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***image1***“Yikes!”
“I can’t do this!”
“No problem!”
“I won’t do this!”
“I did it!”
These were the words being wailed, screamed and shouted as 24 Kaiserslautern American Middle School seventh-graders rappelled off 25- to 30-foot high rocks. This was the culminating study trip of the seventh grade exploratory wheel class, Quest.
“The Kaiserslautern District outdoor education experience is giving students new and grand experiences,” said Chuck Lockwood, KAMS principal.
As a part of this program of short courses designed for exposure to different topics, every seventh-grader experiences a nine-week outdoor education class. The class includes topics such as dressing for cold-weather activities, land navigation and adventure games and initiatives.
***image2***With the assistance of Ramstein Outdoor Recreation Director Eli Whitman, the students were given the tips, pointers and necessary safety information to make the event safe and successful. He set up the safety ropes and supplied the students with the needed harnesses and helmets.
“A few students had to give it two and three tries before they finally took the plunge,” said seventh-grade teacher Susan Fortunato. “Every student was successful because they pushed themselves beyond their comfort level and overcame their personal fears. I am proud of all the kids. It was a wonderful culminating experience.”
Seventh-grader Kaylee Dolat described her elation, “I am proud of myself. I accomplished something.”
“It was fun! The best part was leaning back over the edge of the mountain,” said Johnathon Thompson, also in the seventh-grade Quest class.
“When I saw the kids getting scared and crying, I had doubts about rappelling myself,” said Wayne Goulet, parent chaperone for the field trip. “But it was great.
The worst part is taking the first step off the edge.”
