The old saying is that a change is as good as a break…this past weekend was a wonderful change as I had the opportunity to take a group of middle school students to Maine for three days in Baxter State Park, highlighted by a climb of Maine’s highest point, Mount Katahdin (5271′).

As an added bonus, I was able to make my son along (at left). He goes to another Middle School here in town, but he knows many of the kids on the trip. It was simply an amazing weekend.

A couple of reflections…

• In an age where too many young people avoid physical activity, it was great to see these 18 Grade 6 and 7 students conquer this difficult climb. Out of 40 who started in the Nashwaaksis Middle School Hiking Club in September, these 18 proved their worth through snowshoe hikes, winter camping and physical training. The funny thing is, these generally aren’t the “athletes”, but the kids who are generally on the outside. I am so proud of them.

• Besides my body screaming “what the heck are you doing?”I did have another thought occur to me as we climbed – this was the ONLY club or activity in the school in which parents were as much a participant as the students. In sports, drama and music parents participate as an audience, but in this group parents were climbing right alongside the students. They were partners, learning from each other about facing challenges and respecting nature. This is what 21st century learning should be about – sharing.

Our PE coordinator, and the hiking club supervisor, Mike Smith, deserves much of the credit. He demands much from these young people. In return, they get a tremendous growth opportunity.

What a beautiful mountain. What beautiful learning.

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