Jack Abrams School Enjoys Great Time at Greenkill
Who can possibly complain about four splendid days of hiking, ecology activities, team-building challenges and even a campfire lunch in the pristine 1,150 acre forest at Camp Greenkill in upstate Huguenot, New York? The sixth graders from Jack Abrams Intermediate School who made a recent trek there returned home raving about the experience.
Outside of their traditional classroom settings, students developed leadership and communication skills, studied the environment and learned wilderness skills. Using the center spacious grounds as a classroom, Greenkill’s skilled program instructors engaged the youngsters with hands-on activities that focused on education through exploration, while meeting state education standards.
“A visit to Greenkill gives students the opportunity to learn outside of their everyday classroom,” said says Jason Marker, Greenkill’s program director. “We were thrilled to give Jack Abrams sixth grade classes the opportunity to see, touch and feel nature. Teaching in small group settings allows our program instructors to cater to each student’s learning style in a fun safe environment.”
The trip was a clear success as far as Jack Abrams School teacher Allison VonVange is concerned. She helps coordinate the trip for the Huntington School District with Keith Meyers, a teacher at Woodhull Intermedaite School.
“The Greenkill experience has been multi-faceted for me,” Mrs. VonVange said. “I first visited Greenkill as a Huntington sixth grade student. Greenkill has provided many great memories and this year’s trip was another great experience for our school.”
“Being able to have our classroom outside was really fun,” one Jack Abrams School student said. “The things we learned at Greenkill relate to the topics we are learning in school. Our favorite memories are the survival class, cookout lunch, meeting new friends and ‘Camouflage,’ a hide and seek game about how animals hide themselves in the forest.”
“Throughout the years, I’ve seen the students become involved in all the activities,” Mrs. VonVange said. “Especially rewarding is seeing the faces of many students who would have otherwise never had such an enriching opportunity. The students and staff are still talking about what an amazing trip they had. We can’t wait for next year!”
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