We were split into two groups and taken to mini-classes. One class taught about fire safety and how fires spread depending on fuel and wind. The other class taught about the parachute, the plane and the jumpers.
The students also had to pass a fitness test similar to the one the rookie jumpers have to pass. They breezed through jumping jacks and push ups but the pull up bar is where they met their limits.
Our next stop was about ten miles away at the practice drop zone. After a short hike from the bus we found ourselves in a beautiful field looking over the mountains with the plane flying overhead. The plane did a few passes to drop ribbons to test the wind and by the third pass, we had jumpers.
We watched eight jumpers glide through the sky as they directed their parachutes in perfect form to land within feet of the target drop. Once all jumpers were down, the kids ran into the field to gather the test ribbons and to chat with the rookie jumper.
It was impressive to see the pattern, fabric and industrial sewing machines that are used to make everything and even more impressive that the fire fighters do all the cutting and sewing themselves.
To complete our trip, the rangers back at the station swore in our newest little rangers.
My favorite part of the trip came as we were pulling into Hibbard. All twenty-one kids on the bus were singing at the top of their lungs with arms pumping in a cheer as they belted out "this is my fight song, take back my life song, prove I'm alright song". It was a perfect way to end our day long field trip. I was honored to spend the day with such respectful and kind young people. Nathan is part of a great class and has a wonderful teacher.
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