HEBRON — With close to 1,500 acres at their call, the Outdoor Skills program of the Middle School at Hebron Academy has no shortage of educational adventures to pursue. Paul Brouwer, director of the Outdoor Skills program, is a Registered Maine Guide and wilderness first responder, and safety is first on his list.

The sixth graders, or the “Trackers,” focus on nature observation skills as well as basic safety skills for outdoor travel, which complements the science curriculum. Some sample activities include tree identification, bird watching and feeding, Maine flora and fauna, animal tracking, map of Maine, the art of staying found, map and compass skills, hiking and snowshoeing.

The seventh grade year is “The Skills Course.” They focus on teaching the skills covered in the Maine Woodsman/Junior Maine Guide (JMG) curriculum. Skills include map and compass use, axe and knife safety, wet-day fires, first aid, outdoor safety, knots, shelters, hiking and snowshoeing.

The eighth graders work on “Leadership.” They continue the instruction of JMG skills covered in the seventh grade and add canoeing, trust-building exercises and leadership skills to the mix.

Students who successfully complete the Middle School Outdoor Skills program will receive the Maine Woodsman certification and will be well prepared to pursue the JMG certification, which is achieved through participation in a week-long testing camp held each summer during the last week of July.

For more information about the middle school, visit www.hebronacademy.org or call 966-5225.

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