Day 5: sunshine, smiles and more singing!

Today was the penultimate day of our tour, and our final morning at our homestays. We covened at the bus meeting piont at 8am to pack away our luggage and say goodbye. The choristers sang “This Pretty Planet” as a parting farewell to their homestay families this morning, along with promises to email and call one another once they get home to stay in contact.

Next, we were off to Hamiliton for a day of sun and team building at Treetop Treeking. One of the many activities included an intense rock-paper-scissors battle. The final battle was between Nora B and June. Victory pic of the winner included below! Singers played lots of games led by the Trekking leaders and explored the natural beauty around them, and ate sandwiches in the shade of some trees. Surrounded by a lake and beautiful greenery we shared appreciations and thoughts about the tour in our longtime tour tradition called Closing Circle. Mentors shared their appreciations for the hard work of the mentees, and mentees shared how thankful they were for the guidance and support of mentors - so sweet. Many said their highlight was the boat to Niagara Falls, others gushed about our amazing beach day yesterday.

Next we enjoyed a quick Italian dinner and got to giggle and “awww” at the wedding reception taking place down the hall from the restaurant. Dinner also included a “Happy Birthday” song to our conductor Andrew Brown before whisking away to our workshop with the Hamilton Children’s Choir.

Settled on the beautiful campus of Strathallan College; the kids enjoyed singing with the Hamilton Choir as they learned a new Macedonian piece for their upcoming tour, and Piedmont shared “Nobody Can Make it Out Here Alone.” We also had time for some quick ice-breakers, and the choirs exchanged favorite vocal warmups.

Soon it was time to head to the hotel for the night. We checked into the hotel and got settled for a good night’s sleep. We’re looking forward to a fun-filled last day of tour tomorrow, and the singers can’t wait to see you all!

(P.S. Us chaperones are hard at work ensuring your kids are all tucked in and taken care of tonight - the photos tonight may be delayed but rest assured they will arrive!)