When your teacher is heavily involved with maintaining the local trail systems – and so is one of your grandparents – you get to do some cool projects in class. Ms Spensley’s grade 5/6s at McKim Middle School became sign makers this spring! A number of trails in the Lois Creek Trails of Kimberley were identified as needing new signs, so the students make it their Beyond Recycling EcoChallenge/(delayed) Earth Day project to make new ones.
We had a grandparent volunteer, Scott Bodaly, who has made signs for Lois Creek Trails before, lead the wood working portion of this project. He was great working with the kids and keeping us on task. Thanks Scott!
We started by sanding the wood nice and smooth. The students then printed the trail names and added some decorative flair. We got trees, footprints, a wavy trail, flowers and more. There is so much character in these signs!
Next, our volunteer Scott used his router to etch out the text and decor. Finally, the students could stain the wood and add white paint to the lettering. This project took us two afternoons and was a great match for our June energy.
Most of these signs won’t be installed until after a larger maintenance project in the trails, but when they do, these students will be sure to go out looking for their contribution to a beloved community asset! 
