CAS PROGRAM

The Three Categories

Creative Activities involve the arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking. In addition to using creativity, these activities should involve some product that can be shared with the community in a performance, show, publication, exhibition, etc.

Action activities involve students working together on a demanding dance routine, doing hard physical work on the campus, or experiencing the West Coast environment around us from land and from sea; all while participating in physically challenging activities. As they progress through their two years in the activities, gradually the focus shifts from acquisition of skills to leading others.

Service activities involve responsibility, learning and respecting the rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involves. Ideally, the identification of needs will involve prior communication and full consultation with the community or individual concerned. This approach, based on a collaborative exchange, maximizes both the potential benefits to the recipients and the learning opportunities for the students. Ideally, such prior communication and consultation will be face-to-face and will involve the students themselves. Where this is not possible, the schools will work with appropriate partners or intermediaries, and make every effort to ensure both that the service provided is appropriate, and that the students are able to understand the human consequences of their work, for both individuals. At Pearson, service can be to the inside community (Pearson College) or the outside community (Metchosin and beyond).

THE ACTIVITIES

Astronomy
Creativity, Service
Either Mondays or Thursdays
6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Leader: Mark W.
Observatory
Max Participants: 10 in each day (1st and 2nd yr split)
You will learn to navigate around the night sky and understand the changes that occur through the night and over the course of the year. You will learn to use sky charts and familiar objects to direct you to galaxies, nebulae and clusters. Using your eyes, binoculars and various types of telescopes you will learn to sketch, photograph and record your observations. Once you are familiar with the standard amateur techniques you will develop your own observing projects and plan evenings for local school groups at our observatory and at their schools. The equipment that we use requires careful and responsible handling. Your knowledge will be put to the test in front of each other before it is put to the test in front of up to 200 people at local schools. Students who took the activity last year are expected to help with the training of the students new to it. Every one is expected to be involved with the maintenance of the equipment, grounds and buildings. Students will learn about the principles and uses of astronomical instruments, recognition of the night sky, how to plan an observation, presentation skills and the way the universe is evolving.

Bay Kayaking
Action
Thursdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leaders: Andrew and Colleen
Docks
Max Participants: 10
Students participating in this activity take part in kayaking excursions locally in Pedder Bay and occasionally further afield. This activity combines physical challenge, the splendour of the ocean with an emphasis on leadership and wildlife observation. Students are expected to prepare themselves fully for all aspects of this course, and to remain physically fit. Students will be expected to assist in the maintenance of the equipment. As well as learning the basics of kayaking, students will also take the shoremaster and VHF radio course.  All participants must have passed the college swim test.

Bike and Climb
Action
Fridays
2:30-4:30
Leader: Aileen
Math Room South
Participants will use the college bikes to travel to a climbing destination. They may also be involved in some indoor climbing as well as possibly contributing towards the development of a climbing wall at Pearson.

Boys and Girls Club
Service
Monday, Tuesdays, Thursday OR Fridays
2:30- 4:30 pm
Leader: Anna
Supervisor: Andrew Sewell
Parking lot
This activity will allow participants to make connections with the local community while proving a service. Through leading activities, students will practice leadership, team building, and conflict resolution skills, which are all very valuable and useful for campus life. The after school program gives elementary and high school students a place to be, things to do, and a support group, which helps in the development of a healthy community. It also is important in teaching teamwork skills and helping with academics.

Campus Care
Service
Tuesdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Chris
Maintenance
Max Participants: 6
Campus Care offers Pearson College students an opportunity to get involved is campus service projects in a more meaningful way. These will range from simple repairs and maintenance to more involved planning/ design and construction as their skills progress. It is hoped that students would participate for two years.  Students will have some mechanical skills and/ or aptitude, be safety conscious and have an interest in hands-on projects. They will also enjoy working as a team and not mind getting their hands a bit dirty.

