Planning Our Final Field Trip

I am interested in going on a final field trip as a concluding aspect of our class - I feel as though it would serve as a communal, holistic gathering and we could each contribute a piece of our learnings to the event in the form of discussion, activities, etc. (It would be a wonderful, final, collaborative event of sorts). However, I am also open to rachelr's idea of focusing on the tools we already have in front of us for the remaining portion of the semester and using them to go exploring on our own for the rest of our lifetimes. But if we do decide to go on a field trip, is it possible we may open up a few other dates/possibilities?

I’m in favor of walking over taking the train or driving (it takes less time, it costs less money, plus it’s better for the environment!)  My vote is for Mill Creek.  I’m also in favor of structuring this activity.  It is much easier for me to explore when I have the safety of structure.  The only static structure that I need for this wander is a definitive end time.  It’s probably also important for us to have some food for snacking on, some water for drinking, and some semblance of a first aid kit.  Given that it will be December and that we’ll be near water, we should also each wear warm things that aren’t cotton and shoes which are waterproof.  As far as I’m concerned, all the other structures can be dynamic.  

My suggestion for dynamic structure is a model called Natural Cycles/8 Shields.  It is resilient, redundant, and hokey--all good things.  It’s based off of a compass rose; each direction has a different kind of energy.

Northeast: End and Beginning
East: Excitement and Inspiration
Southeast: Orientation and motivation
South: Focus and perspiration
Southwest: Relaxation and Internalization
West: Harvest and celebration
Northwest: Reflection and Release
North: Distillation and Integration
Northeast: End and Beginning

If you’re interested, you can read more about this model here.  In addition, I have a book which I’m happy to share.

My idea is that we split into groups (maybe the groups we’re doing the freshman thing with?) and in our groups we choose the direction we’d like to be responsible for.  Then we plan to drive at the energy of our respective directions during the wander.  For example, the northeasts might be responsible for opening and closing the wander.  The easts can think of a couple of games that will get our blood pumping and teach us how to play them when we’re bored.  The southeasts can do some research and tell us stories about why water is important.  The souths can then help us to realize this on our own.  Not all of the directions need to have activities associated with them.  The southwests can make a snack for everyone and then when we’re tired/cold/complain-y tell us that it’s time for a break and feed us.  The wests can spend time reflecting before the wander and then during a break they can tell us how they have seen us contribute to the class/why we are awesome.  Get the gist?  The main idea is that all of the essential components of a meaningful experience are accounted for and that one group or person isn’t responsible for everything because this is exhausting and impossible.