Today was camping day. We all wearily woke up and stumbled our way into Leonard Hall for an early breakfast. It would be a great change to be outside all day, and Kingston is known to be a beautiful city. After a hurried breakfast, all the Shads split up and made it to the outdoor centre. With a short briefing, we were sent directly to the lake to try our hand at some canoeing. Although draining, the activity was fun and gave us the chance to develop new skills.
After another walk through the beating sun onto the awaiting ferry, we made our way to the beautiful wind farms of Wolfe Island. To my surprise, the camping grounds were just behind a Catholic school, and not a forest like I had expected. Oh well. Then came one of my favourite parts of this program thus far: Recreational time.
You see, Shad Valley can be fairly intense and competitive if you let it be. My favourite relaxation time is when we have the chance to play whatever sport we want. The best time to make new friends and strengthen friendships is during "down time" such as this.
At last, the sun began to fall. We ate a barbecue dinner and sat around a campfire to enjoy good company, good music, and good s'mores. This will be one of my most cherished memories of Shad at Queen's and sums up my time here excellently. It is an inclusive community that loves to learn, to have fun, and to experience life.
Kershanth Thevasundaram, Shad Valley Queen's University 2010
Hometown: Stouffville, Ontario
