Our Own Backyard

Post by Nancy Stevens, Gifted Teacher, Harmony Middle School, Loudoun County, VA

Where we pick up the pace…

When Lori Demark and I started our TTEC project, a hiking club at Harmony Middle School, we sat down and brainstormed ideas and expectations. We were in total agreement that every club meeting needed to have some time set side for an outdoor experience. While Harmony is close to the Appalachian Trail, it is not within walking distance nor is it feasible to get a bus for each meeting to get us there. We were going to have to find a way to get the outdoor experience we wanted for each meeting a little closer to home. Given these constraints, Lori and I strapped on our hiking shoes and took our brainstorming outside. It was decided that a 15-minute loop was the “just right” amount of time to spend outside each meeting as we began walking towards Harmony’s outdoor track.

Where we have a quiet place…

Just two years old, our track supports our PE department and their physical fitness needs. For our purposes, it would be an excellent place to “pick up the pace”. On the track, we would be able to assess the fitness of our hikers and give them a chance to converse while strolling leisurely on even ground. We next made our way north over a slight rise and down a hill where we discovered a “quiet place” where our hikers could sit and reflect…a place hidden from the school world and visible to no one.
We decided to use this place in our first meeting to conduct a quiet listening exercise.

Where we have left a trace…

Continuing on, we rounded a corner and passed by a group of trees. We could just make out the beginnings of our school baseball field and basketball courts. It was easy to see where we had ”left a trace” and made an impact on what used to be a farm called “Harmony”. This spot would be an ideal segue into a discussion on the “Leave No Trace” concept and the impact of man on his environment.
Our fifteen-minute walk came to an end at the back door entrance to the school. As we walked inside, we realized that to bring the culture of the AT to Harmony we did indeed need look no further then “Our Own Backyard”!

The Evolution of a Hiker

Post by Nancy Stevens, Gifted Teacher, Harmony Middle School, Loudoun County, VA

Vera would be so proud!

I was never a hiker. The reason could be that I didn’t grow up in a family of hikers, or that my husband the hunter never takes me along because I talk too much, or that hiking shoes just aren't that cute. But the truth is, I never had the desire. Bugs love me, poison ivy finds a way to always cross my path, and restroom facilities in the great outdoors are sadly lacking. When my co-worker Lori Demark approached me about applying for TTEC, I was a little apprehensive; but, as a teacher, I am constantly putting my students in a position to try new things…to stretch themselves. I could do no less. Upon our acceptance into the program, I couldn't help the feelings of excitement and, yes, apprehension as I looked over the itinerary for our fall workshop…a 3-5 mile hike…hmmmm. I began to gather together my gear: Vera Bradley back pack, ankle snow boots (the only walking boots I had), sunglasses, jeans, t-shirt (cotton of course), baseball cap, water bottles, and rain gear. I tried to bring a fanny pack but my kids said “NO!”

Upon our arrival at the Kirkridge Retreat Center in the wilds of eastern PA, we were met by Karen Lutz. Karen has become friend, mentor and inspiration in the short time we've been together. It was late the next evening after our initial greeting, classes and nightly activity, that I had a chance to sit down with Karen and Lori to go over my hiking apparel and equipment. My cap and sunglasses were good, every thing else would have to do except the boots which were exchanged for tennis shoes. Thank goodness I brought them and not some cute clogs. My ensemble was now complete, but I realized that if there was ever going to be a second hike for me, major changes needed to be made.

Look at me now!

I was determined to become the example that I needed to be for my students as one of the TTEC representatives in our school. Bringing the AT to Harmony Middle School through a hiking club is the goal that Lori and I have set for ourselves, and I was determined to be a viable part in the implementation of that goal. With that in mind, I signed up for the overnight hike at the summer week-long workshop held in my back yard at the National Conservation Training Center located in Shepherdstown, WV. As a newbie, I was immediately accepted. (Yay!) Under the guidance of Bob Sickley, our supreme hiking leader, I managed to find myself appropriately suited up and on my way. You can see from the photos just how far I've come. Don’t be surprised when the next time you see me, it will be as we pass on the AT!