VOYAGE CULTUREL À PARIS (JANVIER 2022)

 VISITE CULTURELLE: PARIS

WORLD PEACE DAY (JOURNÉE MONDIALE DE LA PAIX) 2022

 

DECEMBER FIELD TRIP (REPORT BY LEAH AILIFFE)

 

My Trip to Bosque Suspendido

 

When PE Teacher, Ivan, invited me to join the second Eso on a field trip to go Tree Top Trekking, I was thrilled! Back home in Canada, Tree Top Trekking is a popular activity to do with friends in the spring, summer and fall seasons.  I had only been once before, but I’ve been eager to do so again, and what better opportunity then with a group of students! It was the perfect opportunity to bond in a natural environment and get the kids talking more comfortably in English.

                On the bus ride to Bosque Suspendido I got the pleasure of learning some new Spanish ride along songs. The students were so enthusiastic and it set the mood for a positive experience. When we first arrived, I was equally as enthralled with the wildlife walking around as the students were. There were adorable kittens, geese, roosters and chickens just walking around and basking in the sunshine. The students were taken by group leaders to prepare for the activities, while I got to enjoy a cup of coffee and keep company with the other teachers observing the trip. I always enjoy the chance to practice my Spanish and get to know more about my teacher peers!

                When we met up with the students I was excited to join one of the groups and get my harness on. The first activity was rock climbing. I observed a couple of students participating and discussed with a few of them how their experience was. They moved like monkeys and jumped without fear! They told me it definitely seems higher than expected at the top, but when you jump it isn’t that scary. When I was younger I had no fear and actively sought out thrilling activities. The older I get, the more fear I seem to acquire, so when I climbed up the rock wall I really appreciated the supportive shouts my students yelled up to motivate me to keep on going. I did it! I made it to the top and was terrified for the jump, but everyone around me was super supportive and on the count of three I let go and dropped to the ground. What a thrill! I definitely remained a bit shaky for a few minutes after.

                I joined the group to the next activity where we would learn the protocols and safety measures for the tree top trekking courses. The rules were being taught in Spanish, so I was grateful when a couple of students volunteered to reiterate to me what was being said in English. One student specifically took on the role as my support buddy, making sure I was following closely behind him on the obstacle courses and doing the activity correctly. I was impressed by many of the student’s level to be able to explain to me in English the directions, and their excitement to help me.  I had so much fun doing this with the kids! We were like animals in the jungle, and the group I was with was so adventurous that we decided to do the extended, more complex, course. 

                Lastly, I was able to sneak in a zip-lining course with the older students who happened to be there. This was exhilarating! I was good and exhausted by the time we had to leave. I enjoyed my experience at Bosque Suspendido, it was a wonderful way to connect with the students and other teachers in a different environment.  I am so grateful to work at a school that organizes these types of events, and I look forward to seeing what other adventures are in store this year!