Underground Railroad

By far, this was the favorite of the week. The students learned about the Underground Railroad by doing it. You'll have to ask the students for details...I couldn't take pictures but it was nice to play an abolitionist.

Founder's Favorites

Judd,

This photo is for you :) I still have the card you gave me at my wedding. The mountain laurel was blooming.

My Thanks

The fifth grade students and staff at Somerville Road are an amazing group of people. I would like to thank Miss Motes, Miss Pedings and Mr. Collins for taking a week out of their life and actually living with their students. They put up with late nights, over excited students and a week away from their family. Miss Motes even missed the birth of her first niece or nephew. Mr. Collins and Miss Pedings left their children for a week to make this trip possible. Their commitment to their students and the level of emotional support they give is second to none.

The Nature's Classroom Superstars (in no particular order): Adam, Adriene, Shannon, Scott, Mary Margaret, Julie, Veronica, Cody, Ruby and Kimberly - you are amazing and I'm so fortunate to have met you all. I will never be able to thank you enough for a stellar week. I wish you all the best and hope to see some of you next year.

And to you, the donors that made this all happen, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Even though I'm leaving Decatur, Little Fish, Inc. will remain and try to make a difference one little fish at a time.

That being said, please donate :) I would love to have next year paid for before we leave Decatur :)

Much love and hope for the future of Little Fish, Inc.

Megan Donckers

Challenge by Choice and Safety First

The Nature's Classroom staff made the climbing tower and the ropes course the safest possible experience. They checked each helmet and harness several times. They were attentive and made the students feel safe. Challenge by Choice was also stressed. The students worked at their comfort level and when they reached it, the students cheered them on and that support took some of them to the top! They all gave it there best and I was amazed. This trip was such a powerful experience.

Climbing Tower and Ropes Course

We were so fortunate to be able to provide these extra activities! The students were amazing. They pushed themselves and even conquered some fears along the way.

Hike to Desoto Falls

Our longest hike of the week was along the river and through the woods to the bottom of the falls we go. The hiking was far from beginner level but all the students did it with a smile on their face...most of the time.

More Classes!

Throughout the week there were more interesting classes and even a Science Fair!

End of the day

Each evening was ended by a campfire and with something to think about.

Class Time!

The students had classes everyday. They could choose from four different classes. The most popular were offered more than once so everyone had an opportunity.

Feed Your Face was popular!

Keep your Eyes OPEN

The students spotted a few amazing things while hiking.

Field Groups

The students were broken up into field groups: Raccoons, Turtles, Wolves, and Foxes. The groups took hikes together, worked on team building skills and really learned about trust. I was with the Raccoons headed up by field group leader Ruby. She taught us about lobes, conglomerate rocks, and even let us climb through Split Rock!

Move in Time!

We had an informational session about expectations of behavior and general cabin rules. Once that was finished, it was time to move in to our home away from home. The girls had to move mid-week due to plumbing issues but everyone pitched in and got it done in record time. Talk about team work!

We arrived!

We were greeted by Scott and unloaded the bus. The students immediately started an activity like rock, paper scissors but much better!

It was everything we thought it would be and more!!

The bus was finally loaded and we were ready for our trip to Mentone!

What a difference a day can make!

Yesterday, I was faced with the challenge of obtaining 32 sleeping bags. Somehow that detail fell through the cracks and I really felt obligated to make it right. After having a wonderful visit with a new friend, three checks appeared in my mailbox. I'm super lucky to have the support I do for Little Fish and the generosity of three lovely ladies made the difference. I asked my husband to go to Academy Sports and talk to someone about buying the bags. Academy Sports was super helpful and gave us a discount! I bought and delivered them to Somerville Road this morning and it really added to the excitement of it all. Seeing the kids smile and know me by name has really filled my heart today.

Little Fish continues to teach me lessons and gives me such joy...I appreciate all of you that help make a difference one little fish at a time.