So, you’ve read all about why Muskoka Woods is the ideal destination for a school trip and you’ve signed your students up for the experience of a lifetime. Now all there is left to do is make sure they stay engaged — and safe — while they’re there. Rest assured, the staff are pros at both, but we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help you make sure your group gets as much out of their Muskoka Woods experience as possible.
Nestled in 1,100 acres of Ontario forest along the shores of Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Woods immerses schools and groups in nature as soon as they set foot off the bus. The spectacular setting, combined with Muskoka Woods’ reputation for nurturing leadership among youth, makes it the perfect place for your school or organization to come and engage with each other and the great outdoors. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Prepare in advance
Forms: School leaders are responsible for getting waivers/letters of consent signed by guardians as it is a prerequisite for any stay at Muskoka Woods.
First aid kit: while Muskoka Woods staff are trained in-house on how to respond to injuries and crisis, schools are required to bring their own first aid kit and a vehicle (aside from the buses students arrived in), in case the need for non-urgent transport to a healthcare facility arises. (Muskoka Woods’ on-site facility is closed from September-June).
Dietary requirements: Muskoka Woods’ kitchen staff can accommodate most dietary needs and preferences! Whether members of your group require gluten-free or dairy-free diets, or prefer vegetarian or vegan meals, Muskoka Woods kitchen staff will satisfy your request with delicious fare as long as they are notified in advance of your stay. You can fill out a special diets form or talk to a special diets coordinator before your visit.
Packing: students can’t fully engage in the exciting roster of activities if they’re uncomfortable! Follow our guidelines for what to pack (according to season), to ensure maximum participation from your students.
Packing must-haves:
• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Running shoes (indoor and outdoor) *NB: closed toes shoes are essential for all Muskoka Woods activities
• Extra blanket
• Water bottle
• Flashlight
• Towel
• PJs
• Toiletries including shampoo
• Weather appropriate clothing
• Hand soap
Also a good idea:
• Sunglasses
• Backpack
• Money for The Camp Store
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
Winter-specific:
• Snow Pants
• Winter coat
• Winter Boots
• Hat and Scarf
• 2 Pairs of Gloves
• Long Underwear
• Warm Blanket
Spring-specific:
• Insect Repellent
• Rubber Boots
• Bug Jacket
• Hat
• Rain Jacket
Fall-specific:
• Rain Jacket
• Hat
• Rubber Boots
Regardless of the season, it’s a good idea to pack an extra sweatshirt and extra socks for wet and cold days.
Rules and regulations: Acquaint yourself, your colleagues, and your students with Muskoka Woods’ rules to ensure that not only a good time, but a safe time, is had by all.
Maximum engagement: While Muskoka Woods discourages the use of cellphones at camp so that students can fully unplug and truly engage in all of the opportunities camp has to offer, it is up to the individual schools and groups to pre-determine their policy on cell phone usage before their retreat. We’ve spoken about the benefits of unplugging before, including increased physical activity, the forging of more meaningful social bonds, allowing time for outdoor exploration, and giving kids a mental break from the pressures of social media.
While you’re there
On-site safety: Muskoka Woods staff will acquaint students with safety rules for each activity and go over appropriate equipment usage for activities like the ropes course that requires specific gear.
Range of activities: Muskoka Woods has designed activity rotations to engage everyone in the classroom that aligns with your school curriculum and has students participating in an average of 10 different activities throughout their stay! Planning a diverse range of activities encourages participation and increased engagement from all students by tapping into a wide variety of interests and skill sets.
Some of the activities on offer during fall, winter, and spring include:
Aerial trust dive
Archery tag
Crate stacking
Pump track
Flag football
Curling
Low ropes
Photo scavenger hunt
These are just a few of the fun-filled, character-building activities students can take advantage of at Muskoka Woods. For a full list, including season-specific activities that are sure to keep your school or group engaged for the duration of their stay, click here.
Team-building activities: Team-building activities at Muskoka Woods encourage engagement as students necessarily use their communication, problem solving, and listening skills to accomplish a common objective. Team building creates bonds between students and group members that translate back to the classroom in the form of more invested and engaged pupils.
Positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is important in keeping students engaged and Muskoka Woods staff are experts at building kids’ confidence by celebrating both the big and small wins. Zoe O’Neill, Coordinator of the CEO and Exceptionalities summer programs, talks about the importance of positive reinforcement for all guests, saying that she and her team consciously praise the kids’ efforts to help them grow in their self-confidence and therefore, help them stay engaged and wanting to participate.
With your school’s and Muskoka Woods’ commitment to the safety of your students, some careful pre-trip planning, and a schedule of activities that are designed to keep your students engaged — all while having FUN — your students are poised to make memories and hone skills that will last a lifetime.
Visit the Muskoka Woods website for more about Schools and Groups retreats.
