Final Blog Entry

I was a bit apprehensive about my trip to the Adirondacks. However, looking back on the week, I realize that every new experience has given me a great understanding and knowledge on how I can better both my personal and professional life in and out of the classroom.

1. I am grateful to have spent a week with a wonderful group of students and two awesome professors. Some new friendships formed and some old friendships rekindled. Everybody brought something new to the “classroom”. New ideas, suggestions, and successes were discussed. We all got along really well and worked well together in teams.

2. Karl touched a few new technology programs on the computers. I had previously taken a computer course with Karl, so it was nice to have a refresher on Garage Band and iTunes. The Comic Life program was something new that we had not learned. This program was really neat, and I can see where it could be used in my classroom someday! Children love comics – they love fun and colorful readings – so this program could really grab their attention and engage them in the reading. I am excited to use this program in my teaching.

3. As we all know, I am not a huge “outdoorsy” person. I wanted to try this course and learn some new things that I can take back to the classroom. One thing that really grabbed my attention was the fact that we need to take our children outside as much as possible. They need to be active! By listening to Eric and Bri stressing how they try to get their students outside as much as possible, I believe that it’s something all teachers should be doing! Recess and field trips are starting to become shorter and fewer, and children are just sitting inside all day when they should be outside learning!

4. Hiking up Black Bear Mountain was something that was very meaningful to me. I have never been on a serious hike before. I honestly did not think I was going to make it! I looked up ahead of me during that last half of a mile and just kept pushing myself to reach the top. I felt so great and proud of myself to make it to the top of the mountain. I think this will definitely get me more motivated to push myself into more physical activities.

5. We discussed in the “classroom” how important it is to buy from local farms. There is a farmer’s market both in Trumansburg and in Ithaca. I have been to both of them quite often; however, have never bought my fruits or vegetables from the individuals selling the products. After our discussion, I think I will be more apt to buy from the local farmers rather than pick up my fruits and veggies at Wegmans. I do buy corn-on-the-cob from local stands, and always think it tastes better rather than buying it in the store!

Three things that I have taken away from the course topics, activities, and discussions include trying everything at least once, making some time for myself, and living a greener lifestyle.

1. The high ropes course was an team building activity that I chose not to participate in because of fear. Unfortunately, I regret not doing it. Everybody who participated in the challenge did an AWESOME job and I am so proud of you all for facing your fears and never giving up. I feel that I need to try everything at least once. I'll never know if I would have enjoyed the high ropes course because I did not push myself to do it. If I had completed the high ropes course, I would have felt like I actually accomplished something that I never thought I would have done. I am hoping I will have the opportunity again someday to try it.

2. I work at a day camp from 8:30-4:15 everyday with eighteen 6-year old kids. This is my 6th year at Cass Park Day Camp and I absolutely love it; however, get burned out quickly because I never take some time for myself. I love to be with the kids, and never take my break, because I feel like I will miss something. Well, by the end of the day, I am burned out and tired. The trip to Raquette Lake taught me to always take the time for myself, even if it is just for 10 minutes. I could step outside, relax for a bit, and then come back inside after I have collected myself so that I wouldn't feel so burned out at the end of the day.

3. Living a greener lifestyle is something that I have been trying to focus a bit more on since I had the computer class with Karl. I have been carpooling to work in Ithaca everyday with another girl who lives in Cortland, turning off the lights when I am not in a room, and small things of the sort that contribute to a larger picture. There were so many great ideas from this class, and I feel like a lot of the individuals who participated in this class already have a good handle on how they can reduce their carbon footprint. One thing that I did a lot was run to the store when I am out of a certain food. After this class, I have still not been to the grocery store and have been using what food I have! It sounds so small, but eventually, it helps out with the bigger picture.

Thursday, Day 4

The high ropes course was the big event for the day! I have done a low ropes course before a couple of times, and was really looking forward to this one -- before I knew we were up 30 feet walking through the trees.

Although I chose not to complete the high ropes course, I really enjoyed watching everyone else's successes. It was great to watch all of my classmates progress through each section the the course and make it all the way to the end! Congratulations to you all! I'm hoping someday that I get the courage to do the same, because I would love to have that same feeling of success as the rest. I need to push myself more and step out of my comfort zone.

I really enjoyed the campfire last night. It was so nice going around the circle and listening to what everybody had to say about this class. I couldn't agree more with what was said, and do believe that this was an outstanding course. Although I am not a huge "outdoorsy" girl, I love to kayak, take walks, and be on the water. I'm glad I had this opportunity to come to Raquette Lake!

