Happy Trails

In a flurry of excitement, the Vanguard 7th Grade class left for its annual trip at 9 a.m. Tuesday, September, 20. Led by veteran Viking teachers Patty Flowers and Suzanne Kelly, the group will spend three fun-filled days learning and bonding with each other in the Texas Hill Country.

On the trip, students will study Texas history as they travel through the area. They will learn about the Indians and legends associated with the Enchanted Rock area. Students will observe a living history museum depicting pioneer life in the early 1900s as they tour the Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead in Stonewall.

Students will learn about War II when they visit the National Museum of the Pacific War and the Bush Gallery in Fredericksburg. They will visit the cavalry at Fort Hood and learn about a soldier’s daily routine there, which involves caring for horses and making saddles and boots.

Biology, geology and astronomy will be the science topics. Activities include a tour of Longhorn Cavern, a nature walk at Westcave Preserve and climbing and learning about the formation of Enchanted Rock. During the evenings, the class will view and learn about the constellations found in the autumn sky.

Students will get to experience the great outdoors by staying in screened shelters/mini cabins with concrete floors and eating food cooked on charcoal grills (following all burn bans, of course).

The 7th Graders will return home Thursday evening, Sept. 22.