Words from Declan Longridge
This was our first week back in experiential and we jumped right into doing activities such as rock climbing, learning about the Interwar Period and what causes of World War 2, we did strength tests, and we went to Boulderhouse.
Tuesday was our first day back and we went straight to Carsa at UVic to do rock climbing and do some strength tests for the first time. We were able to remember how to tie the knots and climb and belay people up and down the rock. The strength tests are new this term and involve push ups, pulls ups, finger strength, and core strength. Everyone was able to belay and climb up the rock and most people were able to do the fitness and strength tests. We also got the opportunity to practice lead-climbing by yourself and develop our “clipping” skills. This wrapped up our first day back in experiential.
Wednesday was our first day in the classroom and we did a simulation about the League of Nations. This includes countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Sweden, Canada, USSR, Portugal, the UK, Japan, New Zealand, and Italy. Japan immediately withdrew from the League followed by Germany and then Italy also left the League of Nations. This simulation created arguments, votes, and a lot of new perspectives about this interwar period and what could have happened to change the outcome, which resulted in World War 2.
Thursday was another day inside the classroom, we continued the league of nations simulation and we discovered more about the war and decisions that were made and what happened. We also talked about other better outcomes that could have ended in a much better result. We also made a slideshow about a certain event we were assigned. There were multiple events ranging from 1918 to 1939. All of these activities helped us get a better understanding and perspective of WWII and how everything happened from start to end.
Friday was another day outside the classroom. We went to Boulderhouse, which included a lot of climbing up a rock wall. There were many different levels of climbs. After climbing for a while, we went upstairs to do more fitness and strength tests. These tests included finger hangs, push ups, planks, and other core exercises. We did these for a few minutes each and then we finally left, ending the first week back doing experiential and I think it was a great first week back.
