Though I still consider myself pretty new to life at the Sailing Center, I can categorically say that one of my top three favorite things about being here is seeing school groups come by for school day programs. We tailor curriculum to the students’ and teachers’ needs, and make sure that the kids are prepared both to come to the Sailing Center for a day on the lake and also to continue learning about the ecology of Lake Champlain when they head back to the classroom. We know from experience that students who participate in our day programs learn a lot, and we also know that they have a ton of fun. This morning, I watched nine youngsters leap out of two volunteer parents’ vans, romping their way across the Sailing Center parking lot, thrilled about their day out of the classroom and on the lake. As I stole away from my work in the office to see what they were up to, I witnessed a chorus of students enthusiastically answering instructor Chris’ questions–”The CRUST! We’re standing on the Earth’s CRUST!” and “A mountain lake! A mountain lake!” Who knew that early morning science lessons could be so exciting? The enthusiasm was contagious–even though the staff here is quickly settling in for a long and productive winter, our fall school day programs bring a little of that summer camp excitement back to life at the Sailing Center.
-Lesley
