Field Trippin' Round 1

I've never been on a school field trip with my kids.  Apparently it's pretty intense trying to get a chaperone spot!  I managed to get chosen for all THREE grades this year!!  I had committed to go with the kindergarteners when, at the last minute, Gavin's teacher let me know my name was drawn, and of course their field trips were the SAME DAY.  Since I had been helping monthly in Preston's class, I decided I needed to go with Gavin's class to make sure he wasn't feeling left out.

Yesterday, the sixth grade field trip was to the Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde, two hours away, UGH!

A little history: The site was occupied by the US Army troops in 1870.  Construction on the fort began in 1871 and was completed by 1873.  The Fort was an active primary military base during the Central Arizona Indian Wars.  It was abandoned in 1891 and divided into small parcels and sold an auction.  In the late 1960's, the Fort Verde Museum Association began working with the State Parks board to make the Fort a state park. The park includes the museum, the Commanding Officer's Quarters, the Bachelors Officers' Quarters, and a large collection of artifacts.

I was technically a chaperone for Brooklyn's class, but Blake was put in our group.

Upon arrival to the fort, we gathered in the center at the flagpole and listened to a presentation.  The kids got to help raise the flag, then take it down and fold it up.

We broke into groups and rotated through four other presentations.  The people were dressed in period clothing and told about each part of the fort as if we were in present day.  It was HOT and I think most of the kids could care less, but it was interesting nonetheless.

The buildings were made of adobe bricks, which are made up of mud and hay.  I was really impressed that the building were still intact after 100+ years!  The kids had a chance to make an adobe brick here-

 This cutest little old couple talking about artifacts from that time period and the style of clothing..

Feeding frenzy!

Back on the bus, headed for home

We left the fort later than anticipated which meant we got home ONE HOUR later than we were supposed to, which meant we didn't get back to the school until 3:30!!! Lots of kiddos had dropped off to sleep on the way home.  In the mean time, I had plenty of time to dig deep into my book!

Even though it wasn't the most exciting field trip in the entire world, I'm glad my sixth-graders still don't mind mom tagging along! xoxo