Having landed their kayaks in the Florida keys on Thursday, April 4, 2013, Amy and Dave Freeman have thus completed their 3-year, 11,700-mile expedition across North America by kayak, dogsled and canoe. It has been estimated that over 80,000 elementary and middle school students from around the world have participated in the Wilderness Classroom's North American Odyssey by the use modern day advances in virtual technology.What compelled Dave and Amy to even dream of such an undertaking? Their press release states:
"According to the Outdoor Foundation's 2012 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, the biggest reason that children ages 6 to 17 don't participate in outdoor activities is simply a lack of interest in the outdoors. The mission of Wilderness Classroom, 501c3 nonprofit organization, is to increase students' appreciation for the environment while improving core academic skills by introducing students to the wonders of exploration and wilderness travel through live, web-based expeditions and school assemblies."
We cannot think of a better reason, can you?Thanks to Amy and Dave, and the entire expedition crew, for helping to connect children to Nature and to their own sense of adventure. While they may have set out to captivate young minds and show them their connection to their natural world, in the end they have inspired countless people of all ages... Especially those of us here at North Water. We are proud to have made some of the gear that helped to make this incredible journey more safe and comfortable for these modern day explorers. Thank you Dave and Amy! Thank you Wilderness Classroom! The journey and lessons created from your adventures will impact many for generations to come.To find out more about North American Odyssey and The Wilderness Classroom, please visit their website: www.wildernessclassroom.com
