GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — This week, more than 800 eighth graders at Grand Rapids Public Schools participated in the canoemobile water experience at Riverside Park. As the school year wraps up, students said they were excited to put studying and exams aside to have some fun with friends on the water. For some students, it’s their first time.
“I stepped out of the box with this and I stepped out of my comfort zone to have fun with my friends in the water today,” student Derek Martinez said.
The City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation partnered with the school district and Wilderness Inquiry, a Minnesota-based company, to provide students with a hands-on, immersive learning experience. It’s the company’s sixth time providing its canoemobile program to Grand Rapids students.
“I think it's fun after all that we just did, all the work and quizzes and tests and exams, it's fun to come out here and just enjoy this,” student Marcus Olds said.
The soon-to-be graduates first learned how to use the paddle and keep the boat from tipping over, they then headed to the water. After learning inside the classroom all year long, students are now learning outside the classroom, without books, along with a surprise guest.
“We had so much fun in the Grand River and I just love being with the students,” Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said. "Just to hear their excitement and to hear some of them who didn't know how to swim have a group to support them and say you got this, we can do this, that was great.”
“I think that it's hugely important because life is about learning and learning can take place outside of the four walls of the school,” Grand Rapids Public Schools superintendent Leadriane Roby, PhD said.
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