Cape Cod Field Trip

By Ann Decerbo

In May, the Botelle sixth graders, teachers and the principal spent five days in Cape Cod at the Nature’s Classroom in Yarmouth Port. A tradition spanning over two decades, this sixth grade trip is a rite of passage for Norfolk students.

Principal Peter Michelson says, “This shared experience away from home leads each of the students to a greater level of maturity-all while teaching them a great deal about US marine heritage and ocean life.”

At Nature’s Classroom, the students had the opportunity to dissect marine animals, visit different kinds of beaches and discover edible plants. One highlight of the week included a very active whale watch during which several types of whales were spotted.

Students also participated in team building activities. They learned songs together and prepared and performed in a skit for all of the students that were attending Nature’s Classroom that week. Particularly impactful, students took part in an Underground Railroad simulation in which they experienced what it would have been like to escape slavery in America.

Although still successful, this year’s trip was markedly different from other years. In the past, the group has stayed at the N.E.E.D Center, a government facility at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham.

At the center, the staff of Botelle planned all of the activities, shopped for groceries and prepared the meals. Students learned independent living skills and how to live harmoniously with a large group for an extended period. Michelson says, “Although the N.E.E.D. Center trip has always been a great deal of work, the reward has been a phenomenal week for the students and a great deal of admiration for the parents.”

In addition to the shared living experiences, the center’s highlights included salt marsh and ocean activities led by United States park rangers, lighthouse and military tours, and visits to Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Plantation and Wampanoag Village.

The plan is to return to the N.E.E.D. Center after renovations are complete in one to two years. In the meantime, Nature’s Classroom will continue to provide enriching experiences for sixth grade students at Botelle.