Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open.

An Information Evening will be held at the West Van Secondary Library on Tuesday, February 11 at 7pm.

Our Trial Day will be held on Wednesday, April 2 from 2:00 to 4:30pm: Students who are shortlisted from the application process will be invited by email to attend a trial day

The WVS Premier Outdoor Recreation program is open to students, Grades 10-12, attending any one of the three WVS secondary schools: Rockridge, Sentinel or West Vancouver Secondary School.

*Please note that if students entering Grade 9 are interested, they must receive a letter of recommendation from their Grade 8 PHE teacher and applications will only be reviewed if there are spots available.

This program is designed to encourage students who are interested in participating in Physical Health & Education beyond the walls of the gymnasium by exploring the local environment through outdoor challenges and pursuits. As students participate in the WVS Premier Outdoor Recreation Program, they work through two applicable courses, depending on the grade levels.

This program exposes students to a wide range of outdoor experiences. Woven throughout are various important concepts such as personal development, community awareness, environmental stewardship, outdoor preparedness, and “Leave No Trace” principles. Students complete the program with the experience, knowledge, confidence, and a sense of empowerment required to safely continue to be active outdoors for life.

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Courses and Schedule:

Students who participate in the Premier Outdoor Recreation program receive the following courses:

Grade 10: Physical & Health Education 10

Board/Authority Authorized (BAA) Outdoor Connections 10

Grade 11: Active Living 11

Outdoor Education 11

Grade 12: Active Living 12

Outdoor Education 12

The Schedule:

West Vancouver Schools runs a linear schedule. Within this schedule, the Outdoor Recreation Program will run as follows:

Week One: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (last period of the day)

Week Two: Tuesday, Thursday (last period of the day)

Extended Days/Times:

*Please note that extended classes (beyond 3:00pm) occur on alternating Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students should be available until 4:30pm on one to two Wednesdays per month and until 5:30pm on two Thursdays per month.

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Physical & Health Education or Active Living Courses

Develop Physical Literacy and Physical Fitness through a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking and sailing
Team and individual games such as badminton, golf and ultimate
Cooperative games such as capture the flag and orienteering
Plan, achieve and reflect on goal setting through personal growth, engagement and responsibility
Focus on work ethic, perseverance and challenges
Practice and apply “Healthy Choices” to promote physical, social and mental well-being

BAA Outdoor Connections 10 and Outdoor Education 11 and 12

Development of essential skills and concepts in a complex and dynamic environment (knots, food caches, meal prep, shelter and fire building)
Safety and preparedness for wilderness experiences and outdoor activities
Nurture social responsibility and environmental stewardship by guiding students in understanding and applying the “Leave no Trace Principles”
Integrate sustainability and conservation principles into the learning experience
Promote awareness and responsibility within the program and the community
Emphasize teamwork, community, leadership and collaboration
Understand, respect and acknowledge cultural and historical influences on the lands in which we play and create

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Quote from past participant:

“Outdoor Connections opened up so many amazing new opportunities for me. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my school year than learning in the beautiful outdoors.” – Kat Seow

Program Cost:

The total cost per year is $2550. Deposit $600.

*fees are subject to approval

Interested students registered full time at Rockridge, Sentinel or WVSS are eligible and encouraged to thoroughly complete the Student Information Form and requirements as soon as possible as spots in the program are limited.

Application Requirements & Criteria

Components of the application are as follows:

Participation in the trial day (*Please note that interested international students are exempt from this component)
Upload a copy of your recent report card
Upload two letters of reference: one PHE teacher reference & one other teacher reference
Students complete written answers of application about why they feel they want to be in the program & why they would be a good candidate
Parent questionnaire providing information about why they feel the student would be a good fit for the program

Students from any one of WVS secondary schools (Rockridge, Sentinel or WVSS) who are interested in applying are encouraged to complete the registration & all requirements before March 15 as the number of participants is limited and equal representation from all three schools is a priority.

Contact Information

Mrs. Daphne Lambie
WVS Teacher
dlambie@wvschools.ca
604-981-1300

OR

Mrs. Taylor Richardson
WVS Teacher
trichardson@wvschools.ca
604-981-1130

“My name is Heidi, I am 16 years old and I am an Exchange Student from Austria. The Outdoor Recreation Program offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and adventure of Canada. From exhilarating hikes, through breathtaking trails, to thrilling water sports on picturesque lakes, by being in this program, students create unforgettable memories while connecting with nature and fellow participants. With the program’s emphasis on teamwork, cultural exchange, and personal growth, International students gain a remarkable experience that enriches their time abroad and get the ability to see breathtaking Canada. Sign up. I guarantee, you won’t regret it!”

“I’m Neal. I’m 17 years old and an International student from Thailand. Joining the Outdoor Recreation Program has provided me with so many great opportunities to get to know the natural beauty of Canada. This program has taken me through hikes, paddles, climbs, sails, and so many more exciting activities I otherwise would never have participated. I’ve built so many bonds and friendships throughout my time and can graduate with many happy memories. The Outdoor Recreation Program is a place of adventure and growth. It’s hard to summarize everything in one small paragraph but I recommend signing up to experience it yourself.”

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