The sounds of laughter and learning filled the clear, crisp air the first week of October when the 5th and 6th Grade Fall Field Days made its annual return to Woodlawn. More than 200 students from five area schools participated over two days. Students from Ellsworth Elementary Middle School, Cave Hill, Connors Emerson, Dedham and Penobscot attended.
The planning team had representation from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Healthy Acadia, College of the Atlantic and Woodlawn. They prepared and presented a curriculum that included Maine history, soil science, the history of apples, cider pressing, nutrition, and physical activity.
In addition to these presentation, a special program was added to the core curriculum each day. On day one, the Abbe Museum presented Wabanaki: Then and Now and on day two the University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H program presented VermiCondos. Anne Russenberger-Keefe, Director of Education and Program Development at Woodlawn spoke on the success of the program, “It was exciting to see the students fully embrace all that was offered. They came eager to learn and wanting to get the most out of their experience. We certainly enjoyed hearing many of them say, “This is the best field trip ever!” It affirmed that we had met their expectations and our educational goals.”
Since January 2015, Woodlawn has hosted over 600 school children on its campus for educational programs. School visits are supported by the Woodlawn School Program Fund. Those interested in learning more about Woodlawn school programs and how to participate may call Anne Russenberger-Keefe, Director of Education and Program Development at Woodlawn, 667-8671.