Well, it depends on who you are asking? Mostly, students will respond enthusiastically – out of classes and into the woods – “Yay!” they say! Parents have mixed emotions. Little ones growing up and leaving the nest for longer and longer periods of time. Sadness and joy both. Teachers: mixed emotions, too. Their charges often attending classes under someone else’s direction – nice; but heavy too -- always, always feeling the responsibility of their charges WHEREVER they are.

Nonetheless, field trips are a wonderful opportunity for children to experience a larger part of their world with the same weekday group of peers and beloved “secondary” adults in their lives.

Memories are made of this. Just ask any alumnus. Night walks on the beach at Barrier Island, NC’s Earthshine learning how to cut back on waste, Charleston trips to actual historical sites, D.C. to garner firsthand information on government, Crow Canyon, Colorado to hunt for Indian artifacts, and on and on and on.

For the first time, our whole group of 1st – 8th graders (in separate sections) enjoyed the world of the North Carolina mountains by experiencing nature hikes with some of the best outdoor environmentalists this past week at Green River Preserve. (You will see many pictures below since Mr. Dabney was able to go for a short time.) From what I hear, sitting longingly in my office, it is a very special place with dedicated workers who love nature AND children AND educating children about nature. I can’t wait to live it vicariously through their stories next week.

As a family, after the laundry is done, the mosquito bites are taken care of, and the sleepiness wears off, be sure to ask your child (among many questions): Tell me one special thing you really

SAW or

HEARD or

TOUCHED or

now UNDERSTAND that you did not know before you went.

Then sit back, reflect, and be grateful you have a child alive to a world that surrounds us beyond the evening news and video games.

- Karen Holt