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 Kate
MacLeod - Director
of Program & Staff Development
I anticipated that my time at Educo would be a one summer sort of gig, but in 2006 Educo worked its magic and I liked the show! Leaving my summers passionately paddling Ontario's waters, I realized I needed to motivate myself to make the change I continually hope I challenge and inspire in youth and so . . . ventured out West. Little did I know I would soon be swallowed up by this place where acceptance of everyone is a way of life, where the laughter is at times uncontrollable, and the peace of a mountaintop wake-up surrounded by distant snowy peaks is worth more to me then anything I could ever own. Educo is a place where not only the youth attending programs but everyone involved is constantly challenged to take a step outside of their comfort zones in order to be amazed by all that can be accomplished.
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About Kate: born and bred in Ontario, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University, planning to pursue a career in outdoor education!
Kate's favourite to do's include: singing/listening to music, mountain biking, canoeing, chillin' in the sunshine, wearing army shorts and flip flops, laughing, living in the outdoors, meeting new people, eating chocolate, back-flipping off the dock at Educo!
Live well and keep smilin'! |
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 Garret Hopper
What keeps me coming back to Educo? That's a good question. Is it the wide eyed look on students' faces when they're walking underneath the high ropes course, envisioning what it's going to be like to be up there? Is it knowing I will take youth through the same life changing experiences I went through when I was that age? Is it the reflection of the setting sun on a lake with a new group of kids trailing in canoes behind me? Well, whatever it is, it has kept me coming back every year since I was ten years old. What's next? Who knows! Life is an adventure! |
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 Steph Gobin
A few days ago, I was asked in a French exam to write about an event or moment that changed my life. Without hesitation, my first Educo course in 2002 flew into my head. That first momentous course inspired in me a new love for life and those around me. The Educo community helped me find the self-confidence that can be so easily doubted as a teenager.
Year after year I've rushed back to Educo in anticipation of the challenges, changes, the incredible people, the mountains, the zany dish and dance parties, and the eye-opening discussions. This year, I am only too happy to be back on the staff team and I am excited to share and discover with the youth and staff who come to the shores of Little Holden this season!
During
the year, I try
to carry with
me what I've learned at Educo as a student in the
International Studies program at the University of
Ottawa and at home with my family in Vancouver. |
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 Jesse
Sullivan
I’ve been coming
back to Educo now for 17 years. What keeps me coming
back is the depth of learning that happens here
through the Educo experience. I’ve learned
more about myself than anywhere else. I’ve
gained the confidence to express
that learning and just really be Jesse.
I also really
enjoy the beautiful places we travel to at Educo.
From the majestic mountains of the Coast Range to
just right at the site itself. Being out in nature
and having it as my classroom both as a student
and teacher has brought the greatest learning for
me.
As we explore the wilder places without it becomes
easier to explore those amazing places within as
well. |
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Paul Kehler
It has been three years since my
last Educo adventure. Now I find myself returning,
anticipating life changing experiences. I first
came to Educo when I was ten for the Junior course.
Since then I have completed many of the programs
and have spent some time volunteering as well.
I have nothing but praise for Educo, the beautiful
location, positive experiences and genuine people.
I owe Educo for who I am today!
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 Holly Geddert
I started my first Educo adventure at the age of twelve. I remember the day very clearly, arriving after a long, hot and dusty drive from my hometown, Likely, BC. I was hooked immediately. The most positive, creative, beautiful energy was flowing everywhere! It wasn't very long until I started to feel this energy in myself and began to use it in my everyday life.
Wanting to take on a new challenge I began my journey as a junior leader. Over the years, through many more Educo adventures working with youth, my focus developed into giving back my energy into a community that has provided so much inspiration into my life.
What do I love about Educo? I love waking up to mist rising off Little Holden Lake, the sun poking through the trees. |
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I love being free to use my imagination, dressing up and acting wild, watching a group come together during a classic game of Hover-mah-rumps, or hearing a student pour their heart out at an Open House. I love taking a break from hiking by an alpine creek and realizing just how powerful we really are! I love being so scared and finding the courage and strength within myself to take just one more step.
My goal is to help guide my students, friends and myself into a place where we can communicate truly and confidently who we are to the world, to find our passion in life and through communicating this, hopefully inspire the people around us to do the same. |
 Brodie
Drake - Program
Director
How can I sum up the spirit of a place when, to put simply, it's pure magic? It has taught me how to open myself up to discover the vastness of landscapes where meaningful learning happens. It is here that I am understanding how to create space, and see the capacity it holds for fostering inspirations, insights and actions in children beyond their developmental stages. It's not about what I am able to teach as a leader, but what kind of space I can create within myself that invites students to take initiative, realize, and use their own inner knowledge. Learning and teaching then becomes the same. What I am learning occurs naturally in how and what I teach.
What makes me want to work at Educo? I am continuously learning how to be human by challenging who I think I am and what I am able to do. |
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What I am doing when I am not at Educo? Oh, probably walking along a fence somewhere... and going to school in child and youth care. |
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John Babineau - Staff Cook
Educo is a place that brings out the best in everyone who walks onto its beautiful site. I learned this the first year I was a student in 2002. After spending these past years at Educo in the summer, and having its spirit with me through the other 11 months, I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of achieving.
After taking the Leadership course, I was given the opportunity to spend my time with Natasha Ponich (former Educo chef), a great person and a great friend. Through her teaching me even more about myself, I applied for the challenge of taking over as Site Chef.
I am looking forward to spending my time doing what I love best. I've always believed in having a job that you care about, and are passionate about. I see this position not as a job but as an experience I will never forget. |
 Sabrina French - Office Manager
I am both new and old to Educo. I became aware of Educo back in the 70s as I started to watch youth from my neighbourhood attend Educo courses, always returning energized and with a magical glow.
Then, somewhere in the late 80s I attended one of the first women's outdoor programs at Educo and discovered the magic for myself. Most memorable was a silent midnight walk through the woods where, despite the overwhelming darkness of the night, my feet somehow attuned to the earth and ceased to stumble over the uneven ground and protruding tree roots.
At that time I had no idea the day would come when I would assume the Office Manager position for Educo which is where I find myself as of June 2007. |
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As I engage in all of the various office duties and activities that help to keep things running, I am filled with a sense of satisfaction in knowing that my energy is supporting an organization that provides such positive and life enhancing experiences for today's youth. I am inspired by Educo's legacy and the many hands and hearts that have helped build that over the years. |
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The teachers are the real students in life, and that really stands out for me at Educo. Here I get to be a student of life. I get to learn about myself and I have fun while doing it. What more could I ask for? Perhaps only to help others do the same - to help them find their own unique selves and let them shine forth. That's the great gift of Educo, and I love giving it. Not only because I love to see people shine, but also because it's a gift that can be offered to anyone.
