By Cody Gilliam, Student, Bear Creek Academy
My name is Cody Gilliam. I am a student at Bear Creek Academy. Every Wednesday we go out and help the rangers keep the park in good condition. We always try our hardest to clean up any trash, fallen limbs, and any overgrown weeds. My friends and I love working for the park.
When my friends and I work in the park it makes us feel like we are making it a better place for others to visit. We are trying to keep the park clean because one day we might not have it. I think that some people sometimes take nature for granted. Conservation of the park is important to me because I love being outside and helping people realize that being outdoors is one of the best things you can do.
Bear Creek Academy is a therapeutic day school for students ages 11- 18. Their curriculum combines the general education courses required by the state for each grade level with a variety of engaging electives, community enrichment projects, and therapeutic activities designed to help our students achieve academic and emotional success. When learning is interactive and provides opportunities for personal growth, students become invested in their personal education and in turn begin to take ownership of their future. Bear Creek Academy has partnered with Bear Creek Lake State Park to get the students out into the park on a weekly basis to perform service projects as well as provide outdoor recreational opportunities for their students.