Monday, September 17, 2007

CANOE/CAMPING TRIP - SEPT 2007


“What doing?”
The canoe trip for 2007 has come and gone!
Thursday, after an enjoyable drive out to Bon Echo in Myrtle, Edna (aka Dave’s Chariot), Walt, Lightning McQueen, and Mater, we set up camp at our great group sites, then took a short canoe trip across the lake in order to do the Cliff Top Trail of a mere 1.5km. What awesome views!
Friday we hiked the Abes & Essens Hiking Trail which was 17km long and took almost 8 hours. Lunch was eaten along the way, and some dared to swim in Abes Lake. Bottles of water were greatly appreciated at the end of the trail!
Saturday, with 15 canoes, we tackled the 21km canoe route (including a few smaller portages and a challenging 1.5km portage!), stopped for lunch along the way, and made it back to camp in one piece… but tired.
Sunday, after breakfast, we had worship time together, then packed up and headed home.
Cooking, cleanup, various chores, activities and devotions were all done by teams.
You guys were awesome!

BON ECHO - THURSDAY

Our mode of transportation across Mazinaw Lake.

Fantastic views!

BON ECHO - FRIDAY

It sure felt like fall...
and looked like it.
Water!!!
Finished the 17km hike.

BON ECHO - SATURDAY

Eager travellers for the 21km canoe trip.

The first portage was easy.
The second portage, a beaver dam, went well, although Dave looks a little confused, eh Amy?

Our third portage allowed us time to stop for lunch.

Tuna mixed in a bag... stuffed in pitas with lettuce and cucs - Yum!

And, for some strange reason, there are no pics of the final 1.5km portage. Too tired and too busy.
But we all made it back to camp safely!

BON ECHO - SUNDAY


Last day...


Breakfast first...
Worship time.

Time to pack up and start saying our good-byes.

Monday, September 10, 2007

TERM ONE FALL 2007

Another term has begun... some new faces, some we've seen around before. Looking foward to seeing friends and taking courses together.

We're off to the annual Canoe Trip on Thursday. This has developed into the kick-off for the new school year and is an awesome opportunity for the “new” co-op group to get to know each other. These trips are considered highlights of the year and have created many good memories and friendships. This year we're headed to Bon Echo for a few days of canoeing and hiking and such.

Art Studio
This foundational art course will be instructed by Lisa Vanderwoude (B.A. Redeemer University College). Lisa, a Burlington artist, has taught the Art Studio co-op in the past and hopes to continue to encourage creativity, technical proficiency, and thoughtful art-making this coming term. The twelve weeks will include the use of drawing and painting mediums including pencil, charcoal, and acrylic paint (chalk pastel and water-mixable oil paint also an option). Among the activities and exercises are gesture drawing, a review of perspective drawing, and various small studies in preparation for a larger project. The larger project will involve making a spoof on, or somehow altering, a particular work of art from a master artist while maintaining the technical integrity of the artist's style. A class trip is in the planning stages as well.

Current Issues - grades 11 and 12
We will be using the book Great Questions of Canada which grew out of a major editorial series that the Dominion Institute and the National Post created to encourage debate ... about the major challenges facing our country. Great Questions of Canada provides readers with the opportunity to delve into the ideas, arguments and at times sharply contrasting points of view of the authors who contributed.
“…through the lively exchange of ideas, Great Questions of Canada will encourage not only better and more reasoned arguments in classrooms and around dining room tables, but also, at the end of the day, the prospect for national conciliation and the development of solutions to the issues that will define our collective destiny."
Here are the "Great Questions":
1. Does history matter?
2. Are we a nation of too many identities?
3. Are we a nation of institutions or ideas?
4. Where have all the heroes gone?
5. Is there life after unity?
6. When Canada speaks, does the world listen?
7. How do we build thriving aboriginal communities in the twenty-first century?
8. Is multiculturalism an asset or liability in a post-9/11 world?

Current Issues - grades 9 and 10
Using the book Growing up Christian by Karl Graustein with Mark Jacobsen, we’ll explore how having a solid foundation ourselves will give us the tools we need to meet life’s challenges; to be a witness and example to friends, colleagues, and neighbours today and in the future; to give a reason for what we do and how we do it; and to stand up for what we believe.
“Do you know teens that appeared to be Christians in high school, but later walked away from their faith? Young Christians that party on Saturday night and put on their Sunday best for church the next morning? High school students that are attracted to the values and practices of the world? This book is a unique resource that addresses the many issues that challenge teens growing up in a Christian environment. Packed full of practical suggestions, this book will help teens overcome these dangers and grow in their faith and love for God.”
The book has numerous sections throughout that make it more interactive with varied approaches -- “Think About It”, Questions for Reflection and Discussion, Self Tests, “A Look in the Mirror” and so on.

Photography
"Cast in a world of mystery, intrigue... having one's sight, but failing to see."
Want to explore the world through different eyes? Unpack the beauty of the simple things in life and gain a fresh appreciation for the world around you with Christian photographer and designer, Anna-Marie Colenbrander. With over 10 years experience in the field of photography, and a passion for people and travel, Anna-Marie brings a unique approach to seeing through the lens of a camera. With hands-on teaching, location field trips, and in-class projects, there's something for every kind of photographer to be challenged by.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyespyphotography

Woodworking
There was great enjoyment of this course last year so we are offering it again! Chris Norman (ex pilot, ex cop), really enjoyed having our group and is looking forward to having us again. Chris is prepared to work with a mixed group of prior students and new students.
This hands-on program will allow the students to build various projects to develop their skills and confidence, and they will also be able to design and build a custom project of their choice (ie: shelf, table, Muskoka chair, CD rack…). During the 2 hour weekly classes they will learn how to safely use various power tools – table saw, compound mitre saw (chop saw), band saw, router, drill press, sanders. They will learn about fasteners and the types of wood available, and how to oil and stain wood propertly. The focus will be on fun, safety and creativity.

Phys Ed
This will be a 4 week stint led by Redeemer Education students majoring in Phys Ed as part of their “training” under the leadership of Professor John Byl. Soccer, volleyball, and basketball skills and drills will be the focus of the classes.