Forest Friends

How can we show our respect and thanks?
What gifts does the forest offer us?
What other beings call this ecosystem home?

This is a full-day, experiential, curriculum-aligned program designed specifically for Grade 1 classes, including split grade classes (K/1 or 1/2). Students will engage their senses while exploring the mature second-growth forest and lake shore at Cumberland Lake Park. Learning will be woven into stories, games and sensory awareness activities. We will meet some of the local trees, plants, and animals that make their home in the forest, following our curiosity and sense of wonder. Students will learn about our local environment, adaptations, and the patterns and cycles of nature first-hand. The practice of gratitude and respect, place-based learning, and the First People Principles of Learning will be central pillars that guide our day. Program runs from 9:15 AM until 1:45 PM. 

Water Keepers

Where does our drinking water come from and where does our wastewater go?
How are people, water, and the forest connected?
What are the stories of our watershed?

This full-day and curriculum-aligned program is specifically designed for Grade 3 classes, including split-grade classes (2/3 and 3/4). Students will embark on a journey in our “voyager style” big canoes to explore the past, present and emerging stories of the Comox Lake Watershed. We draw in Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and oral history while considering the unique importance of this area in our local watershed. This program aligns well with the Connected by Water Inquiry Units developed by the CVRD.

Our two 29′ voyageur-style “Big Canoes” are lashed together to form a single, large, stable, outrigger-style watercraft where your students can easily interact and work together to paddle on Comox Lake.  No prior canoe experience is required. All levels of experience and paddling ability are welcome. LPS staff are trained canoe skippers and will provide a brief paddling lesson along with all safety and paddling equipment. This program runs from 9:15 AM until 1:45 PM.

Please Note: Due to the capacity of the canoes, this program requires a minimum of 10 and maximum of 26 participants (including adults). Please get in touch if your class exceeds these limits. LPS educators have final say on activity choices/canoe route based on weather, group dynamics, and other factors. If canoeing is not an option (due to high winds), we will switch to our alternative watershed program which will take place in the forest and along the lakeshore.

Terrain: Typical programming involves travel over uneven terrain, loading and unloading canoes from the beach, and requires that students are aware of their surroundings. Please let us know in advance if this would create a barrier for any students or staff. We will make every effort to include students of diverse abilities.

Fee: The program registration fee, $750, is based on a cost-recovery rate. Lake Park Society offers a subsidy of up to $550 under our Connection Grant program. Subsidies are based on self-declared need and do not require an additional application.

Floating Classroom

This full-day program offers a unique floating classroom experience in our two 29′ voyageur-style Big Canoes. Your Lake Park Society skippers will act as guides, leaving ample time for teacher-led learning on the water and during stops along the shore. Teacher-led learning typically occurs during three 30 to 45-minute blocks during the day.

We paddle our two canoes lashed together, forming a single, large, stable, outrigger-style watercraft where your students can easily interact and work together to paddle on Comox Lake. Safety gear, paddling equipment and a brief paddling lesson will be provided. All levels of paddling experience are welcome. We recommend a visit of at least 3 hours although the canoe can be available for up to 4.5 hours at any time between 9:15 AM – 1:45 PM.

In a place with such richness and complexity, the possibilities for place-based learning that nurtures inquiry, core competencies, and curricular connections are endless! Teacher Lead learning could focus on: Ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecological interconnection; riparian zones (e.g. Perseverance Creek, Whyte’s Bay); conservation and stewardship; geology, landforms; natural resources (e.g. logging, hydro, historic mining); water quality, watersheds, drinking water; salmon; leadership, collaboration, teamwork; canoeing, canoeing history

There are many resources that connect well with a day on the water. Consider the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) kits and the Connected by Water Inquiry Units developed by the CVRD. Connected by Water educators may be available to co-facilitate this day with your class. Please contact us if you are interested in including a guest speaker.

Please Note: Due to the capacity of the canoes, this program requires a minimum 10 participants and a maximum of 26 participants (including adults) and all participants must be age 8 or older. LPS skippers will determine canoe routes and timing based on group desires, weather, group dynamics and other contextual factors. Activities (outside of paddling) will be teacher-led.

Terrain: Typical programming involves travel over uneven terrain, loading and unloading canoes from the beach, and requires that participants are aware of their surroundings. Please let us know in advance if this would create a barrier for any students or staff. We will make every effort to include students of diverse abilities. 

Fee: The program registration fee, $750, is based on a cost-recovery rate. Lake Park Society offers a subsidy of up to $550 under our Connection Grant program. Subsidies are based on self-declared need and do not require an additional application.

Overnight Camp Out

Lake Park Society is excited to welcome classes to camp overnight in our group site during the first three weeks of June. Camp Outs are led and coordinated independently by teachers. Lake Park Society may be able to provide activity blocks on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information if you are interested in LPS programming during your visit.

The group site can be reserved for Overnight Camp Out bookings as of February 1st through the link below. Any dates remaining after March 15th will be made available to the public.