Sixth-graders at Blake Middle School recently experienced a three-day excursion to Hale Education on a team building trip. (Photo courtesy Medfield Public Schools) 
Students learned about survival during a “shipwreck” simulation exercise, which consisted of fire-building, fort construction and fishing. (Photo courtesy Medfield Public Schools) 
A total of 192 students collaborated, worked on projects, and learned outside skills while enjoying the fabled 1,200-acre property in Westwood formerly known as Hale Reservation. (Photo courtesy Medfield Public Schools) 
Students also braved a high ropes course, pushing their boundaries and expanding their comfort zones. (Photo courtesy Medfield Public Schools) 
Students learned about nature through adventures in forestry and ponding. They curiously explored the woods and pond, sharing discoveries with one another. (Photo courtesy Medfield Public Schools)
MEDFIELD — Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden is pleased to announce that sixth graders at Blake Middle School recently experienced a three-day excursion to Hale Education. The excursion combined team-building skills with an exploration of their natural surroundings.
From Sept. 25-27, 192 students collaborated, worked on projects, and learned outside skills while enjoying the fabled 1,200-acre property in Westwood formerly known as Hale Reservation.
Students learned about nature through adventures in forestry and ponding. They curiously explored the woods and pond, sharing discoveries with one another and examining specimens for identification under microscopes.
Additionally, students learned about survival during a “shipwreck” simulation exercise, which consisted of fire-building, fort construction and fishing. Students also braved a high ropes course, pushing their boundaries and expanding their comfort zones. Each morning and afternoon, students reflected in a journal to log and look back on what they experienced and learned.
“This trip’s main themes truly align with our school’s core values, such as being respectful, responsible, resourceful, and reflective,” said Kelly Ruminski, a sixth-grade science teacher at Blake Middle School. “Our students thoroughly enjoyed learning while participating in fun, hands-on activities with their classmates.”
Hale has been hosting overnight youth outings for over 100 years, dating back to 1918 when Robert Sever Hale invited local Scouts to use his land. The property, which features 20 miles of walking trails and four ponds, is now overseen by Hale Education, a private nonprofit organization.
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