The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
October 2014
STUDENT LIFE RECAP
Yearly Stokes Campout takes Classroom to the Great Outdoors For Gill’s fifth and sixth grade students, the world truly became their classroom this September during an annual field trip to Stokes State Forest. With their GSB teachers as well as instructors from the New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC) by their side, students spent two fun-filled days exploring the great outdoors in Branchville, N.J.
Robert DeVergillo ’22 examines a red-spotted newt.
A program established by Montclair State University in 1949, the NJSOC utilizes 250 acres within Stokes State Forest to teach students of all age levels how earth systems operate and how human behavior can affect nature. For two days (September 11-12), the 43 members of the Class of 2022 participated in interpretive hikes, tested their survival skills, attended courses on fish ecology and collaborated with one another during various group activities. In the process, they learned a great deal about themselves and about the teachers and students they will encounter each day.
“For our fifth graders, Stokes serves as an introduction to the Middle School. It gives the teachers and students a chance to connect in a way that is different from how they do during the first few days in the classroom,” said Dean of Students Brett Mershon, a participant in the Stokes State Forest trip for the past 20-plus years. “Communication is key; not only contributing ideas but listening to others.” While hiking through the woods with trained guides, students discovered ways to detect poison ivy, identified different species of amphibians and birds together, and learned about glacial erosion. Down by the lake, they helped one another catch bluegills, hybrids, pumpkinseeds and other freshwater fish. “NJSOC activities are designed to encourage the kids to work together and take responsibility for themselves and for their group,” Mershon explained. “Even meal time provides an opportunity for students to take on new responsibilities as they rotate setting tables, serving food and cleaning up.” His first opportunity to join the students on this special trip, new Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong used the time to connect with Gill’s fifth grade students and faculty in an informal setting. “Sometimes as a teacher, or parent,
From left: With their raincoats on and water bottles in hand, Taylor Stetz ’22 (l.) and Katherine Scott ’22 (r.) are ready for a day of adventure in Stokes State Forest; Benjamin Sturman ’22 catches a bluegill fish; Fifth grade students go hiking with a trail guide from the New Jersey School of Conservation.
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
6.