The 6th graders are selling Larosa’s Buddy Cards again this year, to raise funds for an Urban Wilderness Canoe experience. Urban Wilderness is a program that partners with schools to give students an opportunity to build their own canoe and take it out on a field trip to a local park later that school year! Students received a non-traditional STEAM experience and learned team building skills as they constructed the canoe in October. They were placed in shifts for 6 days that parent volunteers graciously volunteered to monitor with the guidance of Urban Wilderness staff. After a few rain delays, the kids were finally able to take their canoe out on the water (with life jackets-don’t worry)! In addition, students learned how to fish!

We would love to make this a tradition for 6th graders as this is a key transitional year before they go on to their high school experience. We will use the funds raised from selling Buddy Cards, as well as auctioning off their handcrafted canoe (see Auction page), to offset the $3,500 cost for this year's 6th grade canoe experience. We also appreciate any donations toward the project (using the "I'd just like to donate" option). We will also be looking for volunteers to collect money and monitor small groups in the building process this October. Contact Caitlin Craft at craftca@cpsboe.k12.oh.us for more info.

The 2-person canoe is constructed of custom wood strips and polyethylene sheathing. It features hand woven seats and includes two oars. Auction winner to pick up canoe at Spencer Center campus by appointment. Thank you for your support!

https://www.urbanwildernessprogram.org/

CANOE AUCTION & FUNDRAISER!

Buy a Larosa's Buddy Card! Win this handmade canoe! Raise funds for 6th grader 2026-27 canoe project!