How the Award Transformed Peter Himmelman’s School

A Decade of Dedication

For over a decade, Peter Himmelman has dedicated himself to shaping the lives of students through the Award. As an Award Leader at Shelburne Regional High School in Nova Scotia since 2010, Peter has witnessed firsthand how the program impacts young people.

For Peter, being an Award Leader is one of the most fulfilling roles he plays as a teacher. “The observable growth in confidence students experience as they progress through the Award is, for me, what teaching is all about.”

Unexpected Ripple Effect

Peter has always been drawn to the Adventurous Journey component of the Award, seeing it as a transformative experience that challenges students both physically and mentally while immersing them in nature. Thanks to the support of the RBC Future Launch Initiative and Tech for Nature through Award Canada, the Adventurous Journey Grant has broken down barriers, allowing more students at Shelburne Regional High School to participate.

However, what Peter didn’t expect was how these journeys would spark a ripple effect, extending beyond the students to his fellow educators.

Inspiring Teachers Along the Way

“A spin-off of this is that it has also provided a challenge to numerous members of our school staff. For a number of years, I did not have a female leader, so I would have to recruit female chaperones from staff. This proved really popular, and I actually have a waiting list of adults wanting to accompany us as chaperones. It shows the students you are never too young to move out of your comfort zone and try something new.”

This unexpected outcome highlights the Award’s power to inspire not just students, but also the educators who support them. As teachers step outside their traditional roles and join these adventures, they, too, discover new passions, develop new skills, and strengthen their bonds with students. What begins as a personal challenge for participants evolves into a shared experience that enriches the entire school community.

A Lifelong Passion for Learning and Adventure

Peter himself embodies this spirit of lifelong learning and adventure. His role as an Award Leader has deepened his own love for the outdoors, leading him to become a certified instructor in hiking, canoeing, backpacking, and mountain biking. He has also earned certification in Wilderness and Remote First Aid to ensure he can safely guide students through their journeys.

Advice for Future Award Leaders

For those considering becoming an Award Leader, Peter has one piece of advice:

“Embrace the opportunity. You’ll see your students in a whole new light and help them unlock talents they didn’t even know they had.”

Through his dedication, Peter Himmelman has not only changed the lives of students but has also inspired an entire school community to step outside their comfort zones, embrace adventure, and grow together- both inside and outside the classroom.

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