Reflection at Year's End

Another successful year of the PATC Student Trail Steward program at Northwood High School has ended. On June 12th, I had the priveledge of watching eleven students, this year's and last, walk across the graduation stage and receive their high school diplomas after thirteen years of hard work. In two years, thirteen students have completed the year long, rigorous program of field work, research, writing, projects, physical labor, educating others, advocating, and camping. Working with students outside the traditional classroom offers them and the teacher (me) a more meaningful experience and relationship, to each other and the knowledge gained. The human side is exposed when each share getting dirty outside to breaking bread after a cold, wet day. The opportunity to engage with students in and out of the traditional role and space of student and teacher provides deeper life experiences and skills learned for each. It has been a privledge to engage with thirteen amazing and different individuals in the non-traditional classroom setting of the outdoors. Teaching and learning is a two way street; I learn from them about their perspective on the world and life, human interaction, and better ways to empower each of us to learn and grow.
I appreciate the strong partnership between PATC and Northwood High School and the past and present funding sources, REI and the American Hiking Society's National Trails Fund, that enable the Student Trail Steward program to provide a meaningful and non-traditional classroom experience. I look forward to engaging and sharing with a new group of students in September.