Travelling in teams through a circuit-style obstacle course, participants will complete various challenges designed to build on collaboration and leadership. After each challenge, participants will earn resources that they will need to accomplish a culminating activity as a large group.…
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Using maps, participants will traverse the Bark Lake grounds in small groups in search of information located at specific control points, required to complete a challenge at the central hub. This is a ‘Choose Your Challenge’ activity where participants will…
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Participants will be able to hone their skills and learn the foundations of this historic sport, under the direct supervision of a facilitator trained to help improve form and technique. This activity is an excellent opportunity for participants to display…
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This program provides participants with a physical take-away from their Bark Lake experience, crafted by their own hands, as well as a space for creative expression and a bit of downtime. Arts & Crafts sessions are malleable in that they…
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Want to put an extra challenge in your team building? Our Aspire Tower is made up of 4 sides, each offering a pair of climbers a different challenge in the air. With the ability to actively engage 32 participants, this…
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Beach Parties are held at Second Beach, a gorgeous location which offers a sandy designated swim area with shallow access, a volleyball net, campfire pit and tonnes of sand for sand castles. Second beach is perfect for spending quality time…
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A campfire provides opportunities for the whole group to join in song and dance, play games, and share stories around the fire. We encourage participants to step into the spotlight and perform in front of their peers on their own…
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Our 32’ Climbing/Rappel Tower, affectionately named “The Phoenix” will push both new and returning guests to climb to new heights and tower over their challenges. Choose to just climb, rappel, or combine climbing and rappelling for your program block. This activity is led by ACCT…
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In this high-stakes game, based on the board game “Clue”, participants must set out across the grounds in search of characters who have been witness to an alleged murder at Bark Lake. Each character will be in possession of a…
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Step into the 17th century with this historical simulation and learn what life was like during the Canadian Fur Trade. Working in small teams, participants will play the role of North West Company traders, travelling in search of their teachers…
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Snow permitting, this program is great for both beginners and advanced skiers. This program can be split into two blocks in which participants are able to learn the fundamentals of the sport and practice their skills on our trail system.…
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Participants will work through a series of multi-intelligence activities which upon completion will earn the team points to “purchase” materials. These materials are to be used to build a mechanism to protect their water balloon or egg as it is…
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Working with the Duke of Edinburgh program guidelines, participants are challenged to lead their own out-trip experience. Canoeing in the warmer weather and Hiking or Snowshoeing in the colder weather, participants will choose their own menu and route, ultimately creating…
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Participants will have the opportunity to explore the natural charm of the Haliburton Highlands on an interactive hike featuring experiential learning and interpretive stops. Eco-hikes are an excellent way to see the beauty our trails have to offer and get…
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This program challenges participants to step outside of their comfort zone and take a perceived risk at new heights. Participants are encouraged to ‘Choose Their Challenge’ and push their limits in a safe and supportive environment. Try participatory/ team belay…
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In individual watercrafts, participants will learn proper strokes as well as the fundamentals of kayaking techniques. Kayaking sessions can be high energy, with groups exercising their news skills playing games like tag or sharks and minnows or more relaxed with…
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In this physically active program, participants will put all they have learned to the ultimate test. In teams, participants will race against each other to complete an assortment of challenging obstacle course elements, based upon their specific experience at Bark…
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This engaging program takes place half a metre above the ground with minimal equipment involved, with the aim to develop consensus-building, communication skills, and teamwork. In terms of creative possibilities, this program knows no bounds. On our course, participants may…
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Might one of your participants be the next Andy Goldsworthy or Richard Long? Participants will learn about the natural world as they use what is around them to create works of art. Whether it is snow, ice, leaves, bark, rock,…
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This activity will help participants understand what adaptations are needed for life at night. During the hike participants may have the opportunity to experience a solo-sit or walk, stargazing, and may even hear a wolf call in the distance. Participants…
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ORIENTEERING Working in teams, participants will navigate through various courses at Bark Lake. Orienteering courses include: Compass Orienteering: Participants will develop a foundation in compass use. Through a series of progressively more challenging activities students will be able to put…
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Out to Learn develops and delivers natural resource, ecological and environmental educational programs that are designed to provide participants with factual and theoretical information in an interesting and interactive manner. These programs are science and geography based with direct links…
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Accompanied by a Bark Lake facilitator, participants will embark on an expedition into the wilderness on a camping trip anywhere from 1 to 4 nights in length, on or off-site. Participants can choose the difficulty of their course of travel…
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Using activities from the Canadian Wildlife Federation, participants will develop a greater appreciation for the natural world. These programs focus on environmental and conservational educations, with an emphasis on wildlife. They are designed to link up with science curricula for…
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Based on the popular board game ‘Settlers of Catan’, this program challenges participants to work together in teams completing challenges in exchange for Resource Cards. Teams will use their Resource Cards to “build” Farms, Towers, Cities, Villages and Roads (each…
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Snow permitting, this program is great for both beginners and advanced snowshoers. This instructional period will help participants learn the fundamentals of the sport and practice their skills on our snowshoe trails. Snowshoeing offers a terrific opportunity to take in…
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Groups will learn how to survive in the wilderness from an animal’s point-of-view in this ecosystem simulation. Participants will play the role of an omnivore, herbivore, or carnivore, requiring them to locate food and water and avoid potential threats, such…
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This set of activities will acquaint participants with the skills essential for surviving in the outdoors, such as fire building, debris shelter building, and animal tracking. Each season allows for a new set of skills to learn, from quinzhee building…
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Weather permitting and based on water temperatures, all swim periods will occur within designated swim areas and are organized at the discretion of the Waterfront Coordinator. All swimming at Bark Lake is monitored by Certified Lifeguards. [vc_icon…
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This introduction to basic canoeing will allow participants to develop technique, strokes and form in and around the water in pairs. Depending on weather conditions and paddlers’ proficiency, an exploratory paddle around the lake or an exciting game of Dragon…
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Participants take part in intentional programming designed to develop consensus-building, problem-solving, communication skills and trust levels. This program consists of a mix of high-impact and low-impact activities meant to strengthen the core of the group, selected with your group’s goals…
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Stones: This is a fast-paced field game with friendly competition where there is a need for good strategy, running and teamwork. It’s a cross between capture the flag, freeze tag, and football. This is ideal for groups of 30 or…
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Our facilitators will help you appreciate the beauty of the Haliburton Highlands along our trails… on snowshoes! Animal tracks, bogs, and beaver dams are just some of the wonders you will see. Each hike can be tailored to meet your…
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Our Voyageur Canoe holds up to 10 people plus a Gouvernail (played by a Bark Lake Facilitator). This activity will allow the participants to demonstrate their teamwork skills while taking part in a historical outdoor activity. Voyageur canoeing is a…
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