After going on the Duke of Edinburg Gold practice journey these past two days, we are able to say we have fought against Canada’s cold climate and survived.

After arriving at school early Sunday morning, which is very tough for a teenage student, we left for camp Tamarakuda with Mr. Salkeld and Mr. Weiland. Upon arrival, we were quickly told to start building our quinzees (a pile of snow with a hole to sleep in: aka an igloo). We piled snow for a couple of hours and luckily we had already prepared a nice warm soup for lunch.

Afterwards we went on a two-hour snowshoe hike. Although strenuous at times, the scene was breathtaking. Of course we got a little lost but quickly forgot after being given dark chocolate and Twizzlers!

When we found our way back to the camp site, we had little time to dig out our intricate quinzees, which had to be suitable for a good night’s rest. Or so we thought. After a long night of twisting, turning and teeth chattering, we were awakened and joined the group in the cabin for a much-needed breakfast of bacon, porridge and hot cocoa.

Afterwards, as the sun came out and warmed the snow, we sat together and talked about our experience, namely our high and low points and what we would change on the next trip – 4 days of dogsledding in two weeks time! — Malich Altman ’14