Nature's Classroom Trip - October 2009

Friday, October 9, 2009 Last Day

2009-10-09T10:07:00.000-04:00

Today the boys were woken up to the soft sounds of Judas Priest. I sure am going to miss waking them up this way. Maybe the parents can continue the NC tradition. Last night was a blast. It was so much fun that the kids are still talking about it. Make sure you ask them about the Underground Railroad. Throughout the week we have been singing different songs so if you hear your child singing something new this is where they got it from.

I would like to thank Ms. Aarons, Mr. Way, and Mr. Gallant for chaperoning this week. I think they had more fun than the kids. Also, Mr. Way was the official photographer. As always it was a successful week. Mrs. Hennessey and I are looking forward to next year already. The staff up here is incredible. They have nothing but the kids' interests at heart. The activities were engaging and fun. The kids were learning and they didn't even realize it half the time.

By the time you read this your child will probably already be home. Sit down and ask them about the week. If they say they didn't do anything they are lying. Remember to check the pictures on the Aborn website(www.abornschool.org) under Grade 5. I will be posting a video montage in the near future.

Cleaning the cabins was a barrel of fun, and a few trash bags . If your child is missing any clothing it is because they did not claim it when we were showing them the lost and found in the cabin. Also, the boys are smelling just a little bit prettier this morning thanks to Mrs. Hennessey and her crew.

This will be the last post of this NC year. I hope everyone enjoyed reading them as much as I did posting them. BYE!!!!

Ouch that hurt!!!!

Thursday, October 8, 2009 Day 4

2009-10-08T18:29:00.000-04:00

It was realitively quite night. Oh, yeah the boys nailed the girls with silly string. Of course Mrs. Hennessey got us back. While we were all over at the girls' cabin she snuck into ours and silly stringed the whole inside. Wednesday Night Live was a riot. The kids did some really funny skits. Needless to say the boys were woken in the gentlest of ways with the screaming guitars and monstorous drums. I think waking them up is my favorite part of the day. LOL!!

After a breakfast of french toast and bacon the kids signed up for the classes they wanted to participate in today. Today they could write for NC News, learn yoga, build a burma (rope) bridge, learn about baby turtles, or dissect garbage, YUM!!. That last class is something they certainly won't learn in my room. Maybe Mr. Held could teach it. By the way, we all hope that the other fifth graders and the fourth grade had a great time exploring Lynn Woods with Mr. Held and Mrs. Wladkowski.

It amazes me. The kids go out on four hike in the woods, which they are all raving about, and come back and want to play soccer, basketball, and kickball. Mrs. Hennessey, myself, and the other chaperons can't wait to get home so we can rest. They just go, go, go!! So expect a quiet weekend parents.

We just finished up pizza. It was pretty good. In about an hour we will start the Underground Railroad activity. The kids are really excited about this because they have no idea what is going to happen. It will be pitch black and the chaperones will be the only ones with flash lights. I'll let you know more tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Day 3

2009-10-07T19:12:00.000-04:00

The boys were given of dose of Anthrax this morning after going to sleep at 11. NO!! Not the dangersous chemical. The band. Mrs. Hennessey woke the girls to Beethoven. That would have put me back to sleep. They were sleeping like babies. It rained all night and will continue alllllll day. The outdoor activities are not cancelled either. It just makes them more interesting. The class choices today consist of a couple dissections, how to use duct tape effectively, how to make a slingshot and rollercoaster. They also get the chance to make rocket cars and play with scat, animal poop. Sounds fun!!!!!

Are you wondering how your smelly your child will be when you see them on Friday? Hygeine is of the utmost importance up here. The kids are required to take showers everyday and brush their teeth twice a day. Can you imagine what the cabin would smell like if they didn't? However, the cabins are pigstys. It is like they never had to pick up after themselves. Look the picture.

The night hike went well, they all loved it. Then they came in and sang some songs. We do use some of the songs in our Moving on Ceremony. My favorite was Charlie on the MTA.

