The Great Outdoors
BGJHS P.E. students went on a field trip to Barefoot Republic. This day was not just a day for students to get out of school; it was a day that highlighted the joy of nature and the fresh outdoors while still spending time with their peers. 7th grader Camille Garland said, My favorite part of the Barefoot Republic field trip was the Leap of Faith because it was exciting Students who could go had the choice of ziplining, the leap of faith, or rock climbing. These activities all require perseverance and bravery. The program at BGJHS allowed the students to leave their usual classroom setting for a day and visit the Barefoot Republic. This outing was organized as a field trip, allowing the participants to experience an environment different from their regular school surroundings.
Exploring the Depths
During the fourth quarter, students participating in physical education classes at BGJHS experienced two enriching field trips. A notable excursion among these was the visit to Mammoth Cave. This adventure served as the second field trip. It offered students a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders and geological features of the cave, enhancing their physical education curriculum with real-world experiences. Not only was the trip getting out of school, but the students got to learn about the cave that people come from hours away to see and learn about the cave that is only a couple minutes away from Bowling Green. 7th grader Lola Kate Kington stated, “Mammoth Cave was fun because we got to hang out with friends and learn about the history of the cave.” Another 7th grader, Naveah Bigbee, said,” The coolest part of the cave was looking down at the bottomless pit.”
How it All Started
Bowling Green Junior High School students have been going on a field trip to Barefoot Republic every year and absolutely love it, but have you ever wondered how this tradition started? In 2019, Coach Towe and Coach Hayes took their P.E. students to Barefoot Republic for the very first time. This field trip has become loved by many students since, and everyone always looks forward to coming back. P.E. teacher, Junior Hayes, said, “Coach Towe did some work there in the summer and thought it would be fun to take the P.E. class.” when asked how the trip was started. This year, they started going to Mammoth Cave. This trip not only allowed for physical activity but also taught history lessons about the cave and its historic people. By including both fun and educational elements, the field trips to Barefoot Republic and Mammoth Cave have become a highlight of the BGJHS P.E. classes.
The adventurous P.E. field trip for seventh graders at BGJHS offers a range of exciting activities designed to promote teamwork and physical activity. From the exhilarating challenge of rock climbing, where students test their strength and problem-solving skills, to the team-oriented orienteering adventure, teaching them to connect with nature. Each activity is geared towards encouraging personal goal setting, enhancing navigation and cooperation skills, and providing a thrilling educational experience outside the traditional classroom setting.