This April, we embarked on a 3 -day/2-night wilderness retreat to Harriman State Park. The children hiked, took nature photos thanks to a grant from the Norcross Wildlife Foundation, studied diabetes prevention education, and learned healthy cooking techniques. Jaws dropped at the views! Here: a student crosses a stream.

For one week this fall, CS Explorers put their entrepreneurship lessons to practice raising funds for class trips by selling flower bulbs for our garden and farm. Parents, teachers, and kids could donate whatever amount they wanted towards individual flowers, which we planted. The group decided to use the remainder for an ice skating trip this winter. We are all looking forward to skating and seeing the colorful flowers in May.

CS Explorers embarked on their first Fall Wilderness Retreat, most venturing from home for the first time. The children, ages 8 and 9, hiked, made healthy meals, and learned about diabetes prevention. Here is one of their nature photos:

1) Worms help flowers and trees grow.

2) You can get the job done when you work together.

3) Always wear gloves [in the garden and farm] and don’t swing tools.

4) How to be a garden leader.

5) Outdoor exercise makes you feel good!

6) The 5 food groups — grains, vegetables, fruits, meat and beans, and dairy — and how to cook a healthy meal or snack in each category.

Source: Youth Evaluations.