An out-of-the-classroom learning experience comes with a price tag, but one Wilmington non-profit is raising money to ensure students in New Hanover County continue to take environmental field trips, despite gradual decreases to the school system’s allocation budgets.
New Hanover County Schools spokesperson Valita Quattlebaum said the school system doesn’t have a specific fund for field trips, but allocation budgets where field trips are paid have been reduced by 28 percent since the 2008-2009 school year.
“It’s tough for us to find new teachers who have funds available in their school to do an extra field trip because travel expenses to this site can be expensive for schools,” Cape Fear River Watch Education Specialist Kay Lynn Hernandez explained the reasoning behind their new fundraising campaign to raise money for school bus transportation to environmental field trips at Greenfield Lake. “Expenses for travel are costly for schools and we want all the kids in 4th grade here in New Hanover County to come out and enjoy our raindrop journey program.”
Hernandez said the Raindrop Journey program coincides with the 4th grade curriculum and teaches kids about a variety of environmental issues while they enjoy paddle boats and playing specialized games.
“They are running, playing and having a great time while learning about how they can protect water quality in New Hanover County at the same time,” Hernandez said.
They launched their IndieGOGO campaign asking for more than $9,000 to fund school bus transportation for field trips, summer camp scholarships, and to expand their education center and Lock and Dam #1.
“All the funds will go towards educational programs that Cape Fear River Watch offers to kids in our community,” Hernandez said.
