#United States #Grand Rapids #Earth Day #South Canton #Outdoor Education

South Canton Scholars Celebrate Earth Day

At the National Heritage Academies' South Canton Scholars, Earth Day is more than just a single event; it's a daily practice that encourages students to embrace their surroundings and learn about environmental stewardship. On April 22, 2025, students partook in an exciting Earth Day Extravaganza, marking the occasion with various engaging activities designed to enhance their understanding of the planet.

The celebration saw students from Young 5s to fifth grade delighting in hands-on experiences aimed at raising awareness about protecting the environment. They participated in activities such as creating bird feeders, constructing seed bombs to plant in their local area, and competing in a relay race that focused on recycling. This lively event was not only educational but also a celebration of community and the natural world.

Emphasis on Outdoor Learning

This year’s Earth Day Extravaganza was just one highlights of the Outdoor Education Program implemented at South Canton Scholars three years ago. The program was initiated by Principal Dana Gurganus, who recognized the impact of nature on student engagement during a fifth-grade camp. Since then, the students have enjoyed the benefits of multiple outdoor classrooms equipped with benches and chalkboards, allowing them to venture outside at least 15 minutes a day.

Laura Hurn, an outdoor education teacher, emphasized the advantages of the program, explaining that it not only enhances students’ comfort in nature but also sparks their curiosity. “Many students arrived without prior knowledge of outdoor life; this program helps them grow more familiar and confident,” she noted. By learning outside of the traditional classroom setting, students can experience a shift in their educational engagement, allowing them to delve into nature and discover interests they may not have known they had.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Outdoor Education Program has proved beneficial, particularly for students who may struggle in conventional academic settings, such as reading or math. “The opportunity to explore outside can often reveal other skills and interests,” Hurn remarked. The hands-on experience provided outside the confines of the classroom can transform students' perspectives, allowing them to thrive and engage in a previously unexplored field.

For many students, the Earth Day festivities were not just events; they represented an opportunity to reconnect with their community and understand their role in protecting it. Encouraging students to observe the biodiversity around them and engage with nature opens up discussions about conservation, ecology, and responsibility toward the environment.

A Bright Future for Environmental Education

As the program continues to evolve and students become more involved in environmental issues, South Canton Scholars are not only participating in Earth Day celebrations but also embedding these values into their daily lives. The annual Earth Day Extravaganza strongly aligns with the broader mission of National Heritage Academies, which operates 100 schools across nine states, promoting experiential learning and fostering a sense of community responsibility among its students.

The success of the Outdoor Education Program exemplifies how essential hands-on learning experiences can be for student development, making the case for incorporating more outdoor education into mainstream curricula. For schools like South Canton Scholars, each day is not just another school day; it’s an opportunity to celebrate and care for the Earth, one student at a time.

Want to know more about how National Heritage Academies enables schools to foster a supportive educational environment? Visit nhaschools.com to find out more about their commitment to empowering both teachers and students.