Local schools attend field days at WPofCC

Carlyle students play human foosball during at Whispering Pines of Clinton County. Photos by Matt Wilson    ThereCarlyle student Jax Radake strikes a ball during field day at Whispering Pines of Clinton County. were a combined six schools that went to Whispering Pines of Clinton County (WPofCC) for field days this year.
    Schools at field days this year included New Baden second-graders; Nashville seventh-graders; Breese District 12 eighth-graders; Breese District 12 fourth-graders; Carlyle Grade School first- through fourth-graders; all grades at Albers Elementary School; and St. Mary's Grade School in Centralia.
    The biggest group was Carlyle Grade School with a combined 392 individuals on the grounds: 242 students and 150 supervisors.
    Field days at Whispering Pines started in 2023 and has expanded since then. Bartelso School was invited to Whispering Pines in 2023 and since then superintendent Tom Siegler has been one of the biggest supporters. They now have eight to nine schools coming out each May for their own field day.Fish kiss! A variety of games and activities around the lake A team of Whispering Pines volunteers goes out to each school with large posters and information and invite them out for a field day. WPofCC is open year round so field day can happen during any month, but most schools use it as an end-of-the-year celebration.
    Field day consists of a variety of activities and games such as kickball, bags, hillbilly golf, Jenga, frisbee golf, walk the plank, gaga pit, human foosball, a three-quarter mile hike and scavenger hunt around the lake finding statues of animals and real creatures of the forest within view of the trail, slingshots, archery, canoeing, fishing, campfire building contest, and any other games or activities that schools want to bring such as face painting, arts and crafts, music, dancing, bounce house, obstacle course, parachute games and egg toss.
    Whispering Pines of Clinton County volunteers, teachers and parents all oversee the field days. WPofCC staff sees that students and families enjoy their time in nature, together and with friends. They engage with the natural beauty of their surroundings and express themselves while interacting with peers. They see it as a stress-free fun day for everyone as they have WPofCC all to themselves on their day.
    The WPofCC volunteers said they like to see the smiles and laughter of every person who comes out. It is a relaxed experience to be free and enjoy life among friends encouraging them to try new things. The goal of the field days is to provide youth a place to express themselves, learn, and be happy. Staff hear many students and teachers say, "See you next year," and they can't wait to come back.Carlyle student Vayda Timmermann throws a frisbee during frisbee golf at Whispering Pines of Clinton County.
    Five schools have already scheduled field days for 2027. Any school that wants to be a part of field days can call or text Geri Huels at 618-830-6707 to reserve a day.
    WPofCC is having an "All Faculty, Staff and Family Appreciation Day" on June 6. It is for working or retired faculty. There will be a free shirt for the first 100 youth signed up for the fishing tournament that day. Lunch is provided. Text or call 618-604-2484 to let WPofCC staff know who many people are coming in your group.
    The next public event at WPofCC is the Memorial Day ceremony from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, May 25, in the lodge. All commemorative bricks and benches will be honored. Deacon Dan Laquet, Vietnam veteran Mike Detmer, Marge Detmer, and Greg Riechman are the presenters. There will be refreshments and tours after the ceremony.