Image description: A collage of four photos capturing moments from the Lake Shift writing camp. From left to right, top to bottom: the first photo shows a group of students engaged in an interactive workshop. The second photo features a student sitting peacefully on a wooden dock by the lake, focused on drawing. The third photo shows students canoeing together on the lake. The fourth photo captures a student studying quietly inside the Queen’s University Biological Station library.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed on to be one of the SGSPA staff members who would attend the Lake Shift writing camp for the week, but that week quickly showed me why this writing retreat is so valued by doctoral students from around Ontario. This year we had 31 PhD students from 8 universities (including Queen’s) make the journey to (QUBS) on Lake Opinicon. They came by plane, train, bus and car, with the furthest joining us from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. They all came for a week of focused writing but left with the reminder that there is an entire community of doctoral students cheering each other on.
The setting encouraged focus, and not just because of the limited cell coverage and internet (I know my social media time was way down). Being away from campus and everyday interruptions made it easier for students to set clear, achievable goals and make connections.
One of the most striking things I observed was how students created their own rhythms. Rather than following a rigid schedule, many developed personal plans that balanced focused writing blocks with social and restorative activities. That flexibility meant people could push hard when they needed to, then step away without guilt to recharge, whether for a swim, a canoe ride, or an impromptu chat on the dock.
Connections formed naturally. Without the usual distractions, students had time for conversations that often turned into academic support: accountability partners, and ideas for future collaboration. The social side wasn’t forced networking, but genuine friendship-building woven into shared meals, evening games, and lakeside downtime. Plus, the occasional canoe run to Chaffey’s Lock for ice cream — highly recommended!
For my first time at Lake Shift, it was rewarding to watch small wins add up: revised paragraphs, clearer outlines, and students leaving with concrete next steps for their dissertations. If you’re considering applying for Lake Shift next year, come ready with a couple of goals, flexibility to see those goals morph and change, enthusiasm to meet new people and sunscreen, lots of sunscreen. The students who attend are what make Lake Shift so special.