May 11, 2008

Pioneers



The 4th graders at Alex's school had the opportunity to live a day in the life of the pioneers. They provided 10 handcarts for the 4th graders to make their journey from the school to "Strong Hollow". (This is actually a teachers property that is very wooded and feels like a campground in the middle of the forest.) I think the whole journey was a little over 3 miles, each person was allowed a small bag with their belongings and everyone had to dress in pioneer clothing. Our group consisted of 4 boys, 3 girls and 4 parents. Along the way we had checkpoints that we had to pass through, we were allowed to stop and "hunt= beef jerky", we were told all the men in our company were injured and they had to ride in the handcart (only 3 of them fit so we put 1 of them on crutches) and the last checkpoint our youngest member had fallen ill and had to ride in the handcart.


Then at Strong Hollow, the kids got to learn how to make butter, spin wool, build a structure out of stone, make pioneer toys and dolls, make candles and learn how to play a game of ax throwing- yes AXES!!!! We ate a soup and cornbread meal with dutch oven cobbler for dessert. It was an amazing experience, it was especially fun to go and spend the day with Alex and see him get a taste of a very different life than he is used to. My butt muscles are still recovering from the experience, but it was really a neat day!!!

3 comments:

Dianna said...

That is really great that a teacher organizes such a meaningful activity for students and parents. Alex will probably always remember that.

Caren said...

That is such a terrific field trip! It sounds like you had as much fun as the kids did!

Breeann said...

Sounds like you had fun. I think it is good to give kids a "reality check" so they know they really do have it easy. I cant even imagine having lived in the days of our pioneers, I like my modern conveniences.