This year, the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is thrilled to share the impact of one of our engagement grants, which helped fund multiple field trips to Mount St. Helens for McLoughlin middle school. These trips provided students with an invaluable opportunity to explore the natural world, fostering both their academic growth and social-emotional well-being.
The field trips were designed to immerse students in the unique geology and ecology of Mount St. Helens with the support of Mount St. Helen’s Institute, bringing classroom lessons to life. As they trekked through trails on a guided hike to coldwater lake, observed the flora and fauna, and learned about the volcanic history of the region, students experienced the wonder of nature firsthand. This direct interaction with the environment sparked curiosity and a sense of adventure, which are critical components of effective learning.
Beyond the educational benefits, these trips played a significant role in enhancing students’ social-emotional health. Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall mental health. The shared experience of exploring the outdoors also helped students build stronger connections with their peers and teachers, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
When the students were asked what they loved about the trip, they responded with “The view of the cold water river”, “A butterfly that went on my hand”, and “There were no bears”. Eighth graders at McLoughlin middle school
Cecilia, a teacher and organizer of these trips tells us how this adventure wrapped up, “We were on our way home, leaving that beautiful landscape, I was in the back of the bus and a student named Jassen saw the volcano for the last time before being obscured by other mountain ridges and said, “Goodbye Volcano, I love you.” It brought tears to my eyes then as it does now. What a simple, beautiful, powerful and all enveloping way to share how meaningful the day was.”
The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is proud to support initiatives that enrich students’ lives in meaningful ways, helping them thrive both in and out of the classroom. Mount St. Helen’s Institute also provided financial aid, allowing for a fully paid experience for the students. The opportunities that we and the community provide are so students can have these experiences without financial barriers, and creating equitable opportunities and memories that students will remember for a lifetime, is what our mission is all about.
