This past Thursday, our Outdoor Education class went snowshoeing at Marshall Lake, where they participated in an activity based on the popular TV show "Mantracker". I was asked to come out and help with the activity as one of the two mantrackers. Myself and the Outdoor Ed teacher, Ken Deadmarsh, sent the students out in pairs with a task of reaching the Ski Dasha before being caught by one of the two mantrackers. Each pair was connected by a rope around their wrists to make the travel a bit more difficult and to ensure they worked as a team. The students were given a 10 minute headstart, a compass, a map, some directions, and then set off to evade the trackers. The route took us through a wooded area with numerous trails and small lake.
With the trackers in hot pursuit, myself on snowshoes, and Ken on skis, the student teams made their way towards the final destination. While we managed to capture several teams before they reached the cabin, a few teams evaded us, without being detected.
 |
| teams ready to start |
 |
| Students putting on their snowshoes |
 |
| Class at the final destination | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
Overall, the activity was fun and great exercise. With teams covering more than a few km of distance, we all gathered on the bus at the end of class tired and fulfilled. It was a good opportunity to put some outdoor skills to the test and a chance for students to work together.
All in all, a good day! Thanks to Mr. D and his class for allowing me to participate with them...this was a great example of making learning fun.
