The Hoosick Falls Central School District (HFCSD) recently wrapped up its Summer Outdoor Education Program (OEP). This unique, free summer program has been offered to students entering grades eight through twelve for over ten years now. It is designed, organized, and run by two dedicated HFCSD teachers, Dan Michalak and Landon Nelson. Michalak has been a high school English teacher with the District since 2007, and Nelson has been with the District since 2011 as an elementary physical education teacher. Both individuals are avid outdoorsmen and feel passionate about sharing their love for the natural world with students, while offering opportunities that students might not experience otherwise.
The OEP is threefold, and this year it included five days of hiking, four days of kayaking, and two days of archery. This program encourages students to experience growth and learning outside the classroom while fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the natural world.
The archery portion of the program took place on school grounds. Students were taught safety and basic skills, and had plenty of hands-on learning time at the targets. There is always a learning curve with this sport, and it demands a level of focus and patience. It is a great way for the students to unplug as they concentrate on their physical bodies and control their breathing.
The hiking sessions help remind the students that they live in an area surrounded by natural beauty, where they can safely unwind and get active. Nelson shared that, “We spent a significant amount of time covering preparation when hiking, including essential gear, water, food, first aid, and reading trail maps. We also included topics such as weather safety, trail etiquette, and Leave No Trace.” The group felt fortunate to hike a trail created by Williams College students in 1933 that intersected the Taconic Crest Trail on Berlin Mountain. They also spent several days hiking near the Appalachian Trail and the Vermont Long Trail. Students were able to speak with a few backpackers who had been on the Appalachian Trail for months. They ended their hiking portion of the program, traversing up Equinox Mountain in Manchester, Vermont.
Students had a full day of kayak training with Nelson and Michalak at the Dunham Reservoir, part of Grafton Lakes State Park in New York. Training included learning a variety of paddling techniques for maneuvering, tips on what to do if a paddle is lost, and safety measures in the event of a capsize. After completing their training, the group had a few outings where they spent time on local rivers such as the Hoosic River and sections of the Battenkill in both Vermont and New York.
This year, twenty-eight students from grades eight to twelve participated in all three sections of the OEP. One student shared that they “Really enjoy archery, but don’t get a chance to do it at home,” so they were happy to participate in that part of the program. The students all agreed that they were excited to get outside this summer. They got to have new experiences, in places they hadn’t been before, while learning practical skills along the way. The District is pleased to continue this program and grateful to the teachers who lead the students on these adventures.
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