YMCA Wanakita is more than a field trip for Westmount Secondary Students

When Westmount Secondary School teacher Emma Beesley first started planning an end-of-year trip for her outdoor education students, she knew she wanted something transformative—something that would give her students more than just a day away from the classroom.

For Emma, the choice was clear: YMCA Wanakita’s Outdoor Centre.

“I’m a former staff member at Wanakita, and it truly was what made me want to be a teacher,” Emma explained. “It’s where I built most of my character and fell in love with that camp world lifestyle. Teaching outdoor ed here, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to spread the camp love and bring the kids to Haliburton to have that experience.”

Field trips today can be complicated to organize, with policies, liability, and logistics making many teachers hesitant. But Emma says Wanakita made the process seamless.

“Honestly, this trip was easier to plan than other field trips I’ve done locally in Hamilton. Wanakita made it so easy. Their program guide answered all my questions, and their team was incredibly supportive and accommodating. It was smooth sailing.”

That support extended beyond logistics to finances. Emma knew that for some students, cost could be a barrier.

“We were incredibly grateful for the financial assistance. A lot of kids would not have had this opportunity otherwise. The sliding scale was so accommodating—it meant I could invite everyone without fear or shame. We had four or five kids who were able to come who wouldn’t have otherwise, and I know how grateful their families are.”

Once at camp, Emma says she saw her students transform.

“As a teacher, it was a dream come true—just stepping back and watching the kids flourish, bond, and try new things. You could really feel a sense of calm and relief and liberation. Less technology, less phones—just playing in nature and being weird without judgement.”

The students agree. Julia, 17, remembers the excitement of arriving. “The whole bus ride there was super lit—we had the jams pumping so loud the staff said they could hear us coming down the road.”

Her favorite activity? Archery. “Jack hit the apple on his first try, and all of us were trying to be as good as him.”

Jack, 18, was the proud winner of Wanakita’s William Tell Award for that shot. But he says the highlight wasn’t just the activities—it was the people. “Hamish was my favorite staff member. He had a Scottish accent, was really chill, and made our group feel connected from the start.”

That sense of connection was most powerful for Cameron, 17. “Our final campfire is something I’ll never forget. Everyone got to express themselves with no fear or shame. The energy and connection that night were amazing.” 

“After camp, I feel like a changed person. You find yourself, you find new friends, and you really understand what it means to connect with people and nature.”

Back at school, Emma says the experience continues to ripple through the halls.

“Even coming back, they haven’t stopped talking about the trip. New relationships blossomed because of camp. It was the most rewarding experience of my career so far. I watched these students become better people, and I know they’ll look back and remember it.”

For students like Julia, Jack, and Cameron, and for their teacher who first fell in love with camp at Wanakita, the Outdoor Centre has proven what Emma always knew to be true—camp changes lives.