My name is Barry Sims. I am a 5th grade Science and Social Studies teacher at Laurel Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. For the past 15 years, I have been taking small groups of our students on field trips to the Appalachian Mountains. Our dream has always been to open these trips up to the entire 5th grade class, and this year - with your help - we are going to do just that - we have received over $25,000 so far from grants, organizations, and one large personal donation which is already more than half the total budget! Now we need your help to finish the job! Learn more in this Google slide presentation

WHO: 35 Laurel 5th Grade Students and 8 staff members

WHAT: A 5-day adventure to the Smoky Mountains that includes hiking the Appalachian Trail to the top of a mountain, swimming/fishing in gorgeous mountain lakes, horseback riding, zip-lining, rafting, camp crafts, campfires, s’mores, and ghost stories!

WHEN: May 12 - 16th, 2025

WHERE: Smoky Mountains & Nantahala River, Bryson City, NC

WHY: To help our students experience and reinforce the learning of geography, ecosystems, and other science/social studies concepts we study in the 5th grade in real life, as well as to use the real act of hiking to the top of a mountain as inspiration for working hard and not giving up to accomplish your goals in life!