After a breakfast of eggs and homefries the kids got into their field groups. Some are out in the rain and some indoors. What fun!!

During class time it started to pour and became very windy. Many of the kids were outside when it came through, but they weathered it. Today was the big game of tag called Predator vs. Prey. Half the kids are predators and the other half are prey. They run all over the campground. It is a great way to tire them out. We had to postpone the Underground Railroad activity until tomorrow night because of the rain. I have the kids thinking that they will have to dig tunnels under the campground. So gullible.

The Predator vs. Prey game was intense. They ran all over the place. Luckily, the sun came out just as the game was getting under way. Dinner was great tonight. Chicken parm with spaghetti and garlic bread. Delish!!! At 7:30 we are off to Wednesday Night Live. The kids perform skits with their groups in front of everyone. It is really funny. The teachers are getting into it this year also.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Day 2

2009-10-06T20:40:00.000-04:00

FYI: Click Here to see all the pictures we have taken so far.The boys were woking to Metallica this morning. However, after the chatty pattys fell asleep around midnight a few woke up on their own at 6:30 this morning. I'm sure that will change tonight because they will be so tired. Mrs. Hennessey told me the girls had a similiar night and they were up at 4:30. Good luck to them tonight. Today's breakfast was heaven for the kids, chocolate chip pancakes. Suprisingly many of them loved the sausage too. They are now in their field groups. Most of the groups are walking around the camp site on nature hikes. One group just found a salamander. For those kids who never saw one it was a great learning experience. Even though it is not a conventional classroom learning goes on all the time.

For lunch today we had chicken patty sandwiches with onion rings. They were really good. The kids gobbled them down. During transition time there was a massive dodgeball game and soccer game. If you were worried about the kids not getting any exercise, don’t worry about that.

They had some great classes today. Some of the students built a geodome out of wood that could hold all nine of them at once. Another class was Feed Yo Face. In this class they had a facial with bananas, oatmeal, and other natural ingredients. Other classes were Ultimate frisbee, Egg Drop, Improv Comedy, and Bats Incredible. They are having so much fun and the weather has been great. However, tomorrow it is suppose to rain all day so we postponed the long hike until Thursday.

Tonight the kids are on night hike were the do experiments in the dark. No flashlights. They will learn how wintergreen lifesavers spark in the dark and other cool nighttime activities. If all goes well everyone will be asleep by 10. We’ll know more tomorrow. Good night.

Monday, October 5, 2009 Day 1

2009-10-05T20:20:00.000-04:00

We made it safe and sound in record time. Cruised into Nature's Classroom around 11 and the kids unloaded the bus. They make them work up here. After, we headed to the dining hall for lunch. Today we were served corn dogs and french fries. They do have a vegetarian choice and a salad bar. I must say the salad bar is quite popular with the students. At least they are getting their nutrients. Each child has to take a turn as a waitron. They leave 15 minutes early and have to set up the table for the campers. Also, they are reponsible for getting the food for the table and cleaning up. There will be no excuse for them when they get home and you ask them to clean up after dinner.

After lunch they had field group where they were introduced to their field group leaders. They did many get aquainted activities. The good thing about field group and meals are that all the kids are mixed in with the other schools. Many friendships are being built. We came back to the cabins and practiced a fire drill. They did very well.

During transition time, free time for the kids, the boys played football and basketball. The girls played basketball and tether ball. There are no boring times up here. Some of the classes the kids had included building shelters, sheep brain dissection, and making a beast out of potatoes.

We just finished dinner which was barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn. For dessert they served Hoodsies. Tonight we are going to have a science fair and sing some songs. I'll give more information on that tomorrow. I am going to try to make sure the boys are in bed by 11:00. As far as the girls I can't say for them. Some of them were ready for bed after dinner.

Look at all the luggage!!!!

Here is the boat we will be using to teach the kids how to waterski.

Just kidding.

