STUDENTS EXPLORE WITH STRONG WINGS

By Megan Oberg

Educator for Strong Wings Adventure School

Our adventure took place on the shoreline of Sesachacha Pond. There was a brisk wind and a beautiful blue sky to sit beneath for lunch. As soon as we were in sight of the pond, the children pointed out a swan like bird wading in the shadows. They were uncertain of its identity due to its tan grey coloring. Further out in the pond the students noticed another bird with the same markings. This bird was with an adult swan. Immediately the students knew this was a mother swan with her two cygnets. To be respectful of their home, we thought it best to keep a safe distance from the water and move our picnic further up the beach.

To this day the sequence of events that took place leaves me awestruck! As the children were telling me stories (all at once of course), I realized that there was a stalker in the beach grass, quickly nearing our group. I had just enough time to quietly tell the students to place their lunch down and be absolutely still. At that moment we watched the immense, long necked creature hiss, slowly walking back and forth to establish her territory. The mother swan had complete authority over us for, what felt like, an eternity. Even as she headed back to the water with her two teenage swans, she would glance back at me to make sure I understood that she was in charge.

To have an animal so clearly communicate her feelings to the students and myself was a truly amazing, humbling and terrifying experience. I could no longer control what the outcome would be. We had to completely resign ourselves to the mother swan and silently apologize for the mistakes we had made. This lesson could never have been planned for. We walked away from this experience with a heightened sense of, and awareness for, another animal’s habitat. Though we speak different languages, there was no guessing what that mother swan’s message meant.

David Brown states “nature is the ultimate encyclopedia.” Taking students out of the classroom and into the wilderness is crucial. In the wilderness we learn to think beyond ourselves. Herein lies the philosophy of Strong Wings and the goal of our Exploration classes.

By recognizing the ways of the natural world whether it be in the discovery of a nest deep within a thicket or a painted turtle crossing the road, we develop an awareness for our Earth. When we have achieved a relationship with nature, we become better observers, thinkers, and decision makers. My job is to provide an atmosphere in which students can make these discoveries. Through the experiences, a relationship with the natural world begins to develop. Questions and ideas are shared, minds are expanded, and bodies are exercised.

I leave with you the words of Tom Brown Jr., “We should take the children into the nature frequently so that the senses are fed, nurtured, and become keen. We should set an example, by pointing out subtle sounds, sights and, smells, tastes and feelings. Only through our careful attention and nurturing will children ever hope to reach their full sensory potential. Keen sensory awareness is one of the most important skills children can have in life, and it is sensory awareness that makes life rich and full!”

© Strong Wings 2000-2008