Day 3 of Journeys Outdoor School

The final full day of camp was cooler than previous days, but again, it didn't get the kids down. After lining up for breakfast at 7:45, and signing our morning songs, we headed inside to eat breakfast. After filling our stomachs, students headed out into the forest. Today some hiked up to the quartz outcrop and really got to explore the crystalline structure of the quartz. Others did archery and challenge course. The majority spent some good time down at the pond doing pond ecology. It was a good day catching organisms, as many groups had buckets full. One group washed a small water snake slide across the stream. One group spent time learning how squirrels build shelters and then spend time collecting food, often from other squirrels. Each group had build a "squirrel" shelter and then had to try to steal nuts from other groups' shelters. The students really enjoyed this learning experience, as it was a game, but also learning at the same time. Lunch was delivered to the groups in the forest today. The afternoon continued the different various stations. During community time, over half of the students played Gaga-Ball, some played football, and others just relaxed. The sun was starting to break through the clouds a little. During dinner it rained again, but we were inside filling our bellies. During dinner many students helped teach a lesson on all the energy and steps required just to get the food from the land to our camp, from planting the seed, to harvesting it, to transporting it, to washing it, etc., etc. A big part of the meals is for students to learn to choose to not be wasteful. After dinner we had the night experience. Taking no flashlights, each group headed into the forest. I went with a group who walked across the meadow into the trees on the other side. The clouds had cleared and the stars were amazing! We even saw a satellite and the Milky Way. Each group's night experience was different than another group. Ours focused on diurnal, nocturnal, and crepuscular animals. Students imitated deer by putting their hands to their ears as the leader went out ahead and whispered, "Little deer, little deer, can you hear me?" It was impressive how far he got and the kids could still hear him. The fog was rolling in as we returned to campus. Another successful day of learning.