I can't believe how fast this happened!!!

2009-09-20T18:26:00.003-04:00

For those of you have had children go to Nature's Classroom with us before you know that there was a little leeway in getting things done. Well not this year. In a little over two weeks we will be New Hampshire bound.

Usually we have fundraisers before we go to help cover the costs of the bus and chaperones. As you probably know that hasn't happened to the extent that we need. Kris Way did spearhead a fundraiser last year for us, but we still need to raise more money. The way that will happen is when we come back we will have fundraisers to cover the costs. We would appreciate it if all the parents of the children who went supported us. I will have more information on that at a later date.

Make sure you fill out the forms and send them back as soon as possible. The rest of the money will be due by October 1. Also, follow the list that was sent home about suggested items to bring. If your child brings a camera or flashlight make sure they have extra batteries or chargers, don't forget pillows, and most importantly do not pack your clothes in garbage bags.

I'm psyched that we will have warmer weather, which means a lot of time will be spent outside. Be prepared for the most fun you can have in week.

Last Day (Friday) 2008 Trip

2008-11-21T09:26:00.011-05:00

Let me just start by saying "What a week this has been". Your children are all worn out. However, last night started with a visit from the girls to the boys cabin. What started out as a nice visit turned into a Silly String blitz. The girls got the boys good. There was Silly String everywhere. But don't count the boys out yet. We slyly made our way to their cabin while they were in line waiting for dinner and took all their mattresses off of their beds and piled them in the middle of the floor. Revenge is sweet!!!

Thursday Night Live was good. There were some really good skits. Mr. Eddy and Mr. Doherty (Lincoln-Thompson) were part of a skit. We were two suckers on a stick. The staff did an excellent job bringing out the acting skills in the children.

This morning was up early and out early. We had to have all of our things in the field by 7:30. Now we know what you parents go through to get your kids up and off to school. They didn't want to move. The staff took them back to the cabin for a thorough cleaning while we filled out evaluations.

From 10-11 the kids have field group one last time. After that we have lunch and say our goodbyes. I would like to thank Mrs. Matsubara, Mrs. Powers, and Mr. Whittier for taking their time to come up as chaperones.

Mrs. Hennessey dragging her luggage.

I will be posting pictures when I get back on the website.

Until next year.

Thursday Morning

2008-11-20T09:21:00.011-05:00

I have to start with yesterday since there was no time to write about it last night. The hike was awesome. Some of the groups hiked into the woods and roasted marshmallows. Others found beaver dams and other signs of animals, and yet others just hiked and hiked and hiked and hiked for 3 hours. They were cold when they came back, but some of the boys wanted to stay outside and play basketball. The high yesterday was 27 degrees and windy. We had pizza for dinner. It was pretty good. The boys are playing a killer game of UNO Attack. It was a nail biter.

Last night was incredible. All the children had nothing but good things to say about the Underground Railroad activity. It gave them an inside view about what happened during the slavery period in the US colonies. They played the roles of slaves being transported to the colonies and then bought and brought to a plantation. The chaperones were the conductors on the Underground Railroad and brought them to freedom in Canada. Along the way we had to collect red, white, blue, and yellow cards. During our “journey” we encountered bounty hunters, sheriffs, and land owners (the counselors) looking for slaves. They interrogated us as to why we were out late at night and traveling north. Mr. Whittier told them we were hauling cottage cheese to the rich folks in New England and we needed to travel at night because of the cool temperatures.

However, the goal was for the kids learn how slavery and bullying are similar. The counselors did a great job at relating the two in ways the kids understood. I am certain they will tell you all about it.

Mrs. Graul finally made it at about 6:45 after a dark trip. This place is not easy to find in the dark considering there are no street lights.

We had french toast and sausage for breakfast with a little Black Sabbath "Iron Man" thrown in to wake them up. LOL. They are now on their field groups either doing activities or hiking around the property. Later

they are playing a big game of tag called Predator vs. Prey. This is a great game.