Choir
Creativity
Sundays
6:30 to 8:00
Leaders: Seb and Yoomi
LLT
Max Participants: unlimited
The One Hundred Voice Choir has given great pleasure to many years of students as performers, and to many people who have heard them perform. It sings music from a variety of countries, in a variety of languages and a variety of styles. It performs in concerts each term, including Metchosin Christmas Concert and One World. The sound of a hundred voices, from a hundred different countries, all singing in harmony, is the perfect symbol of the kind of community Pearson College represents.
You will develop your musical skills but the most important thing is to enjoy the experience of singing together!  We are always keen to widen the range of music we sing, so if there is something from your country that you would like the choir to perform, please suggest it. No skills or previous experience are necessary - we only require enthusiasm!

Community Leadership
Service
Fridays
2:30-4:30
Leader: Peter
Math Classroom North
In the first week of each four week cycle participants will work together to research and learn about leadership including how to plan and manage projects. In the second week participants will learn how to speak in public including both impromptu short speeches and longer speeches which have been researched and written. In the third and fourth week participants will learn how to assess community needs, plan and raise money to support projects and programs promoting environmental sustainability and community integration through helping those with special needs. Participants are expected to engage fully with the group, take initiative and demonstrate leadership while also supporting the efforts of others. Previous service experience could have a valuable place in this activity, though none is required. Individuals with a passion for sustainability and community action are encouraged to join. A one-year commitment is required.

Creative Speaking
Creativity
Mondays
2:30 to 4:30
Leaders: Kay, Francis and Julia
Supervisor: Judy
Caf
Max Participants: 12
Students who join the Creative speaking activity will learn various techniques including breathing, posture, body language, verbal skills, use of space, assertion training, impromtu speaking, parliamentary style debating and cross examination style debating to help build communication and presentation skills and develop confidence and skill in public speaking.

Creative Writing
Creativity
Thursdays
2:30- 4:30 pm
Leader: Alistair
Supervisor: Colleen
Colleen’s classroom
The creative writing activity will benefit its members by giving them an opportunity to express themselves through written work. There will be skill building workshops, such as effective letter writing, speech writing, script writing, poetry, long and short pieces, and the members of the group will have the freedom to use any of these tools or to work independently. The activity will benefit the community through implementing poetry cafes and other events to display our work. Potentially, we will write monologues/scripts for the drama activity. During our letter writing workshops, we may be writing for a cause which affects the Metchosin Community, Victoria, or more global causes.

Culinary Arts
Creativity, Service
Sundays
2:30 to 530
Supervisor: Natasha
Caf
Max Participants: 10
Participants will become familiarized with the kitchen at Pearson and then move on to preparing dinner or baking bread for Sunday night dinner. The activity will begin at 1:30 on Sundays, and end after dinner and clean up are finished. For each individual student, this activity will only occur twice a month for four hours, as opposed to the regular once a week for two hours.

Current Affairs
Service
Thursdays
2:30 to 4:30 (plus one additional Wednesday evening per month)
Leader: Coops
Student Common Room
Max Participants: 12
This is a lively group interested in discussing a range of topics from contentious current political and social issues to world news and events. This activity offers the opportunity to exchange views and also become more aware and sensitive to the differing attitudes and perceptions that the College's international student body offers. Students must be energetic and prepared to take initiative in this activity. All students are expected to research and present a topic at least once. Students will develop the ability to articulate views, demonstrate empathy and exchange opinions. They will also practice research and presentation skills.

Drama Activity
Creativity
Fridays
2:30 to 4:30
Supervisor: Libby
Max Bell
Max Participants: 12
This activity will explore a range of drama and theatre related skills including physical and vocal techniques, improvisation, scene study and Applied Theatre forms. Outcomes could include creating a spoken word piece for One World and a variety of performance events, including using theatre and drama as a tool to stimulate discussion of key community issues.

Environmental Stewardship
Creativity, Action, Service
Thursdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Heather G.
Admin Building
Max Participants: 13
Pearson College is surrounded by Douglas fir forests and Garry Oak meadows. Environmental Stewardship is an activity where students come together to care for and advocate for the trails, the unique ecosystems in the area and future developments in the trail system. Gathering every week provides opportunities for meaningful and concrete connections with local people and for participants to learn about and explore the local forests. Students are expected to act responsibly while in the forest and to remain optimistic outside in all weather conditions. Students are also expected to participate in local community events (hikes, hosting groups on our trails) related to this activity.
Students will learn skills in hiking, trail building, plant identification, guiding groups, and developing interpretive signage.

