Published on June 20, 2011 - The Western Star

Written by Paul Hutchings

Photo by: Paul Hutchings. Xavier Junior High School students Nathan Perry and Christian McKay pull their canoe into shore for a break. The Deer Lake teens are taking part in the school’s Outdoor Wilderness Leadership Society and are taking a waterfront canoe certification...DEER LAKE Nova Scotia — Students at Xavier Junior High School are learning to place as much importance on education as experience. Members of the school’s Outdoor Wilderness Leadership Society are paddling around Deer Lake for their waterfront canoe certificates, offered in conjunction with Paddle Canada. It’s the first time the certification has been offered in Deer Lake.   Instructor and Xavier teacher John Kirby said his goal is to teach the teens to educate themselves on safety and environmental aspects as well as rely on their experience.

“I showed them that a lot of people go out in canoes but in a lot of cases they may not have a third paddle, or a bailer or a throw bag,” he said. “So showing them the right way to do things is key to helping them understand and enjoy what they’re doing safely.”

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