The weather was a nice surprise to the children and adults alike for E.C.O. (Educating Children Outdoors - the new name for N.A.P.). Compared to our last trip to Hubbard Park in the pouring rain, we enjoyed bluebird skies and bright sunshine all morning.
En route to the park, we stopped to check out the tulips planted by the first grades outside the Union School building. Although most are close, only some children's bulbs have bloomed. 
Students from Mrs. Koch's class and our class traveled through town to the state house to check out the tulips on the front lawn. INQUIRE with your child what they noticed was similar and different to those we planted. How many tulips did your child estimate had bloomed there?
We then used our maps of Hubbard Park to find a new route to take. Students noticed a foot path that extended behind the State House and off we went winding back and forth up a really steep grade. It was so long and difficult we were thankful for the many chairs found along the path. INQUIRE with your child how this trail was different than routes taken on previous trips. How many fallen down trees did they see? Chairs?
The children walked and walked until they spotted a familiar landmark - the Tower! A much needed snack and refuel break was needed at this point. 
Upon arrival to the old shelter, students broke up into small groups to begin their treasure map-making and hunt. Each group worked together to find a location to hide their treasure and then worked cooperatively together to create a map that would allow for another group to find the treasure. 
After trading and using the maps to find the treasure, the children did a fabulous job of unscrambling the words and sentence - "First Graders eat fresh watermelon." We ended the day with lunch and a tasty treat of watermelon! What a fabulous day! 