Elementary students at Conestoga Christian School in Morgantown, PA enjoyed learning and "walking" the trail for an all elementary school project. The Trail was introduced originally by some staff from the school that had hiked a section of it the previous summer. During several months for two years, the students and staff would walk around a designated course on the playground. Each time they completed a lap they received a Popsicle stick which represented 1/6 of a mile. These sticks were then added up for total miles on the trail that day averaging about 60-70 miles a time. As students progressed on the trail the progress was marked on a huge trail map as well as a number graph. Real pictures of the trail were included on the bulletin board. Video clips of the trail were also used along the way to allow students to see the real trail. Although we did not complete the trail after two years, we did end up walking about 1,480 miles which took us into Connecticut being a NOBO! We also ate ice-cream when we reached the half-way mark at Pine Grove Furnace, and got mementos of some of the different states we passed through.
Announcements were made over the loudspeaker with our progress and parents were invited to join the Friday morning or afternoon walks. The final "treat" was everyone receiving a map of the trail with a challenge to get out there during the summer and get on the real Appalachian Trail! We thought it was a great way to promote life-long fitness and to educate students and families about the Trail along with working together as a team.
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