In a remarkable display of student talent and community collaboration, Scarborough Outdoor Education School (SOES) recently concluded its Gazebo Design and Build Competition. Supported by the Community Connected Experiential Learning (CCEL) grant, students were tasked with creating a functional waterfront gazebo to provide shelter from the sun and rain.
Lachlan Ross and Pablo Vasconez, Northview Heights SS students, spearheaded the winning design, impressing judges with a blend of functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics.
They took charge of compiling a materials list and laying the groundwork for their project. The real magic unfolded during the six days spent at SOES, where they worked alongside their teacher, Leo Vant Erve, and fellow student Jonah Qureshi, to meticulously plan and execute their vision. This hands-on approach provided them with practical insights into construction, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
“Beyond constructing a shelter, the project empowered students to think critically and work collaboratively, equipping them with skills extending far beyond the classroom,” said David Hawker-Budlovsky, Centrally Assigned Principal of Outdoor Education at the TDSB.
The gazebo serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms into the realm of real-world, hands-on experience. The organizers are planning to host more future opportunities for student contributions later this year.
