Introduction to Cold Weather Camping - Sebago Lake, Maine

On December 16, 2010, nine Westbrook Alternative Learning students, Mr. Belt, Ms. Irish, Mr. Ross and Zoey (Mr. Ross's dog) camped out at Cub Cove on Sebago Lake.  The temperature dropped to 9 degrees but there was very little wind so we were pretty comfortable in our winter sleeping bags.  We went on a three mile night hike, looked at the stars and then got a big fire going and made s'mores!  We discussed the movie 127 Hours which we watched the week before camping and talked about some of the mistakes Aron Ralston made on his trip.  He eventually had to cut his arm off to get free from being trapped in a canyon.  Mr. Ross created the Emergency Plan for this trip, however, he is going to have students complete the E-Plans for future trips.  Components of an Adventure Education Emergency Plan includes:

1. Destination
2. Location of bus and back-up vehicle
3. Names of participants
4. Call in time (when the trip leader calls the emergency contact)
5. Freek out time (the time when the emergency contact begins to contact rescue)
6. Contact numbers for local SAR/EMS/Fire, State Police and IF&W
7. Contact number(s) for the local hospital

Jake looking very happy while warming himself near the fire

Michael striking a pose for the viewing audience!

Samantha, Jess and Mike around 10:30pm, just before it is time to put out the fire



Final Adventure Education Try-Outs

On November 10th, all students interested in Westbrook Alternative Learning's Adventure Education program completed a treasure hunt and team-building exercises near Sebago Lake, Maine as a final "try-out". 

Students were randomly-paired using playing cards and given several tasks to complete.  Each team had a 50+ lb. backpack that needed to be carried at all times.  Each team started with 100 points and were given the following score criteria:

+15 points for treasure acquisition
+5 points for demonstrating teamwork
-5 points for general dysfunctional behavior
-5 points for setting down a backpack

And the winning team was.......

                                        KYLE!


                                          And.......

                                                 JAKE!
Kyle & Jake each received a Dunkins Donuts gift card so they can reload on the carbs they burnt on the adventure.

The students also learned what to do (and not do) if lost in the woods

IF YOU GET LOST
1.  Blow the whistle (three short blasts).  If you hear a noise, blow the whistle.
2. If with others, stay together, DO NOT separate
3. Stay in one place! 
4. Stay warm, dry and hydrated.  Use the equipment you have with you.


Check out this video

Check Out the I-Movie of the Mount Chocorua Hike

Westbrook Alternative Learning Adventure Education

Check out this movie made by our students!

On October 26th, 9 students, 3 staff and 2 dogs climbed Mt. Chocorua in New Hampshire.  We enjoyed perfect fall weather and a challenging climb!

Looking east while the clouds create puzzle pieces over the landscape.

The group posing at the Jim Liberty Cabin

Jess having the time of her life!

Peter offering a helping hand.

Which way do we go?

Mr. Ross and Jasmine take  amoment to pose.

The top of Chocorua

Michael is happy he is on another Advenuter Education trip!