We had a great day for all-days today. Everyone had an excellent time and dinner conversation was very animated as stories from the day were being shared. It seemed that every student had something special to share with the rest of his or her cabin.
Following all-days, students headed back to the cabins for a short break before recreation period. The 6th graders were able to choose between activities such as marshmallow baseball, aspen tree dodge ball, 4-square, capture the flag, 4-story tree house for one of their last activities. It was a good opportunity for students to work with and get to know students they did not have discovery groups with or were in different cabins.
After a delicious dinner (roast beef, potatoes, green beans, rolls, salad, and cherry bars), students who went to the Interbarn on Tuesday went to the Hoedown tonight, and students who went to the Hoedown went to the Interbarn tonight. As a closing conversation at the Interbarn, the High Trails staff led a discussion on the interconnections in the world.
Students are getting ready for bed now with a bedtime snack. The staff are debriefing the day with them and talking about the plan for the morning. High Trails staff will be in the cabin before breakfast, helping kids pack and clean the cabin. Students will go to the big rocks for a closing session and then head out on their last discovery group – Putting It All Together. We have had a great time with the Mountain Ridge 6th graders and will be sad to see them go.
For anyone interested in visiting High Trails, this Saturday, Sept. 25, we are having a Leave No Child Inside weekend. The High Trails staff will lead abbreviated versions of some of our favorite discovery groups and lead hikes around the High Trails property. Lunch will be provided from 1-2. We would love to see some District 20 families up here, and have the opportunity to show them a little bit of what their students experience.
Tags: Benefits of nature, Children in Nature, Community building, High Trails Outdoor Education Center, leave no child inside, Mountain Ridge Middle School, nature awareness, No Child Left Inside, Outdoor Activities, Youth Development