Theme of today: Overcoming fears and going beyond the comfort zone!
Many students pushed themselves today. At the beginning of an activity, the sense or feeling in the air was, "I can't do this" - whether it be hiking for a day or hanging on to a rope to cross an obstacle. The smiles on students' faces when they realized that in fact they could accomplish the task and surpass what they "thought" they could do was amazing to witness! A sense of accomplishment was felt by all today - students and teachers alike!
This evening's activity, called Night Watch, connected us with nature in a completely different way. It is these exciting and vastly different experiences (compared to evenings in the city) that help students appreciate the beauty of our camping adventure. To begin this activity, students learned to rely on their "night vision" to find their way through the forest. As our eyes became accustomed to the darkness, it was easier to maneuver through the brush. While searching the night sky for constellations and satellites, as well as listening to nocturnal sounds, students gained cursory insight to the light and night pollution that interfere with nature sounds.
Some of the most positive influences we have noticed thus far from our students is that in just one short day, students have started to disconnect from technology and "city life", and are therefore, more connected to nature and each other! Having family meals together, sharing responsibilities, and making new friends have been integral to our morning experiences.
Another great day at Outdoor School!
Many students pushed themselves today. At the beginning of an activity, the sense or feeling in the air was, "I can't do this" - whether it be hiking for a day or hanging on to a rope to cross an obstacle. The smiles on students' faces when they realized that in fact they could accomplish the task and surpass what they "thought" they could do was amazing to witness! A sense of accomplishment was felt by all today - students and teachers alike!
This evening's activity, called Night Watch, connected us with nature in a completely different way. It is these exciting and vastly different experiences (compared to evenings in the city) that help students appreciate the beauty of our camping adventure. To begin this activity, students learned to rely on their "night vision" to find their way through the forest. As our eyes became accustomed to the darkness, it was easier to maneuver through the brush. While searching the night sky for constellations and satellites, as well as listening to nocturnal sounds, students gained cursory insight to the light and night pollution that interfere with nature sounds.
Some of the most positive influences we have noticed thus far from our students is that in just one short day, students have started to disconnect from technology and "city life", and are therefore, more connected to nature and each other! Having family meals together, sharing responsibilities, and making new friends have been integral to our morning experiences.
Another great day at Outdoor School!