Students enrolled in our O.P.E.N. Doors program had the opportunity to participate in a summer reading camp called Red Canoe Adventures, based on the book Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe by Vera B. Williams. This was the second summer for the camp, and attendees practiced reading and writing skills, journaling, and scientific observation through a wide variety of activities and experiences.
This year, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History provided space in one of their interactive exhibits as a base camp for Red Canoe participants. Students were free to explore the museum’s exhibits and activities, such as the water works, dino dig, and Energy Blast Theater. Field trips each week also gave campers the opportunity to explore the great outdoors at the Fort Worth Nature Center, Pecan Valley Park, and Trinity Park. Using a variety of tools for their field work, students were able to collect and catalogue fossils as well as various species of plants and insects in their journals. Kathy Cash, Exploratory Learning Investigations in FWISD, guided the students during their field studies. A special treat for campers included a day at the Cowgirl Museum and a visit from Alice Barrientez, liaison for Native American students in the District.
Camp concluded with a shopping trip to Barnes and Noble where campers were invited to browse the children’s area and select a book to read over the summer. All campers received Red Canoe Adventures t-shirts, a medal for excellence in field investigation, and tools they can use for future field work!
>> View photos from their adventures.