Day 1: Once we got to Acadia and checked into our rooms, we were off to the races. Rangers from the National Park Service led us in a number of great group activities, including a project involving a room-sized map of northern Maine, a geology hike through the woods and along the rocky coast, dinner (chicken pot pie with a flaky crust - yummy!), campfire games, stories, and S'mores!
Day 2 is in the books, and we had quite a marathon of activities today. I'll share a few notes and pictures from the day, but I have to start with the best news, which came out of a 2-minute conversation I had with the head Park Ranger here at Schoodic Institute in Acadia. She checked in with me and made a lengthy point about how impressed she and her staff have been with the Veritas students - how they carried themselves, how well they interact together, and particularly how respectful and mindful they have been in their activities and during other interactions with park staff.
I was so proud of our 6th grade. I shared this information with them before dinner, and I said that this was a God moment for me. When others - essentially strangers - are witness to their warm hearts and lovely spirits, it confirms how the Lord works through the lives of our young people. Give them an extra hug when we return tomorrow!
Now for our day: We went out this morning to do a tidal pool exploration, and we found a lot of little crabs and other critters and plants. Everyone got to collect several specimens in a small water tank, make observations, and then release everything back into nature. They loved it. Then Teni arrived!!! And we had a great lunch followed by a hike about trees and forest ecosystems, and then an afternoon activity about weather and climate.
Speaking of weather, the clouds dispersed late this afternoon, and we got a chance to visit the western coast just after sunset. We also got a great view of Venus in the night sky. We are hoping to see the sun rise in the morning! - Journal Entries By Greg Dancer
