Outdoors SOUL

Since SOUL (Shawnigan Online Unique Learning) launched on March 30, the digital learning contributions to Shawnigan’s already dynamic academic programming have grown exponentially. From inspirational monologues, self-care resources, and regular student group meet-ups to open mic nights, cooking lessons and world record attempts, Shawnigan’s diverse educational, pastoral and cultural offerings have not been diminished by a shift to an online culture.

 

One of the most recent contributions is the first post in a series about outdoor adventure inspiration by Shawnigan’s Outdoors Coordinator Eric MacDonald.

 

“With social distancing and travel restrictions in place, I found myself daydreaming about past and future adventures—canoeing in the Yukon, trekking in Bolivia and whitewater kayaking in Nepal,” shares Mr. MacDonald, who joined the Shawnigan community in 2017. “For me, these reflections highlighted the rewarding nature of these previous experiences, the importance of building connections with people and places, and the personal growth that comes from facing a challenge.”

 

Starting with a small collection of recommended adventure films, Mr. MacDonald is seeking to inspire future adventures, big or small, as well as reminding us of the value of personal challenge and developing a meaningful connection with our natural world.

 

“Adventure films are often exciting,” he explains. “There is a thought-provoking magnetism to a film when it examines an activity that many people find intimidating. In addition, teamwork, personal challenge, group dynamics and connection to a place are often intriguing concepts that are explored in tandem with the journey itself.”

 

For Mr. MacDonald, an early passion for the outdoors industry, sparked by summer work as a teen on multi-day canoeing, hiking and climbing camps in the Rocky Mountains, flourished into a career when he moved to Australia. There he completed a diploma in outdoor recreation, specializing in adventure-based learning, and began working full-time an as outdoor educator. After 10 years spent developing and coordinating domestic outdoor programs for schools, he transitioned into a role where he facilitated international expeditions to developing countries for high school students, merging his passions for outdoor education and travel.

 

The diverse selection of films he has identified in his first post about outdoor adventure inspiration offer something for everyone.

 

“My hope is that everyone can find a film on this list that they will enjoy,” he says. “A film I really enjoyed was The Ridge—the simplicity of the film highlights the incredible skill of the mountain bike rider and the stark, natural beauty of the Isle of Skye. And because white-water kayaking is a personal passion of mine, The Ladakh Project, which charts an intense solo kayaking expedition on three powerful rivers in the Indian Himalayas, is another favourite.”

 

For Mr. MacDonald, there is no question about the value of adventure and goal-seeking in the great outdoors. At a time when there is increasing scientific evidence about the value of connecting with the natural world, including reduced stress, greater mental and physical well-being, improved concentration and an increase in creativity, Mr. MacDonald believes that outdoor adventure can broaden these benefits to include indispensable life skills, such as teamwork and problem solving and resilience in the face of challenge.

 

“When the timing is right, I would like to continue to facilitate outdoor exploration for Shawnigan students, helping them plan and participate in some inspiring adventures of their own on beautiful Vancouver Island,” he shares. “In the meantime, I hope that these films can help inspire members of our community either to push themselves to achieve their goals, no matter what they are, or to simply slow down and take a moment to appreciate the natural world around us.”