Day III and Day IV of the Teacher Orientation
Teacher Orientation for ESL Summer Camp: A Two-Day Canadian Adventure
The camping part of the teacher orientation began with an unforgettable introduction to the Canadian Rockies, blending outdoor adventure with practical preparation for the weeks ahead. Designed to immerse our teaching team in the environment they’d be sharing with students, the orientation was as much about team-building and experiential learning as it was about logistics and curriculum. The result was a powerful bonding experience that set the tone for the rest of the summer.
Day One: Hiking and Learning the Ropes
Our first day started early in Calgary, where teachers gathered with backpacks, hiking boots, and eager anticipation. After a brief safety briefing and gear check, we drove to the West before we began our hike into the Rockies. The trail led us through dense pine forests, across sparkling creeks, and along ridges with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hike wasn’t just scenic—it was symbolic. As we walked together, teachers from all over the world began to connect, sharing stories and expectations for the weeks to come.
Arriving at our remote campsite in the late afternoon, the group was greeted with a hands-on introduction to camping. Each teacher participated in setting up tents, rolling out sleeping bags, and organizing gear. Our camp leaders demonstrated essential outdoor skills, from bear safety and to Leave No Trace principles. These lessons were crucial, as the same skills would later be taught to our ESL campers, many of whom would be experiencing the wilderness for the first time.
For supper, the group prepared a meal together over portable stoves, followed by a circle of songs and reflection under the stars. The combination of physical exertion, play, learning, and camaraderie created a sense of purpose and unity among the team.
After supper, the energy remained high as we transitioned into a round of “Olympic” camping games—a fun and creative way to encourage friendly competition and laughter. Events included a log toss that tested strength and aim, outdoor ping pong and badminton matches set up near the clearing, and even impromptu chess tournaments using travel-sized boards. Teachers also tried their hand at makeshift bowling and a few discovered a new favourite with the Finnish throwing game Mölkky, which quickly became a crowd favourite. These games not only helped break the ice but also modelled the kind of engaging, language-rich activities we’d use with our ESL students.
Day Two: Breakfast, Biking, and the Road Home
The second day began with an early rise and the preparation of a hearty breakfast. Teachers worked in teams to cook a breakfast sandwich, reinforcing collaboration and problem-solving. The morning meal, enjoyed amidst towering pines and crisp mountain air, served as a reminder of the camp’s emphasis on community and cultural exchange.
After breakfast, the orientation took a more exhilarating turn with an afternoon of mountain biking, along scenic trails suited to a range of skill levels, offering an adrenaline-filled way to explore the landscape. For many of the teachers, it was their first time mountain biking, and the experience highlighted the importance of patience, encouragement, and adapting to new challenges—key components of effective ESL instruction.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the group packed up and headed back, making the return trip to Calgary with tired legs and full hearts. On the ride back, conversations buzzed with excitement about the days to come and ideas for incorporating outdoor learning and playful competition into ESL lessons.
In just two days, the teacher orientation did more than prepare staff logistically—it ignited a shared vision for an immersive, adventurous, and transformative summer camp experience.
