In October of 2002, I participated in an international student exchange between Prince of Wales Mini School and Ikuno Junior High School. When I visited Japan for 10 days, I was introduced to a completely different culture of a small, traditional Japanese town. We were welcomed warmly into this closely-knit community's families who took us under their wing and showed us everything they did and had. Everything we did was hands-on and we were actively involved in all of our activities. The traditions and experiences I came across in Japan can never be replaced and the lessons I learned about family, loyalty and respect will always stay with me. .
Strathcona Park Lodge.
Every year Prince of Wales Mini School makes a trip to Strathcona Park Lodge as part of our outdoor education program. Here, we learn firsthand about activities such as white-water and ocean canoeing and kayaking, rock-climbing, mountaineering, trail-building and primitive skills. .
Whistler, Blackcomb.
Prince of Wales Mini School annually visits Whistler, Blackcomb as another segment of our outdoor education program. In addition to spending the days on the slope, the evenings are spent working in groups to prepare food for the students. .
June Trips.
Students in grade 8 to 10 of Prince of Wales Mini School visit places such as Alberta, the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island and Ashland, Oregon at the end of every school year. These trips are essential when learning about teamwork and individual effort while aiming for a common goal. Along with working cooperatively to prepare meals, people must act together when setting up tents and sleeping areas. This is a valuable learning experience because not only do you discover the crucial difference between independent and teamwork, but also because you learn to work with people you do not know as well to build strong friendships. .
Carmanah.
The grade 8 and 9 classes of Prince of Wales Mini School visit Carmanah Valley on Vancouver Island to learn about the old growth forests of British Columbia.
