We covered things like food, clothing, shelter, safety, first aid, map reading,orienteering, cooperation and a few other good things to know when you're enjoying the great outdoors. The highlight of the course were the two field trips each class took. We would take one trip that involved backpacking and a second that involved cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Usually we overnighted in a rustic hostel or tented. For November tenting we didn't go too far away from home.
We usually had about 35 students with two teachers and a couple of parents for supervision.
The photos are from the top of Coliseum Mountain. The leader would start the hike and make numerous stops for rest and water. My favorite spot was to be the last. Of course , I had the little guys who were incredibly slow and out of shape. I got most of these little guys to the top. Going down was the same except worse. By this time the little guys were more fatigued and became fairly weak. Sometimes the feet had started to blister.They were slower downhill than uphill. Sometimes the other kids had been waiting on the bus for a long time before I got there.
I've talked to former students about this course. They enjoyed it but one stands out in my mind. One of these people became a lawyer and was on the library board with me. One day he told me that Outdoor Ed was the "funnest " course he ever took. His Mom and Dad never took him camping. He found it hard as he said I was a little short, fat kid with a big pack and it was hard but fun!"
I think I was up Coliseum Mountain 17 times and the sister peak 12 times.
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| On top of coliseum before going down one of the teachers would tell the kids that they did a very challenging activity that day and to be very proud of what they did. We then asked kids to go to a separate spot and meditate on the activity for two minutes and then we started down. |
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| We always carried the school flag and had the mandatory photo. |
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| A happy group. |
You sound rightfully proud of your experiences as a teacher. I wish I'd been in one of your outdoor classes.
ReplyDeleteOutdoor Ed came after your time!
DeleteThat's an impressive undertaking with that many kids.
ReplyDeleteWe had two teachers and two parents each time.
Deletethat's really awesome.
ReplyDeleteWhen I look back it was terrific. It was a little hectic at the time.
DeleteThat sounds like a very fun outing for the kids. Those kinds of experiences are remembered for many years to come as evidenced by the lawyer's comments. Well done to you and the other teacher.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a valuable, memorable activity for the children. I'll bet they would remember it for the rest of their lives. You were/are a fabulous teacher.
ReplyDeleteIt was tough as I had to have a sub and get everything ready for the sub and then head out.
DeleteIt is nice to have gatherings with friends like this!
ReplyDeleteIam sure the kids enjoyed it very much
I wish you a happy weekendRed:)))))))
A great first day of spring to you!
DeleteVery nice memories and a great challenge for the kids to climb a mountain safely with your team.
ReplyDeleteThere are many stories from these trips.
DeleteWhat wonderful memories you have rekindled, and shared. You are a wonderful teacher!
ReplyDeleteWell, let's get this straight...I'm only half as wonderful as you think!
DeleteI'm learning so much about you, Red, enjoying the confirmation that you are have always been a great guy! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh I've had some times when I could have done better!
DeleteYou get kids interested in the outdoors early and they'll keep to it the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteThat was a big motivation for me in teaching this class.
DeleteThey do look proud of themselves for their accomplishment! I think we need outdoor education even more these days because kids don't get outside and play and enjoy the natural world anymore.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about needing more outdoor Ed. They were pumped for this shot.
DeleteWhat a fun class to be part of. I get involved with many
ReplyDeleteIt was fun!
DeleteWhat a fun class. I would have LOVED to participate in something like this when I was in school.
ReplyDeleteYou came along too soon for these courses. They were taught in the late 80's and early 90's.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved that class. The closest we got to an adventure was king of the hill in the parking lot, it was a hill of snow:)
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories and accomplishments you helped these kids achieve. And no doubt you helped them to develop a lifelong love and appreciation for nature.
ReplyDeleteI agree with TexWis - that is just awesome!!
ReplyDeleteI would have certainly loved a class such as this in my childhood. Lucky kids, and lucky you, too!
ReplyDeleteHi Red, I always enjoy these looks back on teaching. One of the real pleasures is running into former students and getting their take on things after a decade or two has gone by! :-)
ReplyDelete