Canton Intermediate School Students Find Nature is a Perfect Classroom

Suddenly the yell of c-a-m-o-u-f-l-a-g-e pierced the relative tranquility of the woods. 

At the sound more than a dozen Canton sixth graders scurried to find cover behind downed limbs large trees, boulders or whatever else they could find in 10 seconds. 

As a counselor, aptly nicknamed Happy, called out to those she spotted, they rejoined her on the trail. With a second call — m-i-g-r-a-t-i-o-n — those left were on the move again. Then with a booming w-o-l-f p-a-c-k, those still in the game rushed back to see who could be the first to reach Happy with a big high-5. 

The game was just part of a day hike at Camp Jewell in Colebrook. The hike, which also included a visit to a beaver pond, crawling in a tree partially hallowed by lightning, a lesson on Mountain Laurel and a visit to see some horses, was just a small part of four days of Nature's Classroom, which for more more than 20 years has been an annual pilgrimage for nearly even Canton sixth-grader. 

Nature's Classroom is an organization specializing in outdoor education and each year they provide instructors for a range of activities and classes, which include offerings such as egg drop, math magics, yoga, atomic age, mini rockets, science center, baking rat dissection and more. 

Between formal offerings, students have some down time, called transitions, where they can enjoy activities such as indoor rock climbing or the farm. 

"They have this feeling they are not in school but in fact they are learning," said sixth-grade teacher Patrick Allen, who along with Diana Hiza, coordinates the week for Canton Intermediate School. 

One of the great things about Nature's Classroom is their willingness to work with the school to compliment its curriculum, Allen said. The week is especially strong is math, science and social studies, he said. 

Working together despite differences is one social aspect that was emphasized this year, Allen added. 

Groups are intentionally mixed up so kids who may not always interact get that chance.

"This just gives them a chance to broaden their horizons," Allen said.

And of course those IALAC — I am loveable and capable buttons — are everywhere and IALAC attacks, such as surrounding a group and hurling compliments at them, are strongly encouraged. 

The activities and being away from parents — and electronics — for the week tends to build a lot of confidence and most of the children find they can do things they never thought possible, Allen said.