Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Z-Drag

The Z-Drag gives the user a mechanical advantage of 3:1. It is commonly used in the disciplines of swiftwater rescue and vertical rescue however, it has many practical applications in the outdoors.

The Mountain








The Outdoor Ed. class was blessed with a beautiful November day to go on a hike up Mount Royal. The students lead each other and decided on a challenging route that proved to be a rewarding choice for all. Once we made it to the top we breaked for sandwiches and hot chocolate. Thanks to all for being great outdoor leaders!

Halloween '07


The Deviled Egg and her crew!

Orientation '07-'08




Orientation week.......

We went bowling, we played games, we watched movies and ate popcorn, then we finished it off with a pizza/souvlaki party. How's that for a cool school?

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Kayak-End-Of-Year-Trip-2007!!!!!









For 3 days and two nights, Outreach students and staff braved black flies, waves, mosquitoes and rain, to paddle down the rouge river for over 36 km... Morale was good, and all were proud. Conor trained us all well, and we were ready for anything!!!!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Ice Fishing Trip !





Joseph Zefrani tells the story of the Outreach Ice Fishing trip.

It was a warm and sunny Wednesday, when 9 courageous adventurers set out on a journey of the utmost importance, to slay the evil fish army hidden beneath the ice (go fishing). They met in the wee hours (9:00am) of the morning, mounted their horses (2 cars) and journeyed along a treacherous path (the highway) to the evil fish empire (Deux Montagnes). After Weeks (45 minutes) of traveling they finally arrived at their destination and commandeered a cabin. A local was hired to help breach the fish army’s impenetrable wall (the ice), with his specially made weapon (drill). He broke through and was dismissed. The adventurers then set up clever traps (fishing rods) to trap some stray soldiers (fish) and contently went into their cabin to feast upon mounds of voluptuous food (chocolate chip cookies). Some time passed and our heroes grew impatient, one grew so impatient that he decided to bait some of the soldiers with intoxicating perfume (sardine juices). This was no easy task and held many perils, the perfume was well guarded by a monstrous shark (tin covering). The brave hero carelessly approached the perfume and was seen by the shark, a fight ensued. The brave hero punctured the shark numerous times and thought he won but in a last ditch effort the shark fought back and bit off the hero’s finger (small pinkie cut), alas the shark’s efforts were in vain and the perfume was secured. The perfume was added to the traps and within minutes something was ensnared. Much to the adventurers surprise it was the king of the fish army (never caught anything :<.), the adventurers then attacked the corrupt king and gorged on his lifeless corpse. The victory flag (Outreach kite©) was raised and the caravan of heroes returned home...

Mount-Royal Picnic








The Trip According to Benjamin Simon

It was a balmy October morning as Outreach started their expedition. The destination, the towering summit of Mount Royal. We were few, we were inexperienced but we had drive and determination. We were led by our intrepid outdoor education teacher, Conor (Mountain Man). We began our winding journey at the former location of Outreach. The trek to reach the base of the mountain was a treacherous one. As we braved the tricks and traps employed by the Montreal Forum and walked the long lonely walk of loneliness our goal would soon be reached. The hills were steep the traffic lights, unforgiving but soon the roads turned from asphalt to dirt then back into asphalt. We had made it to Mount Royal. The hike was tough, we were already tired from the walk up.
We assumed we lost some good people, only to see them again at the rest stop. We set up our cooking stoves to feast on hearty bowls of stir-fried vegetables. Everyone ate their share and nothing more, to avoid the bloat. After the meal, we conversed, wrote our thoughts and took in the scenery. After a few hours we decided to pack up and head back to civilization from a civilized area.


Welcome to Outreach!!!



Orientation at Outreach!


So in September, we decided to have Orientation week, which was, I believe, a great Idea. We discussed what students expect from the school, what they want to get out of their stay at Outreach, and what the school expects from them. We all got to know each other and talk about the few fundamental rules at Outreach, all rooted in respect. We played lots of games, watched lots of movies, went dragon boating on the Lachine Canal and finished things up with a Friday afternoon barbecue with beef and veggie burgers.

Good times...