T.R.E.E. has always been a story that one enters without really knowing what they’re in for, but then leaves with new understandings and even a renewed sense of life on our planet. T.R.E.E. gently lifts the veil of the natural world, revealing its magic carefully, knowing how important this chance is that we have to work with those new to such surroundings and understandings.
ANTICIPATION
On our whirling planet circling the sun at wild speeds, gravity is first to thank for our ability to even tell you a story about a young girl named Tiffany, who had never liked being outdoors, much less immersed in a forest. With both trepidation and excitement, she and her mom packed her suitcase for a 5-night and 4-day adventure with her classmates. She was happy about spending the night with so many friends, sitting at campfires, and seeing what her teacher looks like at 8pm. She was not so thrilled about the thought of spiders, being away from home that long, different food and no Netflix.
Meanwhile, Tiffany’s teacher, Ms. Williams was making sure every student had filled out their forms, that she had enough parent chaperones, and that her family at home would be all set while she is gone Friday through Tuesday afternoon. She is actually looking forward to disconnecting from her smartphone and spending time in fresh air.
Her school principal is on board with this unique experience, but needs to see the benefits to keep supporting it. Students will miss two days of classroom learning, which is often feared will show up on standardized test scores, considered a reflection on school success according to state funders and overseers.
Ms. Williams is worried that there are a couple of students that may not be able to come on the trip due to behavior issues. But T.R.E.E. educators assured her that unless a student tends to take all of the attention away from others, they can be supportive of that child’s needs. They also revealed from past experience that students who struggle at school, often thrive at their programs.
