On the morning of September 20th, forty 3rd and 4th grade students from William Kelley School stood in a circle at the boat launch on Lax Lake in Silver Bay. A thick layer of fog covered the lake, while the bright colors of trees already turning popped through the mist.
An instructor from Wilderness Inquiry spoke to the gathered students about the natural features of the area and respecting the land and nature.
The children then were divided into four groups, an instructor from Wilderness Inquiry with each group, and the groups split up to learn basic canoeing skills – how to hold a paddle, fit a lifejacket, and board a canoe. The children’s excitement was evident as the fog lifted and the first group entered their 10-person canoe on the glassy lake.
“What are you going to name your canoe?” an instructor asked his group. “The Lobster!” the children enthusiastically replied. With paddles flailing and stroking, each group of young canoeists successfully conquered Lax Lake. The 3rd and 4th grade students were on the lake until 11 a.m., at which time they returned to William Kelley. The 5th and 6th graders then got a turn in the canoes.
Wilderness Inquiry is a St. Paul-based non-profit, with the mission of connecting people of all ages and abilities through outdoor adventures. From September 19-21, Wilderness Inquiry brought their Canoemobile program to Tower, Silver Bay, and Cloquet, connecting with over 300 elementary, middle, and high school students. Hands-on learning experiences took place on Lake Vermillion, Lax Lake, and the St. Louis River.
Described as a “floating classroom”, the Canoemobile provides immersive outdoor adventures for youth. Students and families learn from the seat of a 10-person canoe. Since 2010, Canoemobile has provided more than 200,000 participants nationwide with hands-on learning experiences. And, as I’m sure the students who experienced the Canoemobile would tell you, school is fun when the view is from canoes.
