Outdoor Skills
Hebron Academy's Middle School Outdoor Skills Program is unique in that it integrates outdoor education in the curriculum. Students who successfully complete the program will receive the Maine Woodsman certification and will be well prepared to pursue Junior Maine Guide certification. The Hebron program includes:
Trackers. This sixth grade course focuses on nature observation skills, as well as basic skills for outdoor travel. Sample activities include tree identification, bird watching and feeding, Maine flora and fauna, animal tracking, learning the map of Maine, the art of staying found, map and compass skills, and hiking and snowshoeing.
Skills Course. This seventh grade course focuses on teaching the skills covered in the Maine Woodsman/Junior Maine Guide curriculum. These skills include map and compass use, ax and knife safety, wet-day fires, first aid, outdoor safety, knots, shelters, and hiking and snowshoeing.
Leadership. In eighth grade, students continue study in the Junior Maine Guide curriculum, adding canoeing, trust-building exercises, and leadership skills.
The instructor for this program is a Registered Maine Guide, as well as a Hebron Middle School faculty member.
Science Fair
Each year, all students participate in the Middle School Science Fair as part of their science class, preparing research papers and multi-media or visual displays on a topic of their choice. Before the fair they present their research findings to their classmates and reviewers, who may include Upper School students and faculty members. Then, in the Sargent Gymnasium they share what they have learned with parents, friends, and the whole school community.
Activities
Each trimester, students select an activity in which to participate beyond the regular course offerings. Some recent choices include:
- Yearbook
- Rock band
- Builder’s Club (service organization)
- Sports activity (volleyball, basketball, field hockey, running, tennis, ice hockey, etc.)
- Board Games
- Adventuring
- Knitting/Handicrafts