Expedition Kayaking
Action
Tuesdays AND Fridays (meaning you choose either Mondays or Tuesdays, and everyone comes on Fridays)
2:30 to 4:30
Leaders: Garth
Docks
Max Participants: 14
The overall goal of the Expedition Kayaking activity is to enable participants to master the kayaking and seamanship skills required for planning, and successfully completing, multi-day sea kayak expeditions in wilderness locations. The activity will involve two days per week; one day will be skill based and the other fitness based. All participants are expected to challenge themselves in order to attain Level II certification with the Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Program. Participants will also be expected to take part in a multi-day kayak expedition that will be organized during the year (e.g. Project Week.) Certification will be awarded to every participant who meets the Paddle Canada standards. Successful participants will be encouraged to return as 2nd year leaders where they will actively contribute to the instruction and demonstration of skills to new participants as well as the planning and leading of expeditions. All students wanting to participate in Expedition Kayaking must first pass the swim test.

External Relations Activity
Service
Mondays
2:30-4:30
Leaders: Eppie, Nessa, Trudi
Supervisor: Davida
Admin
Max Participants: 12
This activity will allow for a connection between students and alumni, providing mentors for students who need advice/ guidance. As well as mentorship between students and alumni, our activity will be a service to the Development department of Admin, working on donor relations (calling donors to talk to them about Pearson College and thank them for their money, etc). This is needed greatly by admin. As well, every two weeks we will update a notice board in the caf or common room with stories we’ve gotten from alumni (with permission, of course!), advice given, updates on any community events done, donor profiles, to keep students updated with what we’re doing and connected with the past and present of Pearson. The activity will also acquaint the campus with the ER staff. As a part of the community outreach, a section of the activity will plan talks and activities around Metchosin to raise awareness of Pearson College and serve the needs of the community – activities/ talks/events at old folks’ homes, elementary/ high schools, and anywhere else admin would like us to go. We plan to improve UWC linking with the UWC outreach section of the activity, which will make UWC a stronger movement among its students and therefore meet the need the Global community has for strong UWC minds. As well reconnecting alumni from around the world with Pearson may remind them of the Pearson values and inspire them to help meet the needs of their communities, wherever that may be.

Film Society
Creativity
Fridays
8:30 to 10:30 PM
Leader: Wouter and Rinus
Supervisor: Libby
Max Bell
Max Participants: 15
Participants meet Friday evening to present, watch and discuss films/documentaries. Every member is required to present a film, with guidance from the leaders. Films from all countries are encouraged in the spirit of international understanding. Critique and analysis of film techniques are emphasized skills. Improvement in the communication and development of ideas is encouraged through various opportunities, including writing film reviews which are then submitted to local newspapers for publication.

First Aid
Service
Tuesdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Susan
Nursing station
Max Participants: 12
The first aid activity requires a 2 year commitment for students to become the medical first responders for the campus. After intense training, the student will then be responsible to respond to all alarms, attend medical emergencies, maintain first aid kits in their room, and be role models to safety issues on campus. Weekly meetings are necessary to maintain and practice skills.

Further Martial Arts
Action
Thursdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leaders: Camille, Connor
Supervisor: Andrew Sewell
Tennis Courts
Max Participants: 12
Martial Arts offers training in Aikido, (Japanese Samurai sword and stick training) Mugendo, (a form of kickboxing) and Karate. Learn the benefits of self-defense, discipline, fitness and personal confidence in the practice of the martial arts. No prior knowledge or experience with the martial arts is necessary for participating in this activity, be prepared for a vigorous work out.

