Uncovering the Journey Through the Rapids of Laurentia

In the heart of the Laurentian wilderness, 42 students from Cégep de Saint-Jérôme embarked on an extraordinary adventure. The three-day, two-night canoeing trip on the Red River, which commenced on August 30th, was a fusion of the Canoe-Camping Physical Education course and the Literature and Imagination course.

The outing aimed to promote a healthy mind in a healthy body, and to connect with the Laurentian identity of the college. For many students, this was their first time canoeing, and the journey offered an opportunity to challenge themselves and forge a bond with nature.

The students prepared for the expedition by dehydrating their own food, including sagamité, a traditional Native soup based on corn, and pemmican. This hands-on approach not only ensured a taste of authenticity but also fostered a sense of camaraderie.

During the trip, students engaged in a variety of exercises designed to stimulate their senses, creativity, and imagination. Examples included Sensory Drift and Marie-Victorin on Ritalin. These activities were intended to help students connect with the river, their bodies, and possibly literature in unique and meaningful ways.

One student, Jaffar, found the connection to nature and the acceleration of his writing skills to be the most memorable parts of the outing. He believes he would repeat the entire experience "at 100%". On the third and final day, they navigated through R2 rapids, adding an element of thrill to their journey.

The teacher leading the expedition believes that leaving the classroom helps students connect with nature, the river, their bodies, and possibly literature in a way that traditional teaching methods cannot. He also notes that the class formed a close bond during the expedition, with students becoming friends.

Each student received a notebook for on-the-fly notes or exercises during the trip. Upon their return, they will have to write a travelogue, in 1000 or 1500 words, including notes on the technical dimensions of the trip. The professor expects his students to be more permeable and open to reading certain books as a result of the expedition.

In a world where technology often dominates our lives, this unique expedition offers a refreshing escape, encouraging students to reconnect with nature and themselves. As Jaffar puts it, "the expedition helped me find my rhythm again."

Meanwhile, outside the realm of education, two notable figures from Quebec are making headlines. Laurence Florisca Rivard, a rising literary star, has debuted a novel exploring the damages caused by a sexual predator to his immediate surroundings. Guy Rocher, a public and intellectual scholar, was engaged in human issues in his corner of the world. Their works serve as a reminder of the power of literature to inspire, educate, and heal.