Sixth Graders Embrace Adventure at Pocono Environmental Education Center
Tara Warnke
Sixth-grade students on our Swain Campus had the opportunity to broaden their horizons, try new things, and appreciate the value of teamwork during an overnight trip to the Pocono Environmental Education Center.
After engaging in team-building activities, students embarked on two long hikes, encountering beaver lodges and dams, old logging roads, and a variety of trees and wildlife. Even when faced with challenges, they embraced the experience with enthusiasm, often exclaiming, “This is so fun!” and “Thank you for taking us on this trip!”
The first day concluded around a campfire, where students enjoyed s’mores and reflected on their experiences. The next morning, they took part in an orienteering hike, learning to use a compass to navigate through the woods. While there were a few moments of uncertainty, all students successfully found their way.
A visit to the wildlife exhibit provided a fascinating glimpse into the region’s native species. By the time the bus arrived for the return trip, both students and chaperones were exhausted from a fun-filled, educational adventure. The trip encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and support one another along the way.