The chaperones are beginning to become a little weary. All except Mrs. Powers who came up yesterday. She is however, realizing what it is like to have sixteen girls in one cabin. FUN!!!

Yes, I am doing the ORT Report dance.

PS. The kids are saying they don't want to come home.

Wednesday Morning

2008-11-19T10:16:00.006-05:00

We are patiently awaiting the arrival of Mrs. Graul. The kids are excited that she is coming up. I hope she brings up her warm clothes. :)

The kids went to sleep a little bit earlier and probably earlier tonight. I just love waking them up with Van Halen. LOL.

The night experience was a blast. The kids learned how wintergreen lifesavers make sparks when you chew them in the dark. They also found rocks, not flint, that spark when they are struck together. Right now, they are in class. The big draw was shark dissection. Most of them wanted to do that. Others were doing yoga, making water rockets, learning how to make a shelter in the woods, and play frisbee golf. The chaperones will be playing that later on.

At about 12 we head out on a four hour hike. This will certainly make them tired. Later tonight they will participate in the Underground Railroad activity. It will probably be the best thing they do all week.

Tuesday Afternoon/Night

2008-11-18T19:56:00.006-05:00

The afternoon was verrrrry cold. Of course they are all frozen because they still haven't learned how to dress themselves in the cold weather. The chaperones have been talking and have never seen so many missing articles of clothing. It is like their mittens and hats get sucked into a giant vacum.

We had cheeseburgers and fries for lunch. Tasted just like chicken. LOL. They had field group classes today. Some of the things they did were water rockets, pig dissection (lots of dissections up here, but not on the kids), facials with bananas, honey, and yogurt, float your boat, made a jungle gym, ate bats and rocks (also tasted just like chicken), and made butter(yep, chicken).

The pillow fights have quite extreme. The girls actually had teams. The boys tried it and wanted to jump off the top bunk onto each other.

Dinner was actually chicken. We had fajitas with real sour cream. Yummy!!! Tonight consisted of a night time experience. What that entails is walking in the woods without a flashlight. The counselors are the only ones who have light. Scarrrryyyyy!!!!! After that it is quiet sing time and then bedtime. Yes, they will be in bed early. The girls all look like walking zombies, including the chaperones.

They are having a blast. During transation (free) time they have been playing basketball, football, soccer, and just hanging around. So they are getting plenty of excercise and we can pretty much guarantee they will be sound sleepers on Friday night.

Tuesday Morning

2008-11-18T10:18:00.008-05:00

"The bags are too heavy"

Last night was fun. The kids had a blast with the science experiments, but the cold has not subsided yet. Then they listened to The Jackal tell a story of his adventures on the MBTA. Next, they sang some songs like "I'm a Believer, Yellow Submarine, and We are Going to be Friends" and then bedtime.

The boys were awoken at 6:55 to the delightful sounds of Metallica. However, it didn't go as planned. Many of them were already awake. Excited to start the day I guess. Mrs. Hennessey used her fog horn to get the girls up. And from what the girls said it was loud. I hear the girls didn't go to sleep until 1:00 am. That will change tonight. They are going to beg to go to bed. Mrs. Hennessey said there were a couple homesick girls, but they seemed ok today.

Breakfast was really good this morning, pancakes and sausage. After, the kids went out with their field groups around the camp grounds. In field group they go with the counselor and explore the woods and may do various activities while out there. Today they were dressed much warmer.

I am trying to post a slide show of pictures but am having a heck of time getting the software to work. I will post picts in this blog though. I'll update more later this afternoon.

Monday, November 17

2008-11-17T19:42:00.008-05:00

We made it. After a smooth two hour ride the kids are very excited to be here. Yes, it is very cold and the kids think they can wear only sweatshirts. There were some red noses and cheeks. However, they quickly learned what not to wear. There was a snow shower around 2:00. The first sign of winter. Yippeee!!!

