Fourth Graders Journey to Jekyll Island

by Assistant Head of School for Academics David Long, Early Learning Counselor Lynn Mandelbaum, Fourth Grade Lead Teacher Chelsey Sabol, Fourth Grade Lead Teacher Dori Herald, and Early Learning Assistant Principal Kim Washington

Saltwater, sun, s’mores, and stargazing are some things that come to mind when one thinks about the beach. Our fourth grade students experienced these things and so much more as they traveled to the Georgia 4H Camp at Jekyll Island which was the perfect environment for them to apply their learning in a real-world setting. 

Prior to making the trip south, students learned about the Georgia Barrier Islands, exploring their structure, the ways that they provide habitats, and how they protect our coastline. Students also studied the causes of beach erosion and the different ways to restore beaches. 

Over the course of the fourth graders’ three days at 4H Camp, they learned about tides, erosion, beach ecology, and marine wildlife. They learned how to troll for fish and crabs using a net via seine fishing and put on special boots to participate in a marsh walk. In the evenings, our fourth graders took a walk on the beach to learn about the constellations and life on the beach after sunset. In addition, our students continued to build on the spirit of collaborative learning, playing numerous games of knockout, building a plethora of sandcastles, making s’mores, and enjoying the chance to be together as a class.

When asked about what they enjoyed most about the trip, Hyatt B. said “Seining was my favorite because it was interesting to learn all of the different species we caught.” “The dock study was cool,” added Will T. “I liked that there were some weird things that we caught.”

We are thrilled to be able to return to this memorable fourth grade tradition after a two-year hiatus due to COVID. Jekyll Island is the best trip ever!