So, the kids are generally out in the field until 4 pm each day.  From 4 - 5:40 pm, kids have free time and can play a variety of games outdoors, or chill in their dorms. It is during this time that students have been volunteering their time to work on the blog.  After Ms Mytko uploads the day’s pictures*, a student from each hiking group will choose his or her favorites from the day and write a little about what that group did during the day.

However, after dinner, we have done some very cool activities, although we don’t have pictures to share.  Here are some of the things we have done AFTER the sun went down....

MONDAY NIGHT - The kids gathered in the Coast room and played a cool strategy game in which they were members of two different tribes, each with different resources.

TUESDAY NIGHT - We did a vigorous night hike, and at the summit there were amazing views of the ocean and the bay!  Students spread out and took 5 minutes to sit quietly, listening to the night.  20 6th graders sitting in silence for 5 minutes... can you believe it? :)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - We headed to the beach to check out some of the bioluminescent plankton trapped in the sand.  Students learned a little bit about how bioluminescence works and why organisms use it.  Seeing the tiny flashes of light in the sand was truly incredible.  One student said to me, “It’s like watching the stars in the sand!”

THURSDAY NIGHT - We went to our Farewell campfire.  The kids are sure to learn some wacky new song and games... ask them for their favorite! Lots of fun songs, challenges, you know, the usual! (Unless you haven’t been to a campfire, then that would be kinda hard to explain...)

** the pictures from the “teacher cameras” will be available in next week’s Tech class.  Students will use iPhoto to sort and edit pictures into their own personal collection from the trip.  If students already have a flash drive at home, please have them bring it so they can quickly take their photos with them. However, I am glad to burn a CD for any student that does not bring in a flash drive.

This last picture shows the girls “exercising” before bed in the girl’s dorm.  We can only wonder if the boys were doing the same thing...