Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette Hancock Schools Superintendent Steve Patchin on Friday announced the creation of a K-12 summer learning program, along with a summer adventure program for grades 4-8.

HANCOCK — Superintendent Steve Patchin announced Friday afternoon that Hancock Schools has teamed up with other area school districts to create the Northern Lights Summer Learning Program.

The districts included are:

– Lake Linden-Hubbell Schools

– Chassell Schools

– Copper Country Intermediate School District

– Hancock Public Schools

“We have just applied for funds from the state of Michigan to run the program,” said Patchin.

The programs will operate Monday – Thursday each week, from 9 a.m. Noon and include lunch for all students. Sessions will begin June 21 and end August 12.

“These fun and engaging learning experiences will be held for all K-12 students interested in participating from the participating districts,” Patchin said. “The high school learning programs will be, course, specific and count toward graduation requirements. All learning programs will be taught face-to-face.”

In addition to the Northern Lights Summer Program, there will also be the Northern Lights Summer Adventure Program, for which, said Patchin, funding has already been applied.

The Northern Lights Summer Adventure Program will be for students in grades 4 through 8 attending Hancock Public Schools, Lake Linden – Hubbell Schools, Chassell School, and the CCISD. It will run on most Tuesdays and two Thursdays during the summer. Adventure activities include:

– Paddle Boarding & Kayaking with Portage Paddle Sports – PPS staff will instruct students on proper paddle board and kayak use. Students will get the opportunity to use equipment during this time segment.

– Michigan Technological University Low Element Course – Students will participate in a low element course that doesn’t require the harness or equipment needed in the high ropes course. Students will move and work together to conquer obstacles such as “the wall”, “tire/hula hoop pole”, and the “spider web”. These team building exercises will emphasize a student’s role and responsibilities as part of a team, the importance of clear and timely communication, and the importance of preparation, persistence, and perseverance in facing challenging tasks.

– Canyon Falls Hike and L’Anse Waterfront Park/Splash Pad – Students will hike Canyon Falls nature trail, followed by a picnic/play at the L’Anse Waterfront Park and Splash Pad. They will explore the science of nature, developing healthy exercise habits and how to explore the beauty and serenity of a nature hike.

-Disc Golf and Lake Linden Park Picnic – Students will learn and play the game of disc golf on a 9 hole course.

-Bare Bluff Hike & Haven Falls – Students will hike the .75 mile trail from the parking lot to the trail split, then continue on the easiest trail to the Bare Bluff lookout. Students will hike back down the same way. Students will then be transported to Jacob’s Falls in Lac Labelle for snack/refreshments.

– Houghton SkatePark and Outdoor Games – Students will utilize the Houghton skate park for biking, blading, or scootering. Net games will be set up in the grass for badminton and/or spike ball. Frisbee, soccer, and other games can be played as well.

– Quincy Mine Hoist Tour – Students will tour the Quincy Mine Hoist by foot. The entire tour lasts approximately two and a half hours, and involves walking 2000 feet into the mine. Topics include in-depth discussions of geology, technology, the significance of the Copper Country in America’s growth and development, and social change in the area.

– Canal Bicycle Cruise – Students will partake in a leisure bike ride along the Houghton Canal. The group will start at Kestner Park and head to the Nara Bridge/Boardwalk (if accessible). Students will walk the boardwalk before biking back to Kestner. Bikes will be rented from Portage Paddle Sports or students can bring their own if preferred. These are existing public biking trails developed from the old railroad grades that brought tourists and supplies to the area from as far away as Detroit and Chicago

– Fish with Friends – Jim LeBeske, who is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed and Charter Boat Captain, will host a fishing clinic where students will learn about the basics of the sport, what our area has to offer, and even have the opportunity to fish themselves! Advanced anglers will have a separate session hosted for them. All catches will be documented and shared through our local media outlets.

– Geocaching in the Porcupine Mountains & Lake of the Clouds – Students will head to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park to learn about the popular activity of geocaching. Organized by the DNR, this 1 hour program teaches students the basics of GPS and how to use it to discover hidden “caches”. Students will then take the short hike to the scenic “Lake of the Clouds.”

– Aquatic Insect Hike and Lake of the Clouds – Students will head to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park where students will explore the underwater world in the Union River, collect live insects using nets and identify what was caught before releasing specimens back to the river. Nets are provided and the program lasts approximately 1 hour. Students will then take the short hike to the scenic “Lake of the Clouds” for a spectacular view.

– Pictured Rocks Boat Tour – Students will partake in a scenic boat tour that cruises the infamous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This 2 hour tour consists of history and local area facts, as well as views of multiple rock formations, Grand Island, and the famous Miners Castle. This is definitely one of the most fascinating experiences Lake Superior has to offer.

“Stay tuned for more information regarding the programs and how to sign up for them as enrollment is limited,” Patchin said. “We are very excited about being able to offer this unique and engaging programming for our students, and for the opportunity to collaborate with our partnering district and ISD.”