It’s an Adventure for Southdown Second Graders
A trip to the Fire Island National Seashore was a real adventure for Southdown School second graders who enjoyed a full day of nature, history and sweeping views of sea and land.
This marked the first time a Southdown second grade class had traveled to Fire Island for their year-end field trip. One of the first surprises in a day full of them came when the youngsters learned they could reach their destination without taking a ferry. Students discovered two bridges connect Robert Moses Causeway to the western end of the island, which was the site of a day of pure fun.
“One of the featured activities was the nature walk,” said David Crimi, a Southdown second grade teacher. “Students followed a guide through the dunes and tall reeds along a raised wooden path, stopping to locate deer tracks and other signs of wildlife. The walk culminated in a jaunt on the beach itself, where kids excitedly put their hands in the Great South Bay and took group photos gathered on top of a gigantic driftwood log.”
The setting was perfect for a series of Long Island maritime history lessons, including a presentation about the lifesaving services that were prominent on Fire Island during the 19th century. The backdrop for the lessons was a museum-like room dedicated to the lifesaving servicemen, appropriately wallpapered with images of valiant rowboat rescues and the necessary equipment. Wearing costumes, pulling ropes and calling out orders, the kids role-played the rescue of a shipwrecked vessel. All survived!
“The highlight of the day was the 185-step climb to the top of the Fire Island lighthouse, the tall, black and white-striped beacon for the ships of yore,” Mr. Crimi said. “During the steep, guided ascent up the spiral staircase, the children learned why the stairs were made of iron lattice (to let light pass down from above) and how the lighthouse keeper maintained the large, rotating lens. Undoubtedly, the high point of the day was the spectacular view from the gallery at the top, where kids ecstatically waved to their friends on the ground and marveled at the 360-degree vista of sand and sea.”
When youngsters are excited it isn’t hard to notice and this trip proved it. The group went home with plenty to tell their families. “This trip had so much to offer,” Mr. Crimi said. “Ecology, history and geography - and all less than an hour away! We can’t wait to return next year.”
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