East Elgin student Ash Ecclestone wins DUC scholarship

Opening up her world through the magic of outdoor education

The Luther Marsh Wetland Centre of Excellence program is focused on outdoor skills, leadership-building, and community stewardship. Students go on various camping trips throughout the semester to practice wilderness skills and develop an appreciation of nature. At the end of the year, they lead wetland field trips for elementary school students.

“The trips were amazing,” says Ecclestone. “I remember once we were making dinner and we looked over and saw a painted turtle and snapping turtle, one foot apart, both laying eggs at the same time. That is probably one of my favorite memories ever.”

The trips were challenging. Not only were they physically demanding, but it was also difficult to navigate all the different personalities, especially in close quarters.

“You’re with the same people all day, you’re there overnight with them, and sometimes that comes with conflict,” says Ecclestone. “You learn when to take charge and work through issues and when to give space.”

Ecclestone is grateful she was able to work through difficult situations with her classmates. She came away with a good understanding of how to communicate and resolve conflict.

“It was tough, but in the end, we worked through it. We all became so close,” she says. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that before the program. And to this day, I’m so glad I had the space to learn about conflict resolution.”

Coming full circle

After the program, Ecclestone’s attitude towards school completely changed. She didn’t feel like hiding anymore. With her newfound confidence, she joined the Relay for Life committee, Me to We, Link Crew and took on leadership roles in class.

“I became so much more involved at school,” says Ecclestone. “Being a part of my school community and helping others became almost addictive. It wasn’t scary anymore; it was fun.”

One of her favourite activities was volunteering for Link Crew, a mentorship program where graduating students help Grade Nine students with their transition to high school. It was a total full-circle moment. She started as one of the shy new kids and ended in a position where she could help new students find their community and confidence in high school.

By her final year, Ecclestone was involved in five clubs and getting top marks in her class. She became a leader in her class and the wider school community. No longer afraid of change, she felt ready and eager for her transition to university.

“I changed so much. It’s cliché to say that, but it’s true. I look back at who I was before the program, and I see how much I’ve changed for the better.”

A future in sustainability

Ecclestone is now in her third year at Western University, majoring in climate change and society. She’s interested in the social impacts of climate change, how to navigate and mitigate these impacts, as well as how to teach and encourage people to live sustainably.

“There are many people interested in the scientific side of climate change,” she says. “I’m more focused on people and our connection to nature.”

In the coming months, Ecclestone will be working with local Indigenous communities and learning about how people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, see themselves in nature. She takes with her a love of nature, community-building, and conflict resolution, all of which she learned from her high school DUC WCE program.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the WCE program,” says Ecclestone. “It has truly changed me, and I am grateful and proud of everything I learned. If anyone reading this is on the fence about taking outdoor education, you should absolutely do it. It will open your eyes to new perspectives, you’ll make so many memories and you’ll be changed forever, for the better.”