The article written below was contributed by Katie Gray, the Schools in Parks Specialist at Lake James State Park. Katie writes about an entire Elementary School visiting their park, all K-5 students, one class at a time, to give the kids there an opportunity to see what the natural looks like just outside their back door. This is exactly what the NC Science Trail is all about, and we’re so thrilled to share with you this incredible story of collaboration and exploration. Two things we love dearly.
Written and contributed by Katie Gray, Lake James State Park
Just a short drive from Lake James State Park, hundreds of students from Nebo Elementary School recently discovered that adventure, learning, and inspiration can be found right in their own backyard. This year, Principal Ashley Bagwell set out with an ambitious and heartfelt goal: every single student at Nebo Elementary would visit the park, participate in an educational program, and become an official Junior Ranger. The idea grew naturally from the school’s theme for the 2025–2026 school year: Adventure Awaits: Explore, Learn, Grow. “It felt like an easy segue to taking our kids on an adventure,” Bagwell explained. “We live in such a beautiful area that many of our families don’t explore.” For many students, the park had always been nearby—but never truly experienced.
Removing Barriers to Exploration
When planning field trips, Bagwell knew affordability had to be a priority. Many families already juggle tight budgets, and traditional field trips can add financial stress. That’s when the answer became obvious. Lake James State Park offered everything the school needed: a free destination, close proximity, and an incredible outdoor classroom. Because the park sits just minutes away from the school, transportation costs were minimal, allowing the trips to be accessible for all students. But the inspiration went deeper than logistics. Bagwell recalls watching a close friend’s daughter grow up exploring North Carolina’s parks. “She spent a lot of time exploring our state parks when she was in elementary school,” Bagwell said. “It gave her and her family quality time together while discovering what our state has to offer.” Those experiences planted a seed—one that grew into a school-wide adventure.
Turning Students into Junior Rangers
To make the trips even more meaningful, Bagwell added another goal: every student would become a Junior Ranger. Working alongside park staff and Schools in Parks Specialist, Katie Gray, Nebo teachers helped students complete the park’s Junior Ranger activities before being officially sworn in. The program goes far beyond a simple badge. “The Junior Ranger program is great for students to connect with the park beyond taking a hike and looking at nature,” Bagwell said. “It allows them to provide service and become invested in the park itself.” That sense of ownership can spark something powerful. “I feel like it’s a great motivator to get them to want to visit other state parks in North Carolina.” And judging by the smiles, proud badge ceremonies, and excited storytelling back at school, that spark is already catching.
Discovering First-Time Adventures
One of the most memorable aspects of the trips was realizing how many students were experiencing outdoor exploration for the first time. The 1st grade group took their adventures the extra mile and added hiking the whole Paddy’s Creek Trail! “Several students were excited for the hike,” Bagwell shared. “Many kids said they had never been on a hike before.” From forest trails to lakeside beaches, the park became a living classroom where curiosity thrived. Students observed wildlife, explored ecosystems, and simply enjoyed the freedom to move, discover, and wonder. Kindergarten students even took an extra stop through the park’s visitor center—an addition teachers quickly recommended for future trips. “Every teacher has loved the trips,” Bagwell said. “I’ve heard nothing but good things.”
Making Outdoor Education Inclusive
Of course, bringing an entire school to the outdoors comes with challenges. One student needed additional accessibility planning, but the park staff and teachers worked together to ensure everyone could participate. The solution was simple but powerful: collaboration. Park staff met with the teacher ahead of time to plan an inclusive experience so the student could fully engage in the activities. And when Nebo’s Pre-K class couldn’t travel to the park, the park came to them with an in-classroom visit. The result? Every student was included in the adventure.
A Model for Other Schools
What started as an idea tied to a school theme quickly became something much bigger—a reminder that powerful learning experiences don’t have to be far away or expensive. Sometimes, the best classroom is just down the road.
For other school leaders considering similar trips, Bagwell’s message is simple: look around you.
Communities across North Carolina are surrounded by parks, forests, and natural spaces waiting to inspire the next generation. When children step outside—when they hike a trail, touch lake water, listen for birds, or proudly raise their hand to take the Junior Ranger oath—they aren’t just learning science or history. They’re discovering that the natural world belongs to them, too. And for the students of Nebo Elementary, that discovery has only just begun.
The rangers at Lake James enjoyed hosting these incredible students and hope to see them all again real soon! It is not an easy feat to get every student in a K-5 school to a park for a program in one year, Ashely Bagwell had the ambition to make this adventure happen for her students and staff. Each student left with the message that Lake James is their park, their responsibility, and theirs to enjoy.