Though we did not head into the Pine Barrens today, we did have a little hike on the cross country course. Interestingly, that is how we began this adventure during our first group pre-experience. I think we were aware of a lot more this time. We recognized six different birds, with the help of an app that links birds with their call.
Daffodils were picked, and flower crowns were made.
We finished our half day with a final circle to reflect on what we had experienced and how we might take that experience into the future. Many students remarked about the importance of finding a place where they could feel alone, in a good way. Keva made a connection to the Transcendentalists she is reading. Yes, I think our group discovered their inner Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Over the week, we learned a lot, but I believe the journey, the “hike,” was the defining aspect of the experience. The students put together the slide deck above as a culminating experience.