock climbing and rappelling at Skaha Bluffs, cycling the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, or designing their own adventure (hiking, winter camping, snowshoeing, sea kayaking), with the expectation they partake in at least one trip over two years.


   

WILDERNESS PURSUITS (GRADE 10)

Wilderness Pursuits (WP) is a full-year multidisciplinary program offered to grade 10 students. Developed by our social studies and outdoor education departments, the program includes in-school learning and backcountry expeditions throughout the year, integrating academic curriculum in highly experiential ways. For example, students discuss history, geography, environmental sustainability and culture with First Nations elders in Stein Valley. WP weaves desired transferrable skills, such as leadership, team-building, critical thinking and self-reflection, into all trip activities, which include camping, rock climbing, snowshoeing, avalanche awareness, sea kayaking and navigation training.

All grade 9 students are encouraged to apply for WP. Whether you're an avid adventurer or a camping novice, WP will enrich your life.

  

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  • Wilderness Pursuits Extras   

    • WP students typically receive numerous certifications and advanced skills training, such as in basic first aid, indoor rock climbing, sea kayaking, and avalanche skills training similar to AST1 certification.


   


   

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Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.

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West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750