Summer on the River :
Troy, Lowell, Jay, and Westfield
The summer of 2019 the towns of Troy, Lowell, Jay, and Westfield received grant funding from the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild & Scenic Committee. This year was a major success, a total of 14 students between the ages of 11 to 13, from all 4 towns embarked on a 5 day 4-night program learning while camping and paddling on Missisquoi river.
What did they Learn?
They learned about journal writing and the importance of keeping notes to record what they have learned day to day. The students were set up with important rolls such as gathering trash to keep the river clean. They also developed paddling skills, learning about healthy river systems, connecting to the river, and sharing their experiences, primarily through a video that they Filmed themselves.
Adversities
The water levels of the Missisquoi River were very low this year which caused a more grueling trip for the kids, by then end of the trip they were exhausted by the end of the trip. But a check in with the parcipitants a week later showed many interested in doing the paddle again, and all were able to laugh and share stories.
This river trip met students where they are at, educated them about a local resource, and gave them important connections that will help them make informed decisions in the future!