This year's group of Grade 12 Prefects recently returned from an unforgettable three-day leadership retreat at Camp Kandalore. It’s safe to say they’ve hit the ground running for the new school year. The retreat was an amazing opportunity for the student leaders to bond, challenge themselves and reflect on what it means to lead with integrity and spirit. Prefects Mya, Steven and Ivy shared their favourite memories and takeaways from each day.
The group of young leaders departed bright and early for Camp Kandalore but not before Father Crowther gifted them with a heartwarming chapel talk on the importance of preserving youth. Later, as the sun set and bellies were full of banana cake, the group came together to present skits showcasing leadership in their respective roles. The excitement closed with the sounds of classics such as Country Roads by John Denver, led by Mr James Darling on guitar, followed by a moment of silent reflection under the stars.
The Prefects could hardly wait to see what activities, connections and happy little accidents awaited them with the next day's sunrise. The beautiful morning light and fresh breeze welcomed a new day at Camp Kandalore. With a warm breakfast in their stomachs, the Prefects eagerly paddled the voyager canoe, unaware of the “helium stick” challenge that awaited them. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, the group climbed the biggest boulders at camp and took every opportunity throughout the day to complete their Prefect introductions video. As the day came to an end, the group gathered to discuss the three words they wanted to live by for the year. Following an adventurous game of Commando in the shadowy forest, the Prefects gathered around the campfire to debrief the wonderful experience and reflect on the stronger bonds they had built.
Despite the freezing morning, the Prefects were determined to make the most of their final day at Camp Kandalore. Waking up at 6:50am for the sunrise was no small feat, but the breathtaking view of the sun glowing above the lake made it worthwhile. A comforting breakfast of warm pancakes with maple syrup followed. Sweeping out the cabins was bittersweet as the Prefects knew they would miss the nature, the memories and most definitely the camp food. Their last gathering took place on a tiny island where each Prefect chose a rock that spoke to them and expressed gratitude, sharing thanks for lessons learned or help received. Tossing their rocks into the lake, they left their mark on camp one final time. To end the trip, they celebrated the trust built over the few days by tossing each other into the air before saying goodbye to their amazing counsellors.
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Through the many challenges and debriefs, the group learned that true leadership grows from trust, gratitude and even silence, with these shared experiences bringing them closer together as a Prefect team. The school is incredibly proud of the energy, thoughtfulness and commitment the Prefects showed throughout the retreat.