Lo-Ellen students dig in for giant quinzhee

The weather wasn't entirely co-operative, but Grade 12 students from Lo-Ellen Park's outdoor education class persevered to make one really big quinzhee outside their school.

“We're having fun,” said course instructor Colin Ward.

This is the second year in a row he has taught the course, so the students participating already knew what they were doing. Ward used the opportunity as “a team building activity,” and was able to challenge them to do something bigger and better than ever before.

The varying weather — from frigid to mild and icy — prolonged the experience. It took the kids six days of classes to finish the structure.

While he was unable to find any records for big quinzhees, he is sure the one Lo-Ellen students made would be a contender.

On Feb. 14, 72 people crawled into the structure through its four doors, all standing comfortably with room to spare inside.

Richard Germond, a Grade 12 student, said it was “pretty cool” to be part of such a big project. While he enjoyed the experience, he didn't think it was something he'd do on his own time.

“It's a lot of work for a really cold night,” he said. Still, “It's fun to say you have slept outside in –35 C weather.”