Joliet Montessori School has S’more Fun on Annual Wilderness Excursion

On September 29th, it was time to take to the woods for about 60 students from Joliet Montessori School (JMS) for the annual all-day “S’more Fun” nature trek. Elementary and adolescent students visited the Hickory Creek Environmental Center in Mokena as guests of the Will County Forest Preserve District.

This year’s focus was on tracking animal life in the woods. Angela Rafac, a Will County Forest Preserve District guide, led the group in a discussion about what traces animals leave behind and how to know if one is tracking a predator or prey. Later, the students put their instruction into action as they left the trails and explored the deep woods, looking for tracks. They found recent evidence of deer, squirrels, and even slugs and spiders. They even spotted a huge toad as it hopped to cover.

Heidi Geiger, Head of School for JMS, regarded the outing as a big success. “Montessori education is heavily focused on practical, hands-on learning that comes naturally to kids,” Geiger says. “S’more Fun is a great opportunity to take what we’ve learned in the classroom into the great outdoors, and see how all the pieces fall into place for these eager young minds. They’re showing so much confidence and enthusiasm, it’s rewarding to see the results of Montessori education in the real world like this.”

Though the event was well-attended by parent chaperones, the students showed their Montessori initiative in helping out and keeping themselves busy. After the instructional part of the day was complete, the students organized their own activities and games, from an all-school capture the flag tournament to impov skits and songs.

The real highlight for many of the students was the overnight campout that followed, with a potluck dinner and s’mores around the traditional campfire on the cool, clear evening. Tents went up and one by one, the exhausted kids found their way to their sleeping bags.

S’more Fun has been one of the most eagerly anticipated days on the JMS school calendar since its introduction in 2012, and it shows in every smile. For more S’more Fun photos and to see other recent news, visit the JMS Facebook page.