BC News

Climbing Wall Donation Brings the Outdoor Education Program to New Heights
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2008

BCHS students can get a jump on their outdoor education program by beginning it indoors, thanks to a $6,177 donation from the Class of 1965 that provided an indoor climbing wall in the new “C” Gymnasium. 

The outdoor education program focuses on the instruction and application of teamwork, goal setting, problem solving and personal challenge through an adventure-based model taught as part of the physical education program.

The indoor climbing wall, which consists of three climbing routes and one feature overhang, enables the participant to begin climbing and belaying skills earlier in the program when the temperature is a little colder, according to Frederick Powers, subject supervisor for Health and Physical Education. The indoor climbing wall also enables students to continue climbing when it is raining during the spring.

“On behalf of BCHS and the Physical Education Department, I would like to thank the members of the Class of 1965 for their very generous donation of the climbing wall,” Mr. Powers said. “The new climbing wall is a tremendous addition to the outdoor education program where all of the low and high elements were previously located outside.”

All sophomores participate in the twenty week adventure education class which culminates on the high ropes course located behind the baseball field. Juniors and seniors can elect to take an advanced adventure education class which provides in depth instruction on the use of experiential education and culminates with the students going into the grade 10 classes as co-instructors with the physical education teachers.

The ropes course has also been utilized during the winter and summer for instruction with police recruits from the Zone Five police training academy. Close to 600 participants are on the course each year.

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