Takino High School Trip

Word by Jasmine Jordan

---

Every year, our high school’s winter outdoor trip is something students look forward to, a chance to step away from school, enjoy the snow, and spend time with friends. This year was no different. With bags packed and winter gear ready, everyone was excited as we set off for two days of adventure in the snowy landscapes of Takino.

Mr Rankin’s Challenge 

One of the biggest highlights of the trip from one select group was Mr. Rankin’s Challenge: a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek in the snow. In each round, three teams had to find the best hiding spots while one search team tried to track them down. The goal? Find and tag as many people as possible. Some students buried themselves in the snow, others hid behind trees, and a few even attempted to camouflage with their winter gear. It was a mix of strategy, speed, and a lot of laughter, especially when people were found in the most unexpected places.

Other Outdoor Activities

Aside from the challenge, there were plenty of other winter activities to enjoy. Cross-country skiing took students through beautiful birch-lined trails, while snowshoeing was a great way to explore the snow-covered nature at a slower pace. But of all the outdoor activities, snow tubing provided the most excitement—building kickers, racing down hills, wiping out in the powder snow, burying people in the snow. With snow tubing having multiple slots across the two days, there were a number of repeaters excited to enjoy the rush of tubing once more or simply to be outside with their friends for unstructured play. Deepening connections is a key feature of our overnight trips, out in nature or enjoying the spacious facilities of Takino.

Indoor Activities

To warm up from the outdoor activities, there were plenty of ways to stay entertained inside. This year, Huskies chose from three options: chess, cards, or dice. With two slots for games, some chose to deepen their skills, while others enjoyed the variety. Some intense chess matches took place, while others laughed their way through dice games or got competitive with cards. It was the perfect way to warm up and unwind after spending time in the snow.

By the time the trip came to an end, no one wanted to leave. Whether it was racing down a snowy hill, hiding in the snow during Mr. Rankin’s Challenge, or just hanging out with friends, everyone had a great time.