With unbeatable weather, our fourth-grade Rams had an incredible time at their overnight trip to Shaw Nature Reserve on May 22-23. According to the reserve’s website, “Shaw Nature Reserve strives to inspire responsible stewardship of our environment through education, restoration and protection of natural habitats, and public enjoyment of the natural world.” While immersing themselves in nature, fourth graders had the opportunity to connect with both the environment around them and one another on this special field trip.
In years past, the weather has limited what programming and activities could take place. This year, it more than cooperated and made for the perfect backdrop for the most picturesque setting of every activity our teachers and the Shaw staff planned. “We roasted marshmallows over the fire, identified constellations on the night hike, and played lots of outdoor games,” noted Jen Van Dyken, Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher.
Upon arriving at the Dana Brown Center, the students got to tour their cabins—their homes away from home—and unpack. Following cabin tours, they split off into their classes: Ecosystem Sampler and Weathering/Erosion. “In our Ecosystem Sampler class, students got to explore the wetland, prairie, and forest area,” explained Laura Pupillo, Lower School Science Teacher. “They were able to look for signs of life and get close to nature. In the Weathering and Erosion class, students explored how water can change the land. They looked for signs of weathering and how water can easily move freshly disturbed soil. We ended with a special hike to the Meramec River, where we got to see up close how a river carves the landscape.”
When they returned, they savored their oven s’mores, performed their cabin cheers, and headed off for bed. Students, of course, stayed up giggling and talking until they finally drifted to sleep. A true camp experience!
When the sun rose, they all packed and set off for breakfast. They ended their day with a special reflection on their favorite parts of the overnight and hiked one final time to the wetland before boarding the bus for school. “It truly was a fantastic experience filled with the best memories!” Pupillo said.
At the start of the morning hike led by the guides from Shaw Nature Reserve, our Rams attempted to net macroinvertebrates in the ephemeral pond. “One student fell in, but he handled it like a champ,” shared Van Dyken. “Then, we walked through the prairie down to the water, where we saw a huge snapping turtle. In the afternoon, the students rotated through teacher-led stations. In the station I helped lead, they created cabin cheers and played community-building games like Pass the Apple, Alibi, and Frogger. It was constant smiles, laughter, and a relaxed time to be silly and bond with their cabinmates. I love seeing the different ‘outside of school’ personalities that emerge when we’re on this trip!”
“For me, the best part of the trip is the sense of community that our fourth graders are able to build,” added Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher Allison Antolik. “Before they go on the trip, they are both nervous and excited, and they learn to lean on each other for support. When we return, there are always ear-to-ear smiles, and they are so proud of the adventure they completed!”
“The fourth-grade overnight at the Shaw Nature Reserve gave students the chance to explore real ecosystems with their own senses, turning curiosity into connection and making place-based ecology come alive,” reflected Paul Zahller, JK-12 Science Department Chair & Upper School Science Teacher.