St. Croix 6th Graders Learn Salt River History Through ‘Ticket To Ride’ Program

Project Promise, an organization that exists to help improve the lives of at-risk youth on St. Croix by providing empowerment initiatives, cultural programs, and family services, recently announced a partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) to produce Salt River’s 2015 ‘Ticket to Ride’ program. The program offers sixth grade students in St. Croix’s public schools the opportunity to visit and learn about the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve with cooperative agreement funding being provided by the National Park Service.

“This joint effort is in response to the Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell’s call to invest in the next generation of National Park Stewards,” NPS Education and Interpretation Chief David Goldstein said.

‘Ticket to Ride’ is the first of its kind offered by Project Promise, and organizers are anticipating that over 500 students will participate by the project’s completion.

Students work on Taino cosmology project at Salt River Bay

The three-point program, designed by Project Promise President Resa O’Reilly and NPS, includes an introduction to the park at the school; followed by an on-site park tour; and a post-experience, in-class visit by the instructor to review what was learned. All three parts take place in the same week.

The National Park Visitor Center will introduce the students to Salt River Bay’s history. Students will get to explore the culture of the indigenous Taino through artifacts and a PowerPoint presentation, discover the story of Columbus’ encounter where it occurred, and learn about Taino cosmology in a craft-making exercise. Students will also tour the park’s west side and learn about the natural resources through ranger-lead activities.

During the post-experience activities, students will participate in Q&A sessions retelling what they learned about Salt River Bay’s historical and natural significance.

“The ‘Ticket to Ride’ program is an excellent opportunity for our students to learn about Salt River Bay’s rich and vibrant history in an interactive and fun way. The kids are really enjoying this program,” O’Reilly said.

To learn more about Project Promise, go here.

Feature Image: ‘Ticket to Ride’ participants learn about Salt River Bay’s history