Thomas Blake Middle School Students Participate in Three-Day Hale Education Experience

Students at Thomas Blake Middle School spent three days this fall learning outdoors at Hale Education. (Photo Courtesy Medfield Public Schools) 

MEDFIELD — Thomas Blake Middle School sixth graders spent three days learning and exploring at Hale Education, an experience teachers say helped students grow both as individuals and as a community.

The sixth grade class participated in a program that combined outdoor education with group challenges on Hale’s wooded trails and activity areas.

About 175 students enjoyed the sunny fall weather, which provided the perfect backdrop for the experience.

“It is very early in the school year and we value this trip as an opportunity for staff and students to spend time building connections outside of the classroom setting,” said sixth grade science teacher Kelly Ruminski. “Kids took healthy risks, worked together, challenged themselves, learned a lot and walked away with a shared experience.”

Students practiced map and compass navigation, studied wildlife and pond ecology with microscopes, fished and learned fire-building and shelter skills. They also challenged themselves on low- and high-ropes elements, including climbs and balance activities.

Students also participated in team-building stations that encouraged them to effectively communicate and problem-solve together through activities such as jump-rope challenges and blindfold games.

“Our students always look forward to the Hale Education field trip,” said Principal Nat Vaughn. “It is a fun and engaging three days in nature that challenges the sixth grade class to work as a cohesive team. At Hale, students had the opportunity to practice problem solving and communication skills in a different environment than their usual classroom setting.”

“We are grateful to Hale Education for their hospitality in welcoming our students back each year,” said Superintendent Jeffrey J. Marsden. “Their staff created a supportive environment where students were encouraged to push themselves and try new things. Students worked through challenging situations and grew together with their peers. At the end of the three days, students and faculty returned to the classroom with a deeper understanding of how to work collaboratively as a team.”

Hale Education, formerly Hale Reservation, has hosted outdoor youth programs for more than a century across its 1,200 acres of trails, ponds and instructional areas.

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Students worked together during a rope exercise at Hale Education. (Photo Courtesy Medfield Public Schools)

Students learned fire-building skills during their three days at Hale Education. (Photo Courtesy Medfield Public Schools)

Students supported each other during a climbing exercise at Hale Education. (Photo Courtesy Medfield Public Schools)