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Colfax students conclude Summer Saunters week

COLFAX — More than 50 students in grades 3-6 from Colfax Elementary School spent the week of July 7-11 exploring and hiking at several area parks and trails as part of the Summer Saunters class. Students learned geology, geography, biology and history while hiking and exploring the Ice Age Trail, McKenzie Creek, Hemlock Creek, Chippewa Moraine, the Interstate Park and Hoffman Hills.

After a group weigh-in at the beginning and at the end of the week, a total of 79 pounds was lost by the students, indicating how hiking 4-6 miles a day on long and sometimes difficult trails can become a physical education and health lesson as well. Along with their own lunches, students were provided plenty of water and healthy snacks throughout the course of the day, and the week culminated with a cookout at the school on the last day. High school student helper Tucker Hovde also presented a slide show to students and parents of photos he had taken throughout the week.

Elementary principal Trevor Hovde was the leader for the program and was assisted by staff members Jeff Langkau, Mark Mosey, Nancy Hovde, Suzy Blomberg and Sarah Yingst. High school student David Blanchard also assisted as did former Colfax graduate Ryan Larson.

“This was a great way for kids to get outside and see some places many of them would not get an opportunity to see,” Trevor Hovde said. “They learned so much while having fun and getting exercise. It was a great group of kids to work with and our helpers did a great job of keeping track of all of them while we were on some long trails.” he added.