Canada/an immersive twinning camp for Shawinigan sixth-graders

Twenty Shawinigan youngsters from near and far took part in an immersive twinning camp at Camp du Lac Vert in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc. The aim of the camp was to help sixth-graders make the transition from primary to secondary school, and to reduce the anxiety associated with this change for new arrivals.

Youngsters from Shawinigan's Immaculée-Conception, Saint-Joseph and Saint-Jacques schools spent the weekend at Camp du Lac Vert for an immersive nature experience.

A series of activities awaited them, enabling them to bond with their peers and discover other cultures while having fun.

It's all about developing bonds through shared activities," says Camp du Lac Vert director Jean Baribeault.

From a cooking workshop, to the outdoors, to a few tales and legends, they were able to familiarize themselves with other students of the same age who will be going through the same transition next school year.

The idea is really to create links, so that when they get to high school, it's easier for them to make friends," explains Mr. Baribeault.

The project has been approved by the Table régionale de l'éducation de la Mauricie (TREM), which funds this initiative for the benefit of young people.

This project aims to work with young people, discover new skills and prepare them for secondary school," says TREM project manager Amélie Belzile.

The organizers of this stay in the forest were already noticing a change in the youngsters, the day after their arrival.

The more reserved ones had begun to come out of their shells, and friendships were being forged.

Their goodbyes are only temporary, as they will meet again for a second weekend from May 16 to 18.

Source: www.msn.com/