After a short bus ride, four 3rd grade classes split into three groups which rotate throughout the morning. The hikers weave in and out of long morning shadows.
Our guide demonstrates the safest way to roll fallen trees and minimize the disruption of residents beneath. Kole gently gives it a try.
Oren scopes out some humus while Lelan dances in the sunlight.
Sandy Creek's trails wind through a mix of forest, prairie, and wetland habitats.
While one group hikes, another explores flora and fauna found throughout Georgia inside Walker Hall. The third group investigates microhabitats. Sabine and Ruby share a love for the outdoors.
Layla and Kylie are ready to rotate.
A raucous crew poses for a photo op.
Ida's mom snaps a photo of a curious bunch outside Walker Hall.
Tyler and Conner explore pine cones.
Sammy and Kimora enjoy noting soil temperature, area, perimeter, and everything living and nonliving within a 3x3 foot microhabitat.
Louisa's group analyzes their microhabitat collaboratively.
Habitats, hikes, soil, flora and fauna are all forgotten as the busses roll up to the beach on Lake Chapman. Sheer joy takes over.
Kole pats a fat sand ball.
Kimora dances on the shore.
Ida searches for just the right spot to dig the deepest hole.
After scarfing down lunch, Nylah, Lelan, and almost everyone else rushes down to the beach.
Ruby and Sammy discover a new way to swing.
Ailynn's smile says it all.
Zack and crew excavate and engineer a labyrinth of canals that twist and turn around castles, bridges, and berms.
Layla explores the texture of sand.
Louisa carefully fills a bottle.
Sam, Kole, Milo and friends fill a hole. With their bodies.
Kylie and Branturan put the finishing touches on a fortress that will eventually connect with others via canals.
Will chills in his sandy recliner.
Odin looks on as Ailynn and Connor connect canals.
Claren piles sand to create a miniature berm.
Odin supervises progress.
Ida and Sammy get some help from a three-year-old spending the afternoon with her grandmother. Any day that includes making new friends and digging deep holes in the sand is a good one.
With a chunk of bark, a stick, and a sweet gumball, who knew Mattie's afternoon would include shipbuilding?
Making its way through a miniature lock as if navigating the Panama Canal, Mattie's raft proves seaworthy during its maiden voyage.
Tahari pauses construction to strike a pose.
Cancieanna begins digging.
Oren returns with sticks for digging and building bridges.
Lake connects the series of canals.
Milo and Oren's sand bridge stretches across the flow of shimmering water.
Lake's creation delivers a smile.
E'mahni discovers a baby snake swimming near the shore.
Gael flexes behind an Andy Goldsworthy-esque tower of sticks, leaves, and aquatic grasses.
"Play, Incorporating Animistic and Magical Thinking Is Important Because It: Fosters the healthy, creative and emotional growth of a child; Forms the best foundation for later intellectual growth. Provides a way in which children get to know the world and creates possibilities for different ways of responding to it. Fosters empathy and wonder."
-Rachel Carson
