Mess Kits

43 Northern Waters Environmental School students in grades 6-12 traveled to Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island for their annual kick-off to the new school year.

These students make at least three overnight trips during the school year, and thanks to a HFEE Grant, they are now equipped with field mess kits for all students, replacing previously used paper plates, cups, napkins and flatware. HFEE awarded NWES $1440 last spring to purchase the mess kits and reusable water bottles.

NWES Middle School Supervisor Christina Hill requested the grant. "Field days are intentional learning experiences, and having individualized kits will place the responsibility of being prepared on each student and create a sustainable mindset, said Mrs. Hill. "This first trip of the school year is a time to build community, to set goals and intentions for the year, to participate in a fire ceremony where the students 'burn all negativity', and to have some fun with cliff jumping and swimming in Lake Superior."