STAHS Offers First Ever Outdoor Education Reach Ahead Course: Adventure, Learning, and Lifelong Skills
St. Thomas Aquinas High School (STAHS) proudly launched its first-ever Outdoor Education Reach Ahead Course, a 12-day program that offered students the opportunity to earn three different types of certifications and receive a PAD10 or 20 credit upon successful completion. Special thanks to Green Adventures for their invaluable support in delivering this comprehensive outdoor education experience for our students.
Rabbit Lake Adventures
The course kicked off at Rabbit Lake, where students honed essential canoeing skills. They learned about the basic parts of a canoe and paddle, mastered various knots and canoe tie-downs (including bowline and trucker's hitch), and practiced canoe carrying techniques, canoe over canoe rescues, throw bag practice, and different paddle strokes such as draw, pry, J stroke, and forward and reverse sweep. By the end of the week, students proudly earned their certificates in Basic Camping Skills and Introduction Tandem Lake Canoe Skills.
First Aid and CPR Training
Early in the program, students completed their Basic First Aid and CPR Training. They engaged in first aid scenarios and practical applications, ensuring they are well-prepared for any situation that might arise.
Mental Health and Wellness Day
One day was dedicated to understanding mental health and wellness. Students learned to recognize signs of mental health problems, explored connections between nutrition and mental wellbeing, and participated in activities designed to boost their mental health. They also prepared delicious “fruit leather” in the dehydrator to take on their upcoming camping trip.
Streckers-KCA Wellness Camp
Students attended the Streckers-KCA wellness camp, where they rotated through various activities that included leadership, culture, sports, water activities, and crafts. This diverse range of activities fostered a holistic approach to well-being.
Fishing and Cooking Skills
On a particularly hot day, students practiced fishing safety and casting techniques before heading out to Rabbit Lake to test their skills. Despite catching more trees than fish, they enjoyed a homemade spaghetti meat sauce and garlic toast lunch. In the afternoon, Mr. Dubchak taught students how to fillet walleye, one of the region’s most enjoyed delicacies. Students took turns helping clean and fillet his catch.
Camping Preparation and Trip
As the week progressed, students packed their gear for the camping trip, ensuring everything was secured in large dry bags and barrels to stay dry during paddling or in case of heavy rain. Their meticulous preparations allowed for a smooth departure to Ena Lake early Monday morning.
Final Excursion: Camping and Canoeing Trip
The course culminated with a memorable camping and canoe trip. Students paddled from Ena Lake Launch into Vermillion Lake, navigating one portage and enjoying the stunning landscape of large granite cliffs and dense forest. They applied their newly acquired skills in a real outdoor setting, camping along the west-facing Golden Beach of Vermillion Lake. The group enjoyed a beautiful sunset while making s’mores around the campfire.
Despite some sore muscles, students wrapped up the trip by cleaning and drying out tents, sleeping bags, and kitchen supplies. The course concluded with a final taco quesadilla lunch, leaving everyone with cherished memories and a sense of accomplishment. Each student stepped up, making this course and camping trip one to remember!
STAHS is proud of the dedication and enthusiasm shown by our students in this inaugural Outdoor Education Reach Ahead Course. This program has not only equipped them with valuable skills but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors.