~ OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM ~

~ A HOME SCHOOL PROGRAM ~

~ THIS IS AN EMAIL AS TOLD BY ONE OF THE HOME-SCHOOL PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS, NICHOLAS GRENIER...
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~ Thanks again for making the overnight possible!  May, Joy, and I are really proud of all the students for the effort they put in, and really appreciate all your support in making it possible for them to participate.  

  • This is the first time we've had an overnight fully integrated into the home-school program, and our impression is that, as we hoped and expected, it adds significant depth and value to the program.  
  • Our approach was to facilitate the students having ownership of the campout, by allowing them -- as much as possible -- to pitch their tents, build the shelters, gather the wood, make the fires and make the food, and participate in the storytelling.  
  • It is a mark of the group's cohesion and maturity that they really stepped into these roles and created a really positive group culture. 

~ While certainly not exhaustive, we'd like to share some of our observations of how each student helped to make the overnight a positive experience for everyone:
  • Kyle took the initiative in sawing and breaking up our thicker branches for the fire, and was quiet and still at sit spot despite the challenge.
  • Soren jumped at every chance to help out, and when he wasn't sure how, would ask and learn. 
  • Aidan did a great job of role modeling and setting the tone with his courage and enthusiasm for building and sleeping in a shelter, and by being helpful throughout the campout at every opportunity.
  • Anton was a tireless worker when it came to gathering leaves for the shelter, and insisted on chopping veggies for the soup.
  • Josie really enjoyed cooking bacon over the fire, and pushed her edges by camping out with us. 
  • Roman maintained a good attitude and pushed himself to participate even though he was already very tired after having just camped out, and being under-slept.
  • Reed was an enthusiastic and entertaining storyteller around the fire and was very much at ease despite his young age and not having a parent present.
  • Avery did a great job pitching, and breaking down, and sharing her tent with Mira-Nicole, and helping to build and light the fires.
  • Johnny showed a lot of independence and played an important part in cleaning up the camp.  
  • On his own initiative, Calum very enthusiastically and effectively took the lead in preparing the soup, which came out great!  
  • As usual, Laila provided excellent attitude, role modelling and enthusiasm throughout the event, and played an invaluable role in preparing dinner, breakfast and our cook fires.  She was a big help to many in breaking down and cleaning up camp. 
~ PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NICHOLAS GRENIER ~
~ Field Report:
  • We started out with setting up tents and getting settled in. 
  • Aidan was excited to continue work on his shelter, and we helped him collect leaves for it.  He put in a great effort and so did others.
  • After the shelter work, students took a break to eat, or went to work on their forts.  Then we went out to collect firewood.  We returned to camp with lots of large branches – enough to keep our fire going throughout the evening and into the night. 
  • Then students worked to break up the wood and build the fires, and to cut up vegetables and make the soup, with some help from May Joy.  
  • After dinner students had a blast playing games together in the dark, then eating smores, and going on a night hike and sit spot with no artificial lights.  We then had some great storytelling from parents, students, and myself.
  • By about 10 pm, students had gone to bed.  Nighttime low temperature was warmer than forecast at only 50 F, and Aidan reported overheating in his shelter, and had to shed layers a few times!
  • In the morning students built fires and cooked oatmeal, eggs, bacon (individually, on sticks) and ash cakes.  After breakfast students went out to sit spots and then gathered for our closing circle, before packing up their belongings.

Sincerely,
Nick / May / Joy