Avon Trail Tales News Briefs Spring 2019
THIS ISSUE:
End to End during March Break. Enjoying the outdoors. Pathways to learning including the environment
END TO END OVER MARCH BREAK
Hiking the entire length of t
he Avon Trail over a 5-day period is not for the faint of heart. Doing so in early March when conditions are less than ideal is a tall challenge. For 11 hikers, completing the 113-kilometre distance in March turned out to be a fun and memorable experience.
“The Avon Trail mobile map was invaluable”, said the hike organizer Ruth Moffatt, noting that the historical markers included to be seen along the route was a wonderful feature. “The app is very user friendly”, she said.
This group of hikers came prepared to endure harsh early spring conditions. They set out Monday morning March 11 at 8:30am from the trail marker by the tennis courts in St. Marys.
Each day’s journey averaged at 23 kilometres. Carpooling arrangements ensured that at the end each day’s hike, there would be cars available for a shuttle back to the starting point to get the remaining vehicles.
Everyone was encouraged to take only photos and to respect private property. They acted as Avon Trail ambassadors chatting with people along the way and thanking land owners that they came across on their daily hikes.
Finally, as Ruth admitted, “It’s all about the End to End badge, the bragging rights and of course, the butter tarts”. On the last day, the entire group stopped at Sittler’s Home Baking in Conestogo Village.
PATHWAYS TO LEARNING
Jodi Froud says it is important for students to start while in elementary school to discover the high school programs available to them. Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) does just this with the Pathways exhibit held annually at the Stratford Rotary Centre.
“Students need to consider who they are; what skills and interests they have and then discover the pathways available to pursue those interests”, she said.
Jodi addressed the audience at the Avon Trail general meeting March 19 at the Rotary Complex. Jodi is with the AMDSB engaged with Specialist High School Skills programs. The Environment is one of many specialist majors open to students to pursue in high school. Specialist major programs help kids make community connections and meet sector partners while taking part in hands-on educational opportunities.
AvonTrail.ca could be a partner in the Specialist program. However, to take this on we need a dedicated club member willing to coordinate the partnership. If you have a passion for students, the environment and education this could be the perfect role for you. To find out more about Pathway opportunities, click here.
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