Global Concerns
Service
Tuesdays
2:30-4:30
Leaders: Heiu, Judy
Supervisor: Raphael
Cafeteria
This activity will create the opportunity for the college members to focus on various global concerns with a frequency of one topic every two (or three) weeks. For example, in the context of the International Day of Peace on September 21, the focus for the weeks around that day could be War and Peace; or in December, a focus on HIV/AIDS and the situation of African countries could be facilitated in the context of World AIDS day on December 1. According to the chosen topic, the members of this activity will be in charge of activities on campus to help raise awareness of the concern (presentations, workshops, movie nights, activities). These events will also happen outside of the college as a crucial part of the activity (presentations & workshops in other schools, services for the community of Metchosin and Victoria). In addition, the members of this activity will create leadership opportunities for other students in the college.

Growing Opportunities
Creativity, Action, Service
Tuesday or Friday
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Raphael, Stella
East House lawn
Max Participants: 12
Growing Opportunities is a student created activity in which the goal is to make Pearson College a healthier and more sustainable place. Most of our activities are outdoors and involve working with nature in a direct way that helps us learn where food comes from as well as practical gardening skills. Some of our current projects include a vegetable garden, a greenhouse, a composting area and partnerships with local farms. Also this year we hope to bring more locally grown vegetables to the cafeteria and build an additional greenhouse, while educating the community on sustainable eating and growing. Come join us for meaningful, educational, hands on work that will help make our college a better place to live!

Habitat for Humanity
Service
Monday
Time may vary.
Leader: Nicole
Nicole’s house
Max participants: 14
In addition to building at the FlexPlex site and volunteering regularly at the ReStore, some other projects this activity may be involved with include: helping to construct/paint/set up the volunteer centre in the new ReStore (late September), fundraising for and participating in the Habitat Team in the Royal Victoria Marathon (Oct 11), helping out at Volunteer Recruitment Fairs and participating in the Home Show in February. There are more opportunities for training and involvement, depending on people's interest.  There are also possibilities for Project Weeks.

IT Activity
Service, Creativity
Mondays
2:30-4:30
Leader: Jonathan
Computer Lab
Max participants: 12
This activity will allow students to share their knowledge with each other about computers and useful applications. Some minor computer maintenance and repair maybe involved.

Kapahaka
Creativity, Action
Thursdays
2:30-4:30
Leader: Amber
Supervisor: Mark BM
Max Bell
Max participants: 15
Haka will give participants an understanding of a part of the indigenous culture of New Zealand as well as teaching them songs in another language and a few performance pieces. Performances may be done within the Pearson Community; the knowledge gained can be shared. Asia Pacific Regional Day will definitely have a performance of Kapahaka, performances may happen in the Metchosin community and possibly presentations of Kapahaka and its role in Maori Culture. If it is accepted this activity could go toward a performance in One World. This activity will give people who know nothing about the Maori Culture in New Zealand knowledge and an understanding of an important aspect of this culture.

Learn to Swim
Action
Mondays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Teresa
Swimming Pool
Max Participants: TBA
Come out and have qualified swim instructors teach you how to swim if you don't know how, or how to swim better if you want to improve.

Link Activity
Creativity
Tuesdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Sherry
Library Media Room
Max Participants: 8
The Link is the web magazine for the College. We cover news stories for publication on the web for our alumni, families, and any supporters of the College who want to follow the events of our lives. In this year, we are taking the Link beyond basic writing and photography. We will be adding short videos and podcasts. We will learn some skills in photo, video, and sound editing. No experience is necessary, but enthusiasm and a commitment to meeting publication deadlines are essential.

Log Activity
Creativity
Sundays
2:30 to 5:30
Leader: Christian
Teacher work rm
Max Participants: 10
Our College year book is referred to as "The Log". It is a chronicle of the events, people and our lives during the school year. Traditionally, The Log includes all of the people in our community and their contribution to making the year a memorable experience. The students that role in this activity is one of gathering photos, articles from the student newspaper and The Link, plus soliciting artwork and writing from the students at large. Students will act as editors, layout designers and learn to desk top publish The Log.

Martial Arts
Action
Tuesdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leaders: Juan Manuel, Abdullah and Ala’
Supervisor: Andrew Sewell
Tennis Courts
Max participants: 15
Students will be introduced to different skills in a variety of martial arts; they will learn new physical skills and they will about the spirit of martial arts which includes teamwork and the ability to reflect and concentrate.

