From snakes to migratory birds, Neelyville’s fourth graders made lifelong memories learning about the great outdoors at Sam A. Baker Park. Fourth-grade math teacher Becky Turner said park naturalist Michelle Soenksen crafted an exciting itinerary of stations for the students to rotate through.
Turner explained the park offers customizable educational trips with diverse learning opportunities. The park provides the service for free as the result of revenues from park, soil and water sales taxes.
“Programs like Sam A. Baker allow students to broaden their education by providing a unique learning opportunity which provides a hands-on experience,” she commented.
Park naturalists brought out live specimens and led educational activities in stations, teaching about mammals, migrations, and reptiles. Students also participated in a nature hike to Big Creek and a scavenger hunt.
Fifty-four of Neelyville’s 56 fourth graders attended the trip.
“Our third grade students went to Sam A. Baker in the past and the teachers highly recommended the trip,” Turner stated. “Our students responded well with this trip. We had many that told us stories about their day and bragged about the fun memories they made with their classmates.”
The park’s brochure for the program emphasized the importance of youth getting in touch with nature.
“Studies show that spending time in nature has benefits such as reduced stress, improved attention spans, and better health,” the brochure asserted.
“My students told me it was the best day ever,” Turner affirmed. She said several parents tagged along and thoroughly enjoyed the experience as well.
Turner has made several outings to the park with her family for camping, floating, swimming, kayaking and fishing.
“I was glad to share this joy of the outdoors with my students,” she remarked.