Want to take your school or group on a trip that combines education with adventure for a holistic learning experience they won’t soon forget? Look no further than Muskoka Woods! With its unmatched roster of activities, a stunning natural setting just begging to be explored, and a focus on inspiring leadership in kids, Muskoka Woods offers an invaluable experience with positive outcomes for your classroom or organization.
Located on 1,100 acres of woodland and 2,800 feet of shoreline on Lake Rosseau in beautiful Muskoka Lakes, Muskoka Woods has been showing students the time of their lives for over 40 years. While students are busy navigating the high ropes, playing pickleball, or hiking through the woods, they’re also learning — but in a completely different way than they’re used to!
We’ve talked about the importance of outdoor education before and how the inherent mix of education and adventure is beneficial to students in a multitude of ways. At Muskoka Woods, all educational opportunities come with a side of fun, which provides students with experiential learning opportunities, leading to a deeper understanding of concepts and improved knowledge retention. Learning through adventure also supports interdisciplinary education, allowing students to explore connections between various subjects and gain a comprehensive understanding of the world. Moreover, combining adventure with education encourages the development of social skills, teamwork, and communication, which are all key components of social-emotional learning (SEL).
Social-emotional learning
SEL is about developing emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to help young people understand and manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. In a school setting, in particular, skills like problem-solving, self-regulation, impulse control, and empathy, help improve academics, reduce negative social behaviours like bullying, and create positive classroom climates. Muskoka Woods fosters SEL by encouraging students to tackle challenges and work together as a team, which also builds resilience and self-confidence.
Education through adventure: sky-high challenges
Muskoka Woods invites its guests to embark on an exhilarating journey through one of North America’s largest ropes courses. With harnesses and helmets on, students gear up to experience an array of thrilling ropes-based activities, including:
1. Aerial Trust Dive: Pushing their boundaries and boosting their confidence, guests take a leap of faith while being cheered on by their classmates and peers.
2. Crate Stacking: A fun and cooperative challenge where students work together, racing against the opposing team to construct the tallest tower of crates.
3. Balance Challenge: The name of the game is slow and steady as students from rival teams compete to test their endurance on a suspended balance beam.
4. Giant Swing: Relying on the support of their peers, individuals take the ride of a lifetime on a monster swing.
The excitement continues with other captivating ropes activities like the zip line and the low ropes course.
Nature’s playground awaits
Immerse your group in the wonders of nature along Muskoka Woods’ five-kilometre hiking trail. While on the nature hike, students can take a break in the natural play area, where they can let their creativity flow using an assortment of organic tools. In the winter, the same trail transforms into a snowy wonderland, inviting guests to try their hand, or foot, rather, at snowshoeing (pictured).
Sports and beyond
Muskoka Woods offers an array of outdoor sports and activities that not only unleash adventure but also contribute to your school’s physical education, arts, and science curricula. From archery, photo scavenger hunts, to the invigorating aerial trust dive and nature hike, the opportunities for growth and learning are boundless. Engaging in team sports like flag rugby, beach volleyball, and floor hockey, promotes healthy living while cultivating essential SEL skills that extend beyond the camp experience.
A transformative adventure in education
At Muskoka Woods, the component of adventure plays an invaluable role in shaping young minds. Far beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, this immersive and holistic approach to education nurtures personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, guests not only partake in thrilling adventures but also learn the value of teamwork and leadership, which helps them develop important interpersonal skills.
Visit schools.muskokawoods.com for more information or to book your next Schools and Groups visit.
