Experiential Learning Through Nature
At St. John's Academy Shawnigan Lake, all Grade 4 and 5 students participate in Wilderness Wednesday—a full day of immersive, outdoor learning each week. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Vancouver Island, our young learners explore the forest, field, and shoreline as an extension of the classroom. From science experiments in the woods to storytelling by the lake, nature becomes both the setting and the teacher.
Our commitment to experiential education goes beyond academics. Nature is woven into our co-curricular programs, with activities like outdoor art, eco-club, trail hiking, and nature-based mindfulness sessions. These opportunities nurture curiosity, resilience, and a deep respect for the environment—essential values for future global citizens.
Beginning in September 2022, our ECO Camp (Environmental focus, Community building, Outdoor learning) is a two-day, one-night trip that aims to bring our school community together, strengthen our school culture, develop team working skills, and foster a love of nature.
A main goal of the camp is to strengthen our school connections by including all members of our school, from our facilities team to our office staff, to participate in fun challenges, games, and outdoor activities. All parts of our team are valuable at St. John’s Academy and we want our students to develop appreciation and care for all members of our community.
The ECO Schools Canada certification program encourages students and staff to develop mindfulness around sustainability and eco-literacy. Through various projects undertaken by students during the year, St. John’s Academy aims to lessen our environmental impact while forming partnerships in our community, learning about climate change, and building our environmental knowledge.
Starting in 2021, our first annual Paddle-a-thon was a great success throughout our school community. With the goal of raising funds to manage the invasive Eurasian milfoil weed that is common throughout Shawnigan Lake, our students collected pledges and raised funds to motivate them in their paddling around the bay in front of our school. Over $7000 was raised which was directed to the Shawnigan Basin Society in their efforts to clear the lake of the harmful milfoil.
In June 2023, our goal is to grow even larger. By inviting paddlers from surrounding areas, and seeking sponsorships from the local business community, we are aiming for ‘100 Paddles’ in the lake for an event that combines a physical challenge with raising awareness for the preservation of the Shawnigan Lake watershed health.