In November, we visited Camp Loughridge in southwest Tulsa. Our field trip was an extension of the classroom: we hiked silently, observed closely, and perched on rocks to craft nature-inspired poetry.
Here’s how one student described our trip:
On Tuesday, I went to the coolest field trip yet. We tumbled off the bus with excitement. The day started as we were getting split into groups. First, we learned how to use a compass. We used the compasses to find clues by some clipboards. That was awesome but there was more, like hiking! We saw the water of the lake. It glistened like glitter. The hiking made us sweaty like we wanted to take off our jackets. We saw turtles peeking through the water of the lake and we heard a bird that was upset. From the hiking, I experienced the woods and wilderness more than indoor places. I hope other people will get to come visit Camp Loughridge like we did. –Antonio
Here are a few samples of our poetry. We hope you can practically squish the earth beneath your toes as you read our work.
Nature Poem
By Ariel
I walk down the deep, swampy lake
I hear the birds: chirp, chirp
I see the skins of animals molding to the ground
I fear the creatures of the outside word
I hear the howling sound as if a creature is near
I fear more and more as the night starts
Camp Loughridge
By Vanessa
The smell of nature is something really beautiful
The smell of fresh dirt from a beaver’s home
The fishy, fresh water from the lake
The shiny surface of the water glints in your eyes as you pass
Watch for the turtle’s head sneaking up to reach the windy air
Mysterious little insects fly all around
An Animal’s Search
By Jaylen
The sky is blue, the grass is green
I walk the woods, stream to stream
Looking for a place for me
I will go where people treat me
I will not go where people eat me
I think Camp Loughridge is the place for me
Camp Loughridge
By Leobardo
I am an eagle
Hunting for fish
Where the streams run
And have lots of water to catch my prey
There are lots of trees
With lots of spots to live in
and places to return after winter
each spring I come back to live and eat
That’s why I call Camp Loughridge my home.
Thank you, Camp Loughridge
by Karen
Camp Loughridge was a wonderful experience. On the hike, we climbed rocks and tiptoed past a swimming duck. All the animals were so cute: the snapping turtle, raccoon, deer, and other animals. In a big, grassy field we used a compass to find clues. When you use a compass, make sure you match the degree with the angle.
Otherwise, you’ll be lost forever.
Camp Loughridge is gorgeous. It smelled like nature. I got to smell beaver mud. I touched bobcat fur and a deer skeleton. I love Camp Loughridge and I hope I can go back!
Here’s how one student described our trip:
On Tuesday, I went to the coolest field trip yet. We tumbled off the bus with excitement. The day started as we were getting split into groups. First, we learned how to use a compass. We used the compasses to find clues by some clipboards. That was awesome but there was more, like hiking! We saw the water of the lake. It glistened like glitter. The hiking made us sweaty like we wanted to take off our jackets. We saw turtles peeking through the water of the lake and we heard a bird that was upset. From the hiking, I experienced the woods and wilderness more than indoor places. I hope other people will get to come visit Camp Loughridge like we did. –Antonio
Here are a few samples of our poetry. We hope you can practically squish the earth beneath your toes as you read our work.
Nature Poem
By Ariel
I walk down the deep, swampy lake
I hear the birds: chirp, chirp
I see the skins of animals molding to the ground
I fear the creatures of the outside word
I hear the howling sound as if a creature is near
I fear more and more as the night starts
Camp Loughridge
By Vanessa
The smell of nature is something really beautiful
The smell of fresh dirt from a beaver’s home
The fishy, fresh water from the lake
The shiny surface of the water glints in your eyes as you pass
Watch for the turtle’s head sneaking up to reach the windy air
Mysterious little insects fly all around
An Animal’s Search
By Jaylen
The sky is blue, the grass is green
I walk the woods, stream to stream
Looking for a place for me
I will go where people treat me
I will not go where people eat me
I think Camp Loughridge is the place for me
Camp Loughridge
By Leobardo
I am an eagle
Hunting for fish
Where the streams run
And have lots of water to catch my prey
There are lots of trees
With lots of spots to live in
and places to return after winter
each spring I come back to live and eat
That’s why I call Camp Loughridge my home.
Thank you, Camp Loughridge
by Karen
Camp Loughridge was a wonderful experience. On the hike, we climbed rocks and tiptoed past a swimming duck. All the animals were so cute: the snapping turtle, raccoon, deer, and other animals. In a big, grassy field we used a compass to find clues. When you use a compass, make sure you match the degree with the angle.
Otherwise, you’ll be lost forever.
Camp Loughridge is gorgeous. It smelled like nature. I got to smell beaver mud. I touched bobcat fur and a deer skeleton. I love Camp Loughridge and I hope I can go back!