Crookston sixth graders are getting ready for the annual camping trip to Itasca State Park. Teacher Dan Halland says preparations are already underway, with students heading to the park May 11th through the 14th for overnight camping trips.
About 75 students will take part this year, split into three groups, each getting a full outdoor experience that includes camping, hiking, learning outside the classroom, and one night of camping. Halland says the trip creates lasting memories for students long after they leave middle school. “This is a wonderful experience. I believe it’s a long-lasting memory for every kid who gets the opportunity to go. I understand that even students who have graduated, they have this as one of their memories,” said Halland. “I think there’s even a local author who had mentioned that in his book as well, and it’s kind of cool to see that our community is able to come together to help our students experience these outdoor activities.”
Students will explore the park, learn about its history, and visit the headwaters of the Mississippi River, a highlight Holland says students never forget. “They find it amazing that they have crossed a river, right? And not a lot of people can say that. And then they’re just like, this is the coolest thing,: said Halland. “That’s why they just don’t want to leave at that point until they are too cold to stay any longer. And then we get back to camp, and they’re looking forward to the meals and just being together.”
The trip is supported by strong community involvement, including a recent Crookston Masonic Lodge breakfast fundraiser that raised more than $5,000 dollars to help cover transportation costs and provide scholarships. Holland says that support is critical to continuing the long-running tradition. “We thank the community. We thank everybody who comes together to help sponsor this trip,” said Halland. “It really is amazing. Transportation is always a big fee, but with the money that we’ve raised and what students contribute, we’ve been able to make it work. We’re probably bringing around 75 kids, and that’s an amazing experience for all of them.”
Beyond the hiking and sightseeing, Holland says one of the most powerful parts of the trip is simply being immersed in nature, including a night hike. “They don’t hear anything except for what is happening in nature. They don’t hear traffic, they don’t hear anything except what is out there. We take them on a night hike, and they get to experience what it’s like without all those distractions,” said Halland. “They’re always a little nervous at first, but it ends up being one of their favorite parts.”
For Holland, continuing the tradition after taking it over from a retired teacher is about making sure students walk away with something meaningful. “If the kids are happy, I’m happy. We really do it for the kids, and we really want them to have a great time,” said Halland. “Even if the school year didn’t go as well as they planned, if they can take away one positive memory from their experience in sixth grade, then that means everything.”
Holland says for many students, the Itasca trip becomes one of the highlights of their school years, and a memory that lasts a lifetime.
If you would like to donate to keep the Itasca State Park field trip going, or to help cover the cost for a student who might not be able to afford the trip, you can bring or send a check to the Crookston High School with a note “Itasca State Park Field Trip” on the check. Send it to –
Crookston High School
C/O Itasca State Park Field Trip
402 Fisher Avenue
Crookston MN 56716
