North Woods School

The North Woods Science Field Trip this year was unbelievable. Comments that I heard included: “This is the biggest trip you ever planned Pierce”; “We had so much fun”; “The food was great”; “The science field trip was super fun, and everyone had a great time” Andrea Simonson; “The science field trip was awesome! The best parts were Adventure Zone and the planetarium” Shelby Lerfald; “It was fun and interesting to learn about the planes. I really enjoyed it.” Hanna Olson.

For many of the students the day started at 5 a.m. with getting up and meeting the Voyageur Charter Bus coming down from International Falls. First stop was the Dam Supper Club at 6:30 a.m. At 7:30 the bus departed Zup’s parking lot with 38 students and two chaperones on board. We picked up Ms. Vaerconum in Eveleth along with her two sons. We were on our way.

Our first stop was AAR and a visit with Ms. Jennie Sage for a tour of the airbus 320 repair station in Duluth. Many students had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit and fly the plane around the hanger. There is nothing like sitting at the controls of a large aircraft. Students were amazed to see the planes up-close. Prior to departing AAR we enjoyed doughnuts, apples and juice with many of the employees of AAR. “What a great visit.”  

Next, off to Lake Superior Squadron and a step back in aviation time. This is a group of aircraft and military enthusiasts that are restoring a WW II PBY Catalina aircraft. This is the plane we had a group picture in front of. The students were able to go inside the plane and they really had fun. Mr. Pierce has had a hand in the restoration of the PBY by helping secure funding to continue the overhaul process. Go Mr. Pierce. Keep up the grant writing.

Following LSS we enjoyed a quick lunch and off to Lake Superior Zoo. The students had enjoyed walking around and checking out all the exhibits. The weather was much better than forecast. We all enjoyed seeing the lions, peacock, llamas, and many other indoor and outdoor exhibits at the zoo.

Between the Zoo and Adventure Zone Mr. Pierce managed to squeeze in a tour of Lake Superior College. Ms. Jenni Swenson met our group with gifts and a big smile. The students and I enjoyed seeing all the wonderful educational opportunities that LSC has to offer. It was even heard in the crowd more than once that this is were I want to go to college by our North Woods students. LSC did a great job showing off their beautiful facility. Thank you Ms. Swenson for putting the LSC tour together for us.

After Lake Superior Zoo and LSC we went to Adventure Zone for three hours of arcades, laser tag, rock wall climbing, and pizza. And the fun just kept going. The time was getting late and at 7:30 we all boarded the bus for the Pizza Man on Superior Street and 16 large pizzas. The group gathered their pizza and headed to UMD to enjoy pizza, juice and a few laughs. We all had so much fun.

Last, a stop at the Marshall Allworth Planetarium for a late night viewing. We saw two shows. Our presenters Shane and Shawn did a great job keeping us entertained. What a very educational experience. At 9:30 p.m. It was time to board the bus for home.

What a quiet ride home we had. Everyone gave it their all. This trip would not have been possible with out the generous gifts from many. I would like to take the time to thank: Northland Foundation and Kid’s Plus Grants, Cook Timberwolves Snowmobile Club, Mr. Tim Johnson and State Farm Insurance, Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club, Dream Weavers Salon, Super One Foods, Cook Area Credit Union, Zup’s and ExxonMobil, McDonalds of Cook, Cirrus Aircraft, AAR & Jennie Sage, LSS, Thomas Long Trucking, Polley’s, Dale & Patty Klapmeier, Voyageur Log Homes, KGM, Lake Superior College & Ms. Jenni Swenson, UMD Planetarium, Mr. Metsa for his support both for the club and monetarily, and Jessie and Kylye for grant writing.

Special thanks go to Ms. Lori Udovich for joining us on our 2013 science field trip. Also, a great big thanks to Tyler from Voyageur Bus Charters from International Falls and his ability to navigate us through Duluth from activity to activity. What a great service he provided. Thanks to all that attended from Mr. Richard E. Pierce and Ms. Khorianna Vaerconum. You were all well mannered.