Hands-on river experience for students

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - While many students in the Wabash Valley enjoyed the Columbus Day holiday off, others traded books and pencils for rafts and oars.

It is arite of passage that goes back nine years. Every 8th grader in Sullivan County rafts and learns down the Wabash River.

"It's very fun," Rural Community Academy 8th grader Kenadi Ader said. "It's kind of sad, how much pollution is in there."

Although many students have lived near the river all their lives, for most, it's their first experience on the water. They are surprised by what they see.

"It's just sad, all the tires, and a bus, and a bunch of stuff along the river," said Carlisle 8th grader Hunger King.

About 300 8th graders make the trip, from Riverview near Fairbanks down to Hutsonville. Lunch is spent on a sand bar, learning about the history of the area as well as water quality and testing.

It's the conclusion of a week's worth of work in the classroom for students in John Gettinger's History class at Carlisle.

"I hate to say it, but with all the computers and things nowadays, kids don't get a chance to come out and enjoy nature like this," said Gettinger. "So this is a really good thing for us."

The 8th graders in Sullivan County are split into three different one-day trips. The total cost is $8,500, paid through donations. But organizers said without volunteer help and community support, the actual cost is $45,000.

"It's really gratifying to see the community come out like this for the kids," said Sullivan County Soil and Water Connservation District Educator Judy Bengochea.

Bengochea hopes the kids have a different attitude about the environment at the end of the trip, one they will share with their parents.