Thirteen years ago, a young Sawyer Plato embarked on a transformative adventure that shaped his life. He took part in School District 47’s Leadership, Ecology and Adventure Program (LEAP).
LEAP is a summer program that gives public high-school students the opportunity to experience the outdoors, develop invaluable life skills and receive a high-school credit.
Plato's journey with LEAP began in 2010, when he joined the program during the summer between grades nine and 10. This immersive experience sparked a deep love for the outdoors and ignited a lifelong passion for outdoor education, according to a School District 47 media release. The multi-day canoe trip, exposure to backcountry techniques and invaluable interpersonal skills he gained through LEAP laid the foundation for his future endeavours.
During the past decade, Plato worked in outdoor education and the outdoor industry in a variety of roles. In his time as a ski patroller, skipper, sailing instructor, outdoor educator and high-altitude physiology researcher, he has reflected frequently on his time in LEAP. He feels fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be part of a program that instilled a passion for outdoor education and a deep connection with nature, particularly the qathet region.
Plato credits his love for the outdoors and engagement in the outdoor field in large part to the skills and values he was exposed to during his time in LEAP. Thirteen years after his initial experience, he felt drawn to return to the qathet region and give back to the community that helped mould him into the person he has become.
Plato approached Ryan Barfoot, lead educator for the program, with a proposal. He explained his current enrolment in medical school at UBC's UVic campus, where a portion of the curriculum is dedicated to a "Flex" project. As part of this project, Plato decided to give back to the program and community that helped shape his personal and professional trajectory. Recognizing the significance of his LEAP experience, he expressed his desire to contribute to LEAP’s sister semester program, Coast Mountain Academy (CMA).
Plato's proposal resonated deeply with Barfoot and the LEAP community. The values he was instilled with in his time at LEAP – giving back, paying it forward and a sense of place – have guided him throughout his life, and ultimately back to qathet.
“As an educator, there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that your work, however humbly, has made a difference in someone’s life," stated Barfoot. "It’s so heartening to see Sawyer share his enthusiasm and life experiences with our current cohort."
Plato has recently been hired as a field instructor on LEAP’s nine-day sailing program, LEAP Aboard. Commenting on his story, he highlighted his enthusiasm to be a part of the program in a professional way.
“I’m so excited to be able to bring my experience full circle," stated Plato, "and hopefully instill some of the same passion and appreciation for the outdoors that has guided my own journey that started in qathet with LEAP.”
His story serves as a reminder of the profound impact outdoor education programs can have on young people, shaping them into confident, resilient and environmentally conscious citizens.
For more information, go to https://integralearning.org/.
