Wow!

Parlapanides went for the entire trip, as did Principal Douglas Corbett. Berkeley Board of Education member Salvatore Ferlise bucked the district tide and stayed all three days at Stokes in Sussex County.

So did Berkeley Township police Capt. Christian Roth, Sgt. David Britton, Detective Will Cullen, and D.A.R.E. officer Scott Selby.

So i take it these great servants volunteered their time and were not paid by the taxpayers to baby sit

Bitch Bitch Bitch. Damed if they do and if they don't. Doesn't matter what they do it will be wrong. BITCH BITCH BITCH!

A 12 year old was rushed to the hospital on this trip. Is this how the reporter defines "Without a Hitch."

Why was this not in the story then? What is the reason for holding back information? I am sure if one of them was your child you wouldn't say it went off without a hitch.

What about the girls caught outside their cabins at 3am without chaperones? Or the amount of garbage left outside the cabins with bears in the area?

As a 50 year old man that still has vivid memories of our time at Stokes, some 40-something years ago, I commend all the volunteers that made this possible. These are memories that will last a lifetime for those children.

Are some of these people for real?? Obviously, Ms Hopson never had the opportunity to attend this wonderful event. A bus filled with medical supplies?? Really?? Lighten up Francis. You are whats wrong with the world today. Lets the kids be kids. Kids have been going there for 43 years!! 43!!! What gives you the right to take that away from them?? Look in the mirror sometime.

Well done Mr. Morey and all that gave their time, you all are whats right in the world

It astounds me how much misinformation gets spread around. As someone who has been on this trip for many, many years, I can only wonder where this information comes from. Has anyone asked their sources for validation or at least the name or number of where to verify it? Perhaps you were there and saw this yourself? Doubtful, since only dedicated, caring members of the community supported those that fought so hard to continue this program. Please ask about your concerns before attacking anonymously.

Way to go Dr. P and Central. To all the negative responders.Yes, This is the first we are hearing that a child injured their ankle and one got a cut. As long as the trip has been going on in Berkeley, Im sure other students have had minor injuries. You can not go on an adventure in the woods and not! As long as the kids were supervised and the injuries were handled and treated properly, what was the problem?The same injuries could have happened at school too. So, lets hear about some of the good things that happened... Like the fun the kids had, or something new they learned or how they got the chance to touch a snake for the first time...

Well said Peggy.... And yes, if you are going to attack people.. Please have the guts to at least use your real name!!!!!

Peggy, What does the "E" in "ER" stand for? That is where this child ended up. I am not attacking the trip, it just that the reporter chose to omit facts back from the story.

As Joe Friday said..."Just the facts."

Its just a shame that a few years back "SOMEONE" desides they dont think the trip is necessary and a school tradition that has been part of the curriculum for so many years gets thrown away. Claiming not enough money in the budget and taxpayers should not have to foot the bill. Well, between the taxpayers that donated or took part in fundraisers and the Central Admin. that sent their teachers after their school year had ended at no additional cost and lent their bus's, Berkeley needs to rethink the whole process see ecactly where the problem lies! If the same Berkeley Teachers are "Tired" of going or organizing, give other Berkeley teachers a chance. If not, this is a prime example of how shared services works even on such short notice. We need to think of our kids and what is best for them and not the Politician's that are running our Elementary schools... So as I startes... Way to go Dr. P. and Central!!!!!

Besty, are you trying to be funny with your comment "Like the fun the kids had, or something new they learned or how they got the chance to touch a snake for the first time..."

Leave the Sandusky jokes and your blue humor at the door please.

I have to seriously ask what the heck is going on here? The trip