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	<img alt="" src="{filedir_5}Travis.jpg" style="float: left; width: 125px; height: 189px; " /></p>
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			I have had numerous students come up to tell me that the field trip to Au Sable was their big brother or sister&#39;s favorite field trip.&nbsp; What a huge compliment!&nbsp; Not only did they come away with bellies full of molasses cookies and waxed-tipped fingers from the homemade candles, they were able to experience history!&nbsp; I have seen both parent and child&#39;s eyes light up with discovery as they learn of the wonders of the living setting about them.&nbsp; Trees come to life as we discover just what goes on amidst the top-secret inner workings of their trunks. &nbsp;Common place animals take on mystery as one sees just what they&#39;re up to when we aren&#39;t around.&nbsp;</p>
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			One of those moments came during the day when we were able to roll over a fallen log and examine what was happening underneath.&nbsp; Students found all sorts of fun creatures that we were able to hold.&nbsp; (My group became excellent salamander hunters!)&nbsp; On another occasion we connected one of the fragrances of chewing gum with a tiny wintergreen plant.&nbsp; We helped to spread a cloud of spores from a club moss while we learned about reproduction.&nbsp; With a close look at the maple leaves, the little guys were able to see the differences between the red maple and the sugar maple.&nbsp;</p>
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			Childhood is exploration.&nbsp; Through touching, tasting, hearing, smelling and seeing, elementary students are able to interact with the world around them while we hiked the trails.&nbsp;</p>
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			I am reminded of a quote by Rachel Carson I read last week in Joseph Cornell&#39;s text.&nbsp; &ldquo;If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder... he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.&rdquo;&nbsp; I am so thankful for the opportunity to play a small part in this important role.</p>
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			<em>Travis is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and a past student of Au Sable&#39;s college program. &nbsp;Prior to Au Sable, he mentored youth&nbsp;through the Boys and Girls Club during college.</em></p>
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