Throughout September, our forest was filled with activity as students and staff worked to clear three areas within the aspen trees to encourage students to spend time outside. At the same time, work was underway on the elementary side of the school to create an actual outdoor classroom for our youngest learners as well.

With a campus that borders the mountains and is surrounded by aspen trees, it’s no surprise that there’s always been a passion for moving learning outdoors, and the encouragement to get outside this fall only spurred the desire to create outdoor learning spaces.

Thanks to a dedicated group of passionate staff, and the ongoing support of students to maintain the Outdoor Learning Circles, the aspen forest has housed many classes ranging from topics such as reading time, mindfulness, and more. For the outdoor classroom, a small group of generous individuals and businesses provided the materials needed for a creative learning space.

We can give of our time, our talents, or our treasure, and these outdoor spaces are an example of all three!

This feature is one of a weeklong celebration of altruism at Calgary Academy! Altruism, the heart of our REACH Principles, is a concern for the welfare of others, and the CA community exemplifies this in may ways. Each day this week we will feature an example of our community giving back – either by volunteering their time, leaving a legacy, or making a generous donation. We’re asking all parents to help spread the word by sharing the link with friends and family, making a donation, or by submitting an impact story on the difference CA has made in your family’s life. Learn more at give.calgaryacademy.com.