On most school days my 4th grader is not terribly excited to hop out of bed and jump on the bus for a full day of learning, but today is different.
For 6 weeks in early 2014 all the kids who go to our public grade school here in Jackson Hole, WY, get to participate in a program called Winter Sports. Each 3rd – 5th grader chooses between downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, ice-skating and snowboarding for instruction 1 day a week.
So on this particular Wednesday, Ben is up before dawn packing up his skis, boots, poles, backpack, camelback, helmet, coat, hat, gloves, snow pants, neck gaiter, power bar, Gatorade– whew – and Go Pro? Really? We can barely keep track of our homework and library books let alone all this gear.
“Mom,” he says, “I’m going to video our group skiing out at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort,” he tells me excitedly. “Ben, are you sure you want to bring it? It is just one more thing for you to keep track of.” I warn him as I envision the Go Pro dropped in the snow, battery not working, frustration, frozen fingers, etc. “Yep. The kids are expecting it. We want to show you where they take us for Winter Sports”.
So off he goes to Colter Elementary for a few hours of “regular school”, then they all hop the school bus and head out to Teton Village. Once at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort the kids pile off, loaded with skis, snowboards and gear.
“OK” says the instructor, “Everyone is responsible for his or her own stuff”. Considering Ben’s class alone has 20 kids; That is 40 gloves, 40 boots, 20 hats….well you get the picture. And amazingly, the kids ARE responsible.
Off they go up the gondola to the top of the mountain for the kid’s favorite run – Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Yes, this run is indeed named after Mr. Toad from Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows. This narrow trail winds through the trees with jumps, sharp turns and no place to bail out. A grownup’s worst nightmare; A kids dream run.
Hours later everyone wants more, but it is time to board the bus back to school.
Later that night as we watch Ben’s video together and he shares his day. I am reminded how grateful I am that we live in this incredible community. How lucky we are to have access to the great outdoors for learning, a staff of teachers and educators willing to try ideas outside the box, and a local ski resort in Jackson Hole that welcomes all kids to learn at their own level.