Metchosin Fire Fighters
Service
Saturdays
Time may vary
Leader: Tulawe and Basil
Supervisor: David H
David’s house
Max participants: 6
This activity will allow members to participate in volunteer services and activities in the Fire Department itself, and in addition to this, students will gain an increased awareness and knowledge in safety, how to act properly in the situation of a fire and how to operate certain equipment used in fighting fires. This knowledge will be beneficial to the community, and members of this activity will be able to impart it to students and faculty alike.

Metchosin House
Service
Mondays or Thursdays
2:30-4:30
Leaders: Samuel, Geoffrey
Parking lot
Max participants: 14 each day
Participants will work with the Metchosin Community Association to assist our host community of Metchosin in whatever ways they can.

Pearson United (Soccer/Football)
Action
Saturdays
Time may vary
Leader: Johann
Supervisor: Natasha
Tennis courts
Max participants: 11
This activity will allow students to play as part of a soccer team; collaborating, finding new challenges, finding their weaknesses and strengths, and developing new talents in both soccer and teambuilding. 

PC Orchestra
Creativity
Fridays
2:30-4:30
Leaders: Rita, Irene, Elena
Supervisor: Yoomi
Music rm
Max participants: 15
Music is an important gift that many people bring to Pearson, but sometimes they do not have many possibilities to use it in the College. This activity is an opportunity for musicians in the College to cultivate their passion by playing in an orchestra, which will include whoever wants to keep playing in Pearson. The College may benefit from this activity through fundraising, because the orchestra could play to fundraise for the College, and it will be an encouragement for people to apply to Pearson if they know that there is an activity such the orchestra where they can keep playing.

PC Radio
Creativity
Mondays
2:30- 4:30 pm
Leader: Dominic and Savita
Supervisor: Jonathan V
Max bell
Radio activity is an exciting opportunity to be part of an initiative to start up a new student radio station within the college and produce all student produced content: music, speech, experimental, anything! It's also a way to learn the tricks and technique to be successful radio producers and presenters. As well as this, participants will be involved for producing monthly shows for local radio stations broadcast to large audiences.

Photography
Action
Fridays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Isolde
Art rm
Max Participants: 12
In this activity students learn the basics of digital photography. Composition, lighting, and the use of design elements and principles to produce more effective photos are promoted in this creative activity.  We will cover digital software use and enhancing your photography.  Student photographs have been used in conjunction with other activities such as The Link and One World fundraising.  Students are expected to bring a digital camera if they have one available to them.  Participants will develop skills in selection and composition of subject matter, using digital software, and critical appreciation of photography.

Pottery
Creativity
Fridays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Isolde
Art rm
Max Participants: 12
In this activity students learn the fundamentals of handmade and wheel made pottery. The opportunity to create functional ceramics and make decorative work is offered. The program is generally for one year. However some students have participated for 2 years and have assisted in teaching the beginners in class. Students are encouraged to use their imagination and pursue projects of their own design. Students are also expected to be responsible for maintaining and cleaning the room after use. Students will learn to use the potter’s wheel, to fire a kiln and also hand building techniques. No prior skills are needed.

Priory
Service
Tuesdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Judy
Parking lot
Max Participants: 14
There are many elderly people in retirement homes in Victoria. In the Priory, all residents are in wheelchairs. Some of these elderly people have trouble with their memories, and sometimes appear confused, but they still enjoy companions, and regular social contact, especially with young people. Students in this activity meet with the residents on an individual basis once a week. There will also be the opportunity to work on a newspaper and a website with the residents. Students are expected to develop a rapport the residents they visit, and are expected to be prepared for each visit. Students will develop people skills of communication and compassion, and will demonstrate flexibility and leadership. No prior skills are needed.

Race Rocks Activity
Creativity, Service
Saturdays
1:00 to 3:00
Leader: Ryan
Docks
Max Participants: 12
Race Rock service activity will bring students to Race Rocks for some hands-on work at the Marine Science Centre satellite of Pearson College campus. This activity will be held on Saturdays, once or twice a month. Weather-permitting, students will be picked up at the docks and brought to Race Rocks where they will assist me (the Eco-Guardian) in special projects relating to the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the ecological reserve. Students should be comfortable on the water, passed their swim tests, and wear work clothes.

