Spencer Lodge Programs

Cooperative Games (Grade 4 – Adult)
Tailored to suit the age and maturity of your group, the Cooperative Games experience can be a half or full day, guaranteed to promote belonging, respect and cooperation. Experience the challenge of keeping a Flying Funderbird airborn, treasure hunt with your entire team wrapped in a giant bouncy Lycra Tube, challenge the Quicksand or challenge what you know about ‘belonging’ and group culture with Raccoon Circles.

Pond Study (JK - Grade 6)
Pond Study allows students to learn about the pond habitat, and the micro-critters that surround us. Students use collecting nets to gather various pond creatures for a closer look. For older students, biological connections are through discussions on eco-environments and the food webs that thrive within the pond.

Parachute Games (JK - Grade 3)
Fun, cooperative, non-competitive play that reinforces positive turn-taking and laughter. Popular with younger children, parachute games can be incorporated into any part of an outdoor education program. Our new 30-foot rainbow parachute can accommodate up to 24 children at a time!

Animal Game (Grade 4 - 6)
Also known as “Survival”, this is a role-playing game played over a wide area that gives students a new understanding of wildlife, and what it means to survive as a wild animal. Participants become part of the food chain, and interact with their environment and the occasional hazard as they search for energy. A valuable discussion at the end ties in the ecological concepts of interconnectedness and survival of the fittest.

Big Group Games (Grade 4 - Adult)
The entire group participates in these active, games. Whether as an ice-breaker to set a positive tone for the day, or an active game to bring things to a close, big group games are a great way to bring everyone in a large group together in a positive, playful way!

Earth Education (JK - Adult)
Earth Education allows participants to experience the natural world in a fresh, new way. Structured activities introduce the natural world uniquely, by way of ‘immersion’; involving all the senses and invoking a sense of wonder. Trees, trails, pond and sky are our tools for learning about everything from ecology webs to weather prediction!

Challenge Ropes Course (Grade 4 - Adult)
The “CRC” is a four-element dynamic ropes course (Vertical Playground, Space Walk, Cat Walk and Flying Squirrel) fostering positive communication, physical challenge and fun. Harnesses, helmets and professionally trained staff keep participants physically and emotionally safe as they experience the view 34 feet off the ground! Come out and play! Accessible to those with mild-moderate physical disabilities.

Climbing Wall (Grade 3-7)
Better than ever! Suitable for younger groups, the climbing wall has been recently modified to provide accessibility to those with disabilities. Whether you choose to challenge the “overhang”, or to utilize the foot and hand cut-outs, the climbing wall is a fun tool for developing positive group relationships and interpersonal skills. Accessible to those with mild-moderate physical disabilities.

Executive Ropes Course (Grade 9 - Adult)
The “ERC” is a state-of-the-art high ropes course designed with more mature folks in mind. Rickety Bridge, Team Balance, Team All-Aboard, Aerial Trust Dive and the Multi-Vine provide opportunities for groups to develop mutual trust, respect and support. Participants balance, joust and dive their way to a greater sense of connection to the others in their group. Comprehensive debrief strategies are employed to make sense of the experience.

L.E.A.D. (Grades 6 - 8)
L.E.A.D. (Learning, Education, Adventure, Development) is designed to promote social and personal values in pre-teens while developing a sense of team pride. Through Cooperative Games, Low Ropes and Initiatives, L.E.A.D. offers experiential approaches to problem-solving and relationship-building, with a strong focus on personal interaction, creativity, and communication.

Initiatives (Grade 6 - Adult)
A series of fun, progressively more challenging situations or physical “puzzles” foster creative communication, shared leadership, and group cohesion. The activities are highly unique and engaging, designed to develop trust, problem solving and collaboration skills. Initiatives are tailored for individual groups to be age-appropriate.

Outdoor Living Skills (Grade 4 - Adult)
An outdoor survival scenario will challenge groups to learn about shelter and fire-building, water and food preparation. With a hands-on approach, students quickly discover that group cooperation and collaboration is the most important aspect of survival! An introduction to Wilderness First Aid is optional.

Overnights (Any age)
Any group wishing to spend the night at Spencer Lodge may make arrangements to bunk overnight in the Bryson Centre or bring their own tent accommodation. For overnight groups, the YMCA provides a campfire and evening programming, plus night activities up to 9:00 pm. Overnight groups must have a minimum of two adult chaperones on site, a cell phone and a car. For details, please call Allison at 519.858.1907!