For lunch we had grilled cheese and tater tots. Yummy. The kids are getting their first taste at working in the restaurant business. Each one has to be a waitron. They have to get the food and serve it to the rest of the table. When we are done eating they have to clean the table and wipe it down. No complaints yet.

They had there first class which may have been dissection of a sheep lung and heart, making things with duct tape, learning about forest fires, or doing arts and crafts. They even made the USA out of rice crispie treats and ate it. What you are looking to at the right is a sheep's eye being dissected.

The accommodations are nice. Each cabin has heat and indoor plumbing. There are bunk beds for them to sleep on and they love the top bed. Mr. Whittier has a whole side of the cabin to himself. The girls have to use both sides of their cabin, so no privacy for Mrs. Hennessey and Mrs. Matsubara.

Later we are going to head to the main lodge for a science fair and sing along time. I’ll let you know how it was tomorrow.

Are You Ready???

2008-11-13T16:33:00.002-05:00

Well, here we are at the cusp of a fun filled week in sunny (I hope) Freedom, NH. I hope the parents have gone over the list of suggested supplies to make sure your child will be comfortably dressed. The forecast is looking to be in the mid-30's for most of the week. To left you will see a link to the weather forecast.

I would like to have everyone there by 8:30 so we can leave on time at 9:00. There is no need to go to the school that day; just go to CVS.

We'll see everyone on Monday morning. Enjoy the weekend.

Thank You!!!!!

2008-10-06T10:02:00.000-04:00

Well, here we are a month away from our trip and so far everything has fallen into place. The fundraisers have been very successful and the kids are starting to get excited, and I'm the sure parents are too(no kids for a whole week). I would like to take this space to thank the parents who have worked tirelessly to put together a great night at Giggles Comedy Club and raising money at the Blue Tulip. Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Whittier, Mrs. Vaughn, Mrs. Rizzo, and Mrs. Matsubara did a great job. (If I left anyone out please email and let me know) And also a big thanks to the parents who purchased tickets and got others to do so, purchased a raffle ticket, or shopped at the Blue Tulip.

Also, we would like to thank a few generous donors to our trip. First, the Lynn Fire Department who donated $1000. Without this generous donation we would have to do a lot more fundraising. Next, we would like to thank Lynn City Hall for a $250 donation. Your kindness is much appreciated. Last, but not least, the Lynn City Council who generously donated $100. Thank you council persons.

It is people like those I mentioned above that make this outdoor experience a reality for the children. Mrs. Capano, Mrs. Hennessey, and myself would not have been able to do half of what the parents have done. It just goes to show that parents will do anything for their kids and those of our great school. Parental involvement is key to a successful school.

Mrs. Hennessey and myself are looking forward to another great week in Freedom, NH. Last year the weather was a bit chilly, but nothing we couldn't stand. Once again we will be going with three other Lynn schools. They are Lincoln-Thompson, Sisson, and Lynn Woods. All the kids got along great and the football games were intense. Mr. Whittier will be chaperoning with me and Mrs. Powers and Mrs. Matsubara have split the week to chaperone with Mrs. Hennessey. These chaperones have volunteered their time and given up vacations just to come with us. That is dedication.

Once again I will be blogging from Nature's Classroom daily to keep the nervous parents up to date on what their children are doing. I can tell you that if I asked one of the kids on the Monday we got there if they missed their parents their response would be, "I have parents? I forgot". That is how much fun they are going to have.

FYI: I want to prepare the parents for this. Take a deep breath and make sure you are sitting down. Here it goes: There will be no contact with your child the whole week. OK, now stop jumping up and down and yelling "Yippeee". You may send letters, but that is it. We suggest writing the letters ahead of time and sending them the Friday before we leave so they will get them in time. We will give everyone the address. Mrs. Graul will be able to get in touch with us if necessary.

Here is the link to Nature's Classroom for more info.
http://www.naturesclassroom.org

Mr. Eddy