Recycling Activity
Service
Fridays
2:30 to 4:30
Leaders: Dominique
Japan house
Max Participants: 15
This activity provides recycling for the entire campus. No prior skills are needed.

Sailing
Action
Thursday or Friday
2:30 to 4:30
Leaders: David H., Erik, Seb and Mark BM
Docks
Max Participants: 12 per day
In this activity students participate in a program which is physically challenging, and in which all students receive training to at least the 'White Sail' standard of the Canadian Yachting Association. Students also learn how to use VHF Radio, and the skills necessary to act as Shoremaster. Students often participate in events at weekends and Project/travel week, and second year sailors receive advanced training. Students are expected to prepare themselves fully for all aspects of this course, and to remain physically fit. They are expected to work with each other effectively in order to be prepared for the unpredictable nature of West Coast weather. As well as learning sailing skills, students will also take the shoremaster and VHF radio course. There are places for up to 24 students in the program, split between first and second years, with 6 first year and 6 second year spaces in each session. All participants must have passed the college swim test.

Scuba Diving
Action
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (students choose any 2)
2:30 to 4:30
Leaders: Chris, Laura V., and Erik
Docks
Max Participants: 32 (1st and 2nd year split)
In year one of this activity students learn the basics of scuba diving, first in the pool and then in the ocean. They also learn how to use VHF radio, Coastwatch procedures and to act in a support role during diving operations. Some will also learn boat handling and operation. In the second year students use their diving skills to contribute back to the program, support other college activities and assist in the teaching of first years.
Students expected to remain physically fit, and not smoke. They are also expected to participate and be available two afternoons a week on average; take part in many of the other aspects involved in the running of a diving program, including tasks such as compressing cylinders. Students will hopefully achieve the PADI Open Water Scuba Diver certification at the end of their first year and further their training in year two. It is essential that members of this program have passed the college swim test.

Singers
Creativity
Mondays
6:30 - 8:00
Leaders: Seb and Yoomi
LLT
Max Participants: 12
The Pearson Singers are a small choir, who meet once a week to sing a wide range of exciting and challenging music.  We hope to perform frequently, both at important College events such as One World, and in solo concerts in a variety of locations.  If you've never experienced the thrill of singing in perfect harmony, you have to try it!
Prerequisites: There will be a simple, stress-free audition.  We also hope you will have the enthusiasm to be a real leader in the Hundred Voice Choir.

Social Entrepreneurs
Creativity, Service
Thursdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leaders: Camille, Johann
Supervisor: Geoffrey
Econ Classroom
Max Participants: 12
In this activity, participants will examine how businesses can be run in an environmentally sustainable way, experiment with social enterprise activities and relate issues of social justice with global economic trends.

Special Needs Art and Recreation
Service
Wednesday
6:00- 8:00
Leader: Mary Louise
Supervisor: Libby
Art Room
Max Participants: 20
Pearson students will participate in art and recreation with visiting teens with developmental disabilities.

Special Needs Dance
Service
Wednesdays
6:30 to 9:00 PM
Leader: Colleen
Parking Lot
Max Participants: 14
Every Wednesday night dances are held at the Juan de Fuca recreation centre for mentally and physically challenged people in the local area. Pearson volunteers facilitate the socialization of these people. Some are shy at first but they really enjoy themselves when asked to dance by one of the students. From time to time we organize or participate in an alternate activity such as a game, folk dances or concert. This is a challenging activity that gives students an opportunity to develop skills in an informal social setting with people of all ages and abilities. Students will develop people skills of communication, sensitivity and compassion, and must be willing to participate in the dances. No prior skills are needed.

