Our North Branch Adventure
What a day!  Each and every Nature Adventure has been magical and wondrous.  This one was no exception!  Well worth all of the cancellations.  It was a crisp and clear day; complete with light snow that blew off the tree branches like sparkly cloud showers; not to mention reaping the rewards  of the Ice on Fire celebration, complete with igloos and pine tree mazes.  Another bonus was mixing up our classes.  I had the pleasure of interacting and visiting with students and parents I don't know very well, if at all.  The whole morning was about connection with each other and with our surroundings.

I particularly loved the fact that there was very little need for management or instruction.  The learning, the self regulation, the social components, the connections (both academic and social) were intrinsic and magical.  
Food for thought...

Mrs. Dostie, Mrs. Wrigley, and our class were part of the morning group. Amy tells us how to be safe and to listen for the river otters.

We combined our classes and then divided them into three different groups: The Mice, The Moose, and The Monarchs.  These are The Mice preparing for departure.

I led The Moose.  Our first stop was the Education Barn and The Critter Room.  This turtle has been there since the Paleolithic era.

Some of us faced our fears and touched snake skins.  This guy wasn't so bad, but that "Albino Snake" ... Jeesh!  Emily M and I stepped out of our comfort zone and acquainted ourselves with him/her.

This guy was happy to see us.  Can't you tell?  Look at that smile!

This was the first group of "Critter Room" tourists.  They learned a lot through observation, wonder, and independence.

Nora curls up like a deer in the tree maze.

Here, we head off on the nature trails to "The Deer Forest."

Tracy, a fantastic parent volunteer, snuggles with the moose, by the fire.

Whilst sitting by the fire, we snack on local cheese, local bread, and fresh apples.

While snacking, Amy regales us with Native American Folktales...

...and some personal stories about camping adventures and mice!

O.K.  I Instagram-ed this guy.  How cute is he?!

They have so much character and expression!  I can't help myself!!!

Instagram-ed this guy too, but it didn't do him justice.