Day 15 at Wynchemna: Lessons, Lake Paddles & a High‑Energy Casino Night!

Day 15 delivered everything we love about Wynchemna—smart learning in the morning, fresh air and teamwork in the afternoon, and a big, joyful community event at night. We started the day with our usual hearty breakfast and chatter in the breakfast rooms, where students compared notes on yesterday’s adventures and fueled up for a full schedule.

Our three English blocks were a lively mix designed to stretch minds and spark laughter. In Sarcasm & Tone, students practiced hearing—and performing—the difference between sincere and sarcastic lines. (Pro tip from your teens: “Oh great, a pop quiz” sounds very different depending on the voice!) Next up, we held mini debates on the pros and cons of phone usage, where students built clear arguments, used connectors like on the other hand and however, and discovered that phones remain a passionate topic. Our third block rotated through Time Travel storytelling, Prepositions in motion (students literally moved around the room to demonstrate over, under, through, across), and the crowd-favorite Whisper Challenge, which sharpened listening, pronunciation, and lots of giggles.

After lunch, we headed to beautiful Bowness Park for an afternoon of football and canoeing on the river. On the field, students ran cooperative drills that emphasized communication and sportsmanship, while on the water they practiced paddling in sync, steering, and cheering each other on. Staff kept a close eye on safety, and the canoes glided past tree-lined banks as friends swapped stories and snapped mental pictures of a perfect Calgary summer day.

Dinner took us to Denny’s, where everyone found something to love: fluffy pancakes, crispy chicken sandwiches, classic turkey clubs, cozy eggs benny, and juicy hamburgers. The conversation at the tables was half food review, half highlight reel from the park—exactly the kind of relaxed, friendly atmosphere that helps our community bond.

Then came one of our most FUN nights yet: Casino Night! We transformed our space into a playful casino floor and rotated through tables of UNO, blackjack, poker, and bingo. Students guessed the number of M&Ms in the jar (the suspense was real), sipped root beer floats, and collected Monopoly money as they won hands, rounds, and lucky draws. The grand finale was a prize auction, where students strategized how to spend their hard-earned bills. Do you go all-in on the big item or spread your chances across a few favorites? The bidding wars brought cheers, laughter, and more than a few victory dances.

What made the evening special wasn’t just the games, but the spirit: students encouraged each other, learned the basics of friendly risk-taking, and practiced quick mental math and polite table talk—all in English, and all with huge smiles. By lights-out, the room was still buzzing with “Did you see my hand?” and “I almost had bingo!” stories.

We’re so proud of how our campers keep showing up—with curiosity in the classroom, teamwork outdoors, and enthusiasm at night. Day 15 was a win from start to finish, and if tonight’s energy is any sign, tomorrow’s memories are going to be just as bright.