Students Learn Idaho History at Mountain Man Rendezvous

Students learn primitive hunting and weaponry skills under watchful guidance by KLT staff

Co-Op Country Round Up

History class often gets a bad rap. Let’s face it - sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture about people and ways of life to which we seem to have little in common is not how most of us would choose to spend a school day. Thankfully, two fourth grade teachers at Washington Elementary School feel the same.

Andrea Aumick and Michelle Pelot’s Idaho History curriculum includes a fascinating study of what it was like to live in the 1800’s and early 20th century. But, they wanted their students to be truly engaged beyond what school textbooks and in-class discussions can do. 

Having worked with Dave Kretzchmar, Education Director for Kaniksu Land Trust, on past nature education school outreach programs, both teachers are familiar with the immersive teaching style Dave employs when working with kids. Andrea is also aware that Dave regularly attends primitive skills gatherings and old time rendezvous events. The two teachers started dreaming of organizing a “Mountain Man Rendezvous” education experience for their students.

“I mentioned the idea to Dave and within a couple of days he had pulled all of this together with a bunch of instructors lined up for each station,” Andrea said. 

On May 24th, both of Washington Elementary’s fourth grade classes spent the entire school day at Pine Street Woods rotating through six different primitive skills sessions including fire building, Hoka knife-making, a Kick the Sack game, leather crafts, stick bread making (and eating!) and weapons training - ax throwing and shooting with a bow and arrow. There was also time for free play followed by lunch around a campfire.

Students and chaperones enjoy lunch around the campfire at Pine Street Woods.

As the instructors chatted during lunch, Andrea said, “Usually the kids ask ‘when are we going to eat, when are we going eat,’ but no one even asked about lunch today.” Michelle echoed, “I’m really grateful that you put this together, Dave.”

“I could do this all day every day,” KLT Education Assistant, Bri Larson gushed. “I was made for this.”

KLT education program staff, Dave Kretzschmar and Brianna Larson 

“It was a riotous cacophony of sound and color and movement, lots of laughter, smiles and hopefully long-lasting memories,” Dave later reminisced. 

In addition to the instructors and KLT summer interns, parents and grandparents of students were thrilled to share the experience and help out where needed. 

“I feel truly blessed to get to be here with my granddaughter,” Pam Lippy expressed. “What a wonderful experience we all shared today with great storytellers and instructors. Thank you.”

Jason Welker, a parent volunteer said, “Honestly, not many kids in America get a chance to do something like this.”

Another couple who happened to be hiking on a nearby trail said, “This is what kids in this area really need.”

Learning experiences like the “Mountain Man Rendezvous” are more than an escape from the classroom. Such immersive programs connect children with nature, culture, and community and have been shown to increase academic success. Idaho's spectacular natural assets have an unparalleled power to teach, inspire, and transform the education experience. Peruse our education offerings HERE.