Gone Boarding - Week of May 22nd

 "Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them." ~Albert Einstein 

When an opportunity arises, it is usually advised to take advantage.  In middle school, Cameron met one of his favorite teachers, Mr. Z.  He taught robotics and always figured out a way for Cam to be included.  Mr. Z. made a move to the high school and became involved in Gone Boarding.  Cam was invited to design and make his own board this week.  We can't wait to see the finished result!

Gone Boarding is a course that was conceived and developed by Bill Curtis and Bruce Macartney, teachers in the Forest Hills Public School's District in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This curriculum includes content for math and VPAA (Visual, Performing, Applied Arts), along with science, art, engineering, business, and an optional PE component. ​  Students in the Gone Boarding class collaborate to design, construct, and learn to ride all types of boards including: surfboards, snowboards, skateboards/longboards, stand-up paddle boards, and wake surfboards. Students also take part in service projects involving the school's district's younger students through a mentoring relationship built around action sports, and partner with the community to make an impact on the world both locally and globally. 

With the holiday weekend upon us, we were excited to have it filled with fun plans.  The weather forecast was also in our favor with sunny, warm temps predicted.  

After an early lunch, we made our way north for cousin time. We spent the afternoon outdoors and in the evening, we drove into Montague for a birthday celebration for our friend, Jude.  North Grove Brewers is a place we hadn't been before and our family was so impressed by its full accessibility, inside and out.  The food was tasty and Molly, one of Jane's dearest friends and Jude's wife, even brought cake to make the evening complete.  Even though we were back on the road later than anticipated, Cam rallied and made it through.

We slept in a bit the next morning and loaded up our van for the trip north once again.  We were excited to see Oma and Opa shortly after noon.  After a tasty brunch as a family, it was time to work on our tasks.  We started with cleaning out some closets with Cam's expert supervision.  With his constant cheering "way to go, Oma" and "great work!" the chore seemed much less tedious and very satisfying.  Our output included two full large garbage bags and a few treasures to keep.

Later in the afternoon, we were invited to our cousin's cottage for dinner together.  Oma and Opa were happy to see the little cousins again and spent some time reading a book to Calla.  Cameron is the "cool" older cousin to the younger set.  Calla even took an extra outing to be certain her cousin Cam knew she was saying bye to him.  After a weekend of family goodness, our drive home recounted everything we had done.  And we were very thankful to have an extra day to sleep in the next morning!

Camology Quotes:

As the end of the school year approaches, it seems there are students who may be too ready for the summer break.  Cam's class had an opportunity to partake in a pizza party on Friday... if appropriate behavior remained in place.  On Thursday evening, Cam wasn't too sure he'd be eating pizza or not. (Good news- they did!)

"I don't know if my class will make it.  They have to own it."