This fall, Norway Intermediate’s 6th graders took learning outside the classroom during a four-day adventure called School of the Wild. Norway Intermediate is the only school in Benton County to participate in this unique program, giving students an opportunity that is both educational and unforgettable. A total of 116 sixth graders were divided into eight groups and rotated through a variety of hands-on outdoor activities, including fire building, pond study, fishing, archaeology, tree and plant identification, tent structures, wildlife identification, and practicing the important principle of leaving no trace.
The success of this program was made possible with the help of numerous volunteers and the expertise of Benton County naturalists. Their guidance allowed students to explore, learn, and grow in an environment far different from the traditional classroom. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deepened their understanding of nature while building teamwork and responsibility. This year’s School of the Wild will surely be remembered by our students for years to come.