Oct. 28, 2024
In early October, a group of New Hartford Senior High School students embarked on a four-day, three-night trip to Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks to deepen their understanding of ecology and gain hands-on experience.
Thirteen students, who are enrolled in ecology and members of Ecology Club, took part in the bi-annual trip where they studied woodland ecosystems and birds, sampled water from a frozen lake, explored off-trail with a compass, practiced creative writing, nature photography and wilderness survival skills, and went canoeing, kayaking and hiking.
“The experience gives kids an opportunity to step outside (literally) of the classroom, their home, their “bubble” and learn through trial and error, peer interactions, and self-reflection,” said Adrianne Greer, long-time trip chaperone and third grade teacher at Hughes Elementary School.
“Some of my best memories from the trip were stargazing under the northern lights and spending time with new friends,” said high school senior Ava Acker. “It was a time that I wouldn’t trade for anything and I hope every student takes the plunge and joins in a trip for themselves.”
The trip is held at Camp Huntington, SUNY Cortland’s outdoor education facility on Raquette Lake. Camp Huntington, built in the 1880s as a wilderness retreat for the wealthy, industrial elite, is now dedicated to facilitating exploration, learning, recreation, and connection.
According to Jamie McNair, high school ecology teacher and trip leader, New Hartford holds the longest-standing record of participation of any school group at Camp Huntington.
Students have been participating in the New Hartford ecology trip for 54 years. Since its inception by former ecology teacher Doug Pens, thousands of students have benefited from the outdoor education program. The trip is offered twice during the school year, once in October and once in February.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it’s my honor to continue the tradition,” said Mr. McNair.
“The experience was life-changing for me years ago as a student, and still guides my current work as an educator,” Adrianne Greer.