Outdoor classroom offers many opportunities
The Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom (CAVOC) has been a fixture in our community since the late 1970s. Many who attended school in Rhinelander have fond memories of their experiences at CAVOC. I, personally, will never forget the fifth grade Crescent School overnight campout, or the seventh grade Archaeological Dig, or the many fun times I had with my classmates.
School District of Rhinelander students continue to use CAVOC for many learning opportunities. Lesson plans, which are listed on the district website, include topics such as Ichthyology, leaf identification, geocaching, orienteering, urban forestry, and others. Sports teams and staff also use the facility for meetings and retreats.
CAVOC is available for community members and outside groups too. The Challenge Ropes Course is a tool for personal and education growth. The course is a blend of on and above ground activities presented in a prescribed sequence that takes individuals and groups beyond their own expectations. Facilitators design the activities to meet the goals and objectives for the groups. They are trained and must complete a rigid training program on the course by Project Adventure instructors and an internship with lead facilitators before receiving certification.
CAVOC also offers several beautifully groomed nature trails. These trails are open to the public and are used for hiking, jogging, snowshoeing and skiing. The second Annual CAVOC Cross Country Freestyle Ski Race was held Jan. 4. This year there was a citizen’s race after the High School and Middle School skiers finish. This event was coordinated by Northwoods Community Secondary School (NCSS) with profits going to their school. A map of the nature trails can be found on the district website.
The outdoor classroom is available for events such as weddings, parties and showers. People who have used the facility for these functions say that the experience was very positive. The facility can be reserved by contacting Curriculum and Instruction Secretary Carol Carlson at 715-365-9700.
CAVOC has been the site of many special events throughout the years. The Fall Festival has been a popular event in the past. Other events have included music concerts, informational meetings, ski meets and others. The Rhinelander Area Silent Trails Association will be holding their yearly ski meet at CAVOC this year Jan. 11.
Community Education classes are offered at CAVOC. This past fall, about 18 people enjoyed a Gentle Floor Yoga class held in the Rominsky Lodge. The natural environment is a perfect setting for a Yoga class. In March, we will be offering “Yoga for Winter Heat” which will be a bit more intense than the fall class.
There are many opportunities at CAVOC. We would like to see the CAVOC area used as much as possible. To inquire, or to reserve the facility, contact Carol Carlson at 715-365-9700. For information about Community Education classes, contact, Mike Cheslock, at 715-365-9745.
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