Wednesday, Day 4

We headed off to the museums today. First on the list was the Wild Center. I was excited to see what this museum had to offer -- especially the otters! The otters were definitely the most fun. I was a bit disappointed of the museum's size. I think I was expecting something a bit larger with more interactive exhibits.

The Adirondack Museum was the second museum we visited. This museum was definitely larger, and I enjoyed walking around outside. My favorite building was the one with the carriages and the train. I found it very interesting to walk through the train and observe sll of the neat furniture. Another building I enjoyed was the one room school house. I've been to the 8-square school house before, and this one reminded me of it. I wouldn't like to teach in such a small area!

It was REALLY nice to have a break this afternoon to relax and explore things on our own. I worked on my project for a bit and kayaked around with some of the girls. I love kayaking, and today it was nice just to float around! I'm hoping that the weather holds out tomorrow for the ropes course!

Tuesday, Day 3

I woke up today to a chilly morning! Throughout the day, the temperature remained at a constant chill, so we all were dressed for Fall! Kind of surprising, considering it is mid-July!

Right after a wonderful breakfast, Karl and Beth showed us a video on the history of the camp. Following the video, we they took us on a tour of the camp. I was very interested in all of the cabins and seeing how people lived during that time. Everything from the architecture to the furniture inside was really neat to see. I took many pictures!

I was a bit hesitant to go kayaking today because of the cold wind. Being out on the water makes it even worse! My family owns a couple of kayaks, so I have been many times before. Heather and I decided to try the kayak for two. I didn't think it would be as tough as it is! Because I was in the front, I set the pace. It seemed a lot harder to move because we weren't stroking through the water at the same time in the beginning. I'm not sure if the weight has something to do with it, as well. Because there were two of us, I felt like I was pushing through the water harder. Either way, it was great workout! I'm definitely feeling it in my arms right now!

I'm really looking forward to the museums tomorrow. Espcially the Wild Center! It's definitely going to be a lot of fun. Just not looking forward to the 1.5 hour drive!

Monday, Day 2

The agenda today had us visiting the Ferd's Bog and hiking up at Black Bear Mountain. I was a bit curious to visit the bog, because I had never been to one before; however, disappointed that there weren't many living creatures in the bog. We did find spiders and small insects -- even a snake and green frog. I was glad to have a guide explain the different plant species and birds. It was very informative and something I had never experienced before.

The hike up Black Bear Mountain was NOT what I was expecting! I have been hiking before, but more so along gorges and nature trails. The mountain was a whole new experience, and now that I am finally relaxing in bed, I am glad to say that I did it! The first mile of the hike was great -- just what I was expecting -- very much my pace. The trail started to get a bit more wet, muddy, and the roots and rocks were abundant. This was difficult for me, because I am not an experienced hiker; however, I really did enjoy it. The view from the top was amazing.

I'm glad I got to experience Ferd's Bog and Black Bear Mountain. Being able to bring this experience into my classroom and getting my students involved in hands-on activities, as we learned with today, will help us all learn more about the greater Adirondack region.

Coming up soon... and I can't wait!

Hi, I'm Gretchen and this is the ONE course I have been so excited about! I am receiving my Master's degree in one year, and this is one of the last classes I will be taking before I receive my diploma in August. Beth Klein was the first to introduce me to this course. As soon as she said, "You will be taking a trip to the Adirondacks", I knew I wanted to sign right up! I have always loved being outdoors (especially in the summer!) and enjoyed outdoor activities, so I am hoping this course will assist me in integrating science/nature activities and knowledge to my students.

I have wanted to be a teacher since the sixth grade. Back then, I was selected by my teachers to help students in a second grade classroom. Every other day during my studyhall, I would visit this classroom and assist both the teacher and students with their daily routine. It was a real eye-opener which made me want to go into teaching when I was older. I have been working with kids since sixth grade, and continue to do so almost everyday. When I moved to Cortland, I received many substituting jobs in three area school districts. These jobs have been absolutely wonderful, and I have learned so much. I am so excited to continue learning when I become a teacher this Fall.

I believe that all children can succeed and that it is my job to give them the opportunities and experiences to do so. In order for my students to experience success, I will set reachable goals and take the necessary steps to see that they are able to achieve those goals. Regardless of whether the success is small or great, my aim is to teach each student that success means doing one's best, being one's best, and feeling proud of one's efforts.

While in the Adirondacks for the week, my goal is to try something new that I have never done. Although I love the outdoors, I have only been to the Adirondacks once when I was in third grade. This will be an amazing experience for me, and I am so excited to do all of the fun activities planned! I look forward to meeting new people and just having an awesome time with everybody!