The Jefferson School partners with state parks for marketing video

A group of 16 students from The Jefferson School traversed stairs, concrete, grass and sand Oct. 19 as they explored the history and natural beauty of Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.

As part of a marketing initiative on behalf of Delaware State Parks, third- to eighth-graders explored the Fort Miles Historical Area, climbing the 113 stairs in Observation Tower 7 and touring the Artillery Park with a historical interpreter. They also witnessed the firing of a three-inch artillery gun.

Followed by photographers, videographers and drones, the students’ entire day was documented for a welcome video about Cape Henlopen State Park.

“The goal of the video is to show the bigger picture of Cape Henlopen,” said Matt Ritter, operations and maintenance section administrator for DNREC. “With over a million visitors a year, many only know the beach. This is an effort to share the history, nature, and recreational opportunities.”

After lunch, students took a ride in a deuce and a half, a cargo truck used by the U.S. Army, down to Delaware Bay. There they met Interpretive Program Manager Richard Julian, who helped the students seine to find crabs, small fish and a jellyfish.

“Riding in the back of the truck and then getting in the water was my favorite part of the day,” said fifth-grader Thatcher Edelmann. “But I also liked learning about the historical stuff.”

“Spending time in and learning from nature is an important part of our educational philosophy here at TJS,” said Head of School Connie Hendricks, a board member for the Delaware Association of Environmental Education, a nonprofit organization which promotes environmental and outdoor education. “This was a wonderful opportunity for some of our students to enjoy outdoor learning while partnering with the state parks. Collaborating with community partners is an important piece of our school culture.”