Curley Guidance Counselor Sue Trotz sent us a report from Thompson Island where she accompanied scores of Curley 7th graders while they attending a 3-day overnight Outward Bound fieldtrip:

“Currently there are 50 7th graders on a Boston Harbor Island taking part in the environmental connection program. It takes place at the beginning of every school year. The program provides an extension of the current science curriculum by bringing students out for a hands-on, Island experience lasting three days. Located on Thompson Island students participate in team and leadership building activities, environmental awareness activities, and experiential learning.

The program provides a introductory class lesson about the history and formation of the Boston Harbor and the islands. A content specific classroom visit to better prepare students for what they will be doing during their expedition what to expect and how to prepare for it and one field expedition stretching over three days including two overnights. Students stay in dorms and work in small groups of about 10 with 1 to 2 facilitators. Typically the students will have the first day filled with teamwork and leadership building activities, the second day is largely curriculum programming, and the third day of brief project followed by graduation.

Students and staff  explore together the wonderful resources of Boston and build stronger relationships with each other and the facilitators and rangers of Thompson Island and National Park Service.”

For more information on the program, contact Sue Trotz directly.