Schools and Education
Bozeman Field School, a nonprofit, independent high school in Bozeman, took a two-week service-learning trip to Cotuí in the Dominican Republic from January 6th to the 17th through a customized program from VISIONS Service Adventures. Students, accompanied by two adult chaperones, participated in a school building project, putting up walls for a new elementary school classroom using hand tools. They learned teamwork, project management, and basic masonry skills. Three of the fourteen students who attended the trip were from Park County, including sophomores Ben Baskett and Hazel Gallaher, and freshman Luna Bennett.
Students also assisted in a spay and neuter clinic by comforting the animals. They taught English at the school, and began a mural chosen by the school director to have outside the school building.
The trip wasn’t all work, as students toured a cacao farm one morning. They were able to see chocolate making from seed to chocolate. They planted cacao seeds, processed raw cacao, tasted various percentages of chocolate, and in the end, made and brought home their own chocolate bars.
The highlight of the trip for many were “homestays” where groups of students stayed with a family for an afternoon and dinner. They played dominoes, practiced Spanish, and experienced life in the Dominican Republic on a more personal level. The students raved about the great food at the homestays, calling it “a feast.”
The “opt-in” trip was made possible through student-led fundraising initiatives, including a single event which raised $18,000, led by a senior student.
Class is now back in session for the Spring term. Bozeman Field School is hosting an open house on February 10th for prospective students and families, though all community members are welcome to attend. BFS is currently enrolling 9th-12th grade students. The school focuses on individualized hands-on education and community building through a combination of classroom activities and four week-long field trips called “expeditions.” Additional service learning trips are optional.
For more information, please contact Allison Powell at allison.powell@bozemanfieldschool.org.