Over the course of the past week, St. Basil-the-Great College School students participated in the first half of their YMCA Canada Youth Exchange, in Winnipeg, Manitoba with Maples Met School. This is a reciprocal hosting program that allows youth in one region of Canada to travel to a different part of Canada. The objective of this program is to foster connections among Canadian youth from diverse regions as they explore our nation's history, culture, and people. Students forge meaningful connections and deepen their understanding of the vibrant mosaic that is Canada!
During their time in Winnipeg, our students immersed themselves in an array of experiences. They kicked off their adventure by attending a thrilling Manitoba Moose Hockey Game, where the spirit of the sport captivated them. Additionally, they dedicated their time to volunteer work at Manitoba Harvest, contributing to community welfare and sustainability efforts.
One of the highlights of their trip was a visit to the Aki Center, where students learned about sustainable farming practices and gained invaluable insights into environmental stewardship. They were also deeply moved by their exploration of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, where thought-provoking exhibits expanded their understanding of social justice issues.
Students explored The Forks, a historic site nestled at the crossing of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. With a legacy spanning over 6000 years, The Forks has served as a vibrant meeting point for diverse cultures throughout history, from Indigenous traders to European fur merchants, Scottish settlers to railway pioneers, and waves of immigrants. During their visit, students had the privilege of visiting the burial site of Louis Riel, the founder of Manitoba.
Venturing into Manitoban nature, our students embarked on an enriching journey at FortWhyte, immersing themselves in its natural wonders and engaging in environmental education and outdoor recreation activities. Moreover, their visit to the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre located on the University of Manitoba Research site, shed light on the pivotal role of the farming industry in Manitoba's economy.
During this exchange, our SBC students made memories for a lifetime, as they explored the beauty of Canada’s culture and landscape!
