Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
​Loonling Learning Family Adventure Trip                   Spring 2022

New River Gorge, West Virginia: A family wilderness adventure

Instructors:  Colleen & Tom Hurst,  Loonling Learning
Loonling.lc@gmail.com

June 12 - 16, 2022, trip dates.
Pre trip meeting January 27, February 24,  and April 28.  4th Thursday
6:00 PM,  Berrien Springs Schools,  exact location to be determined.
We can work with families on date conflicts for pre-trip meetings.

Counts as two classes in two Categories, Nature and Communications: MUST ALSO ADD 'COMMUNICATIONS: PERSPECTIVES IN NATURE' CLASS TO YOUR SCHEDULE
Parent rate $450
Non partnership student rate $600

Description
A family wilderness adventure to the New River Gorge National Park area.
Rafting, Hiking and exploring the natural and human heritage of this rugged country. 
Activities will include hiking, rafting the New River with experienced guides, camping and exploring the natural beauty of this unique component of our National Park system.
Students will present to the group on our last evening together.  The presentations will be very flexible.

Essential questions for virtual requirements will be a component of pre-trip meetings. 
Students may work with siblings and we will provide guidance.  Tom and Colleen will be available throughout the spring semester to provide assistance. You will need to respect the partnership deadlines and check in with mentor teachers as with other classes.

Trip includes age appropriate whitewater rafting trip on the New River, Guided hikes and nature activities, Entrance fees and river use fees for National and State parks, camping fees, most food, guides. Use of tents, pads if needed, and group cooking gear.  Families will self transport to the starting point near Fayette WV.  

January 27.  Organizational meeting, trip description, activity planning, Discussion of gear, 
activity level and risks.

February 24.  The New River gorge, stories, adventures, heritage, program slideshow

April  28 The gear meeting.  Tents, pads , sleeping gear and day packs.  River wear and 
hiking.

May     FInal trip planning,  getting there, final packing list, carpooling, physical 
Conditioning.  May be virtual or by telephone. 

June 12.  Sunday, Travel to the starting point.  Arrive at campground by  6:00 PM for
dinner. Direct travel time is about 8 hours.  Evening activity at campground.

June 13 Monday, Canyon Rim Visitors Center, New River Gorge Bridge.  Endless wall 
Trail Hike
 
June 14.  Tuesday, Rafting the New River Gorge.   Ages 10 and under Upper New River
Ages 11 and up Lower New River.  Families can decide who goes on each trip.
Return to Campground and then hang out or disperse for an evening in Fayette
or Hico.  Prep time for communications presentations.  Dinner on your own.

June 15 Wednesday, Babcock State Park, outstanding edge of gorge hiking, historic grist 
mill, Day hikes on park trails. Views into the New River Gorge and Manns creek, mountain laurel, Rhododendron, old growth forest and waterfalls.  Evening, group presentations.

June 16 Thursday, Morning, Depart for home with Family after breakfast


*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.
Syllabus
Teacher of Record: Tom Hurst for Nature (K-12), Becky Halcombe (K-5) and Mark Ring (6-12) for Communications