SEES Undergraduate students shine at GeoGames in Quebec City, Bringing Home Five Awards

After a 5-year hiatus, the University of Laval hosted the Geology Games or les Jeux de Geologie from January 9th to 12th 2025. The university invited teams of undergraduate students from universities across Canada to take part in a geology-based competition in Quebec City.

The GeoGames allow undergraduate students to test their skills in geology in a series of games and get the opportunity to network with professionals in the field. This year’s games hosted 12 academic games, 3 sports games and a couple of ice breakers including a talent show. From McMaster University, a group of 8 undergraduate students formed a team and took part in the competition including Kayci Street, Katrina Ouellette, Leah Smith, Skyler Grasley, Hayden Ivie, Spencer Schmitz, Anna Dawson and Tristan Rowthorn.

The group made their way to University of Laval on January 8th to settle into their hotels before starting their jam-packed schedule of games, events and socialization. The first day of the convention was to explore the Quebec City in the form of a photo rally and visit some of the famous city landmarks.

Later in the evening, students networked with sponsors from mining and geophysics consulting companies based in Quebec. Most sponsors gave short presentations, allowing the competitors to have insight on working in the industry and building connections.

The first day ended with a talent show. Each team was assigned a theme and the McMaster team received “Teletubbies”, a popular British kid’s television show. Dressed in their colourful outfits, the gang sang the modified version of ‘Hot to Go’ by Chappel Roan with geology-themed lyrics as Leah Smith played the tune on her ukulele. The performance might not have won them an award, but it was a crowd favourite.

The first day helped people come out of their shells and all participants became close over the course of the convention. Katrina Ouellette recounts that she reconnected with some of the competitors and committee members a month after the GeoGames at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention which is a convention hosted by the mineral exploration industry.
“It creates lasting bonds.” she shared, “I only see you once a year at PDAC or GeoGames. I will always remember you, and one day we might work together. I hope that you had a positive experience with me because I had a positive experience with you.”

After the first day, the McMaster team brought their A-game to day two. The academic competitions challenge undergraduates to showcase their skills in different concentrations of geology such as exploration and hydrogeology. Some of the games were 4-hours long, that required 2 people from each team while others were full-day exams that required 4 people to participate.

The McMaster team had been preparing in advanced. They reviewed their notes from the courses they took or in some cases, reviewing important skills with old supervisors from their co-ops. Regardless of the type of contest, the team members did their best and were filled with pride in solving complex problems.

Excited and pumped after a successful day of competing, the last day was focused on the sports competition. The whole team had friendly matches with other teams in a Quebec-originated sport called kin-ball. Some of the team members also chose to compete in the e-games competition which is where they excelled and brought home a 3rd place finish.

The conference came to a close with a gala as students got in their best suits and celebrated each other’s wins. The gala was the highlight for most students. As each winner was announced, they made their way to stage as they were handed their award in a room full of applause and cheers. The McMaster team did exceptional and brought home 5 awards:

1st place in Advanced Geology – Kayci Street & Katrina Ouellette

3rd place in Hydrogeology – Leah Smith & Skyler Grasley

3rd place in Exploration – Hayden Ivie & Spencer Schmitz

3rd place in General Geology – Anna Dawson & Tristan Rowthorn

3rd place in E-Sports – Kayci Street, Tristan Rowthorn, Hayden Ivie & Spencer Schmitz

The students had an amazing experience and left Quebec City with bittersweet feelings. They felt accomplished with what they had achieved but also realized that their once-in-a-lifetime experience was coming to an end.

There are hopes that GeoGames will return next year, as Katrina shared “I believe from the positive experiences people have had, if it is to run again next year, there is likely that a team will form. If I was here next year, I would go again.”