Special Needs Music
Service
Thurdays
2:30 to 4:40
Leader: Peter
Parking Lot
Max Participants: 12
In this service we reach out to the older members in our community by sharing time and stories and singing with them. In the different care homes we will be visiting, residents will have different levels of ability, ranging from those who can participate easily to those who find it more difficult to communicate. Music and singing are a wonderful way to reach out and touch people’s hearts in a way which is encouraging for them. In most years of this popular service about half the students play an instrument and the others mix with the elderly and help them to sing songs familiar to them. After about an hour of singing, we meet individually with residents and listen and share a little as they are often quite animated after the singing. (Bonus: the snacks provided while mixing and mingling are usually delicious!) Students do not need to know how to play an instrument but they should enjoy singing and interacting with elderly people.

Student Newspaper
Creativity
Tuesdays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Samuel
Library Media Room
Max Participants: 12
Students participating in the newspaper activity learn and practice a variety of unique skills. All students share the responsibility for writing/contributing content, editing each others work, and publishing a bi-monthly paper. The activity allows students to practice writing, and to share their interest with the Pearson community. Students have the exciting opportunity to write about current issues around the world and at Pearson, unique experiences, or interesting news, and share these ideas with the wider community.
Thursday evening meetings usually consist of regular check-ins on the progress of articles and group editing. Students are required to put in extra time outside of meetings to work on the content for the editions. Most importantly however, the meetings are a chance for students to experience what it means to be journalists, and work with the media. Meetings also serve to develop a vision and direction for the newspaper which achieves the goal of informing and educating the community. The newspaper always accepts contributions from the community. Participants of the activity are not required to have previous experience, and all are welcome regardless of English language proficiency.

Textile Arts
Creativity
Mondays
2:30-4:30
Leader: Anwen and Eeva
Supervisor: Dominique
Max Bell
Max Participants: 10
This activity will teach basic sewing and knitting skills, skills that will stay with participants through life after Pearson. It will encourage creativity through the use of fabric colouring and decoration and also through designing possible new projects for the activity to try. The basic skills learned during the activity will be useful for projects such as mending and altering clothes. The participants will be able to use the skills they have learned to help with costumes for One World and also making products to sell at One World to raise money for the college. Students will have the option to decorate their dayrooms and the common room with hand sewn products. There is a quilting society in Metchosin which we hope to interact with during the activity, with the possibility of working on some kind of communal exhibition. We will encourage sustainability by the reuse of old clothes and fabric scraps to create something new and useful.

Westmont Gym
Service
Fridays
2:30-4:30
Leaders: Prince, Mukwa, Liphoto, Hillary
Supervisor: Laura V
Parking Lot
Max participants: 14
Pearson students go to a local elementary to help younger students learn to play basketball.

Wilderness
Action
Monday or Thursday
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Catrin
HQ
Max Participants: 13 per day
The Wilderness program gives students exposure to a range of outdoor land-based activities. It aims to inculcate a sense of awareness of our unique wilderness environment, as well as helping to foster teamwork and interdependence, and to encourage physical challenge. Students are expected to prepare themselves fully for all aspects of this course, and to remain physically fit. They are expected to have enthusiasm for the outdoors in all weather conditions. Students are also expected to participate in events beyond regular afternoon sessions. Students will learn a variety of skills necessary for the outdoors – navigation, topographical maps and compasses, hiking, backpacking and camping skills, Wilderness First Aid, and climbing, rappelling and prussiking.

Woods Activity
Creative
Fridays
2:30-4:30
Leader: Lally
Supervisor: Heather G
Tennis courts
Max participants: 8
This activity encourages playing in the woods as a means towards learning about local ethnobotany and the surrounding ecosystems, in terms of plant use, animal and plant identification. It also encourages the exploration and understanding of the expansive environment around them in order to gain an understanding of the world that is more than human. It will aim to further understanding and provide a space to see the forest as a safe welcoming environment with much to teach.

Yoga
Action
Fridays
2:30 to 4:30
Leader: Coops
Spiritual building
Max Participants: 12
Yoga activity will begin with the basics of Hatha yoga, that is; stretching exercises, breathing techniques and meditation. As the classes progress, a more complex and physically demanding form of yoga will be introduced; Ashtanga yoga. Every session will include the theoretical information about yoga, its origins, beliefs and aims. No previous experience is required to participate in this activity. Yoga can be practiced by anyone who is dedicated to learning the techniques.