BAKER — Northwest Okaloosa County has always been a haven for outdoor recreation. Now, a class of 35 young anglers, hunters, boaters, hikers and campers will have an advantage over other outdoorsmen.
And they’re learning about careers well suited to lovers of the great outdoors.
This school year, Baker P.E. Coach Scott Varnum has started an outdoor education class modeled on Crestview High School’s acclaimed program.
“We’re mirroring what Ernie Martin does at Crestview,” Varnum said of the course Martin started.
Like Martin’s, Varnum’s class is an elective and, like Martin’s, it promptly filled up almost as soon as it was announced.
This past week, students not only learned valuable skills including boating and water safety, but also discovered career opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts.
Tuesday, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers visited the class. Wednesday, Florida Forest Service rangers did.
At the end of the week, biologists from the Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center hatchery introduced students to outdoor-oriented science careers.
“We’re trying to give them different opportunities to learn about careers in the outdoors,” Varnum said. “This class gets them an education outside the four walls of the classroom.”
During the course, students also earn their state hunter safety cards and boater safety certificates, Varnum said.
“But this week has been a sort of career week for us,” Varnum said. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of good state agencies to work with in this class.”
Students have already embraced the program.
“I love the outdoor class that Baker has got this year!” sophomore Shawn McLeod said. “It gives students that love the outdoors an opportunity to learn more about the outdoors.
“I thank Coach Varnum for allowing this awesome program.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker starts new outdoor education course (PHOTOS, VIDEO)