Students from St. Alphonsus, St. Michael’s, St. Marys and St. Paul’s will be going on an outdoor expedition at the end of the month.

In a week-long getaway for the senior students of the Christ the Teacher Catholic School Division, the students will be carrying on a tradition that had started 40 years ago.

Quinn Haider, principal at St. Alphonsus School, said the five-day trip is somewhat of an amazing experience for the Gr. 7 students.

It’s been running now for it’s 40th year, something Haider takes  pride in.

Students from the above schools, as well as school staff and parent volunteers leave for the campground at Duck Lake Mountain where they will be spending time in the great outdoors.

“They (we) sleep in dorm rooms,” says Haider.

Over the course of the week, students assume the role of kids at a summer camp, learning the basics of being outdoors, including canoeing as First Aid.

Haider said the interesting part of the experience is that it carries on a tradition that dates way back to 1972.

He explained that some catholic schools at the time didn’t have a gymnasium in order to carry out physical activity.

“They needed some outdoor ed,” explains Haider to Yorkton This Week…”to learn in a different way.”

Haider said the highlight of the week will be in the middle. From Tuesday to Thursday, students spend three hours with each of the following activities: canoeing, orienteering/GPS, wilderness survival/First Aid, crafts, camp skills/archery, and a lagoon hike.

“The kids come alive,” insists Haider, adding that “kids don’t get a chance very often” to do all of that.

He added that several ‘lucky’ campers ran into a bear last year.

Haider suggests that on this year’s outing, those who attends should pack plenty of warm clothes, socks as well as rain gear.

He added that the experience is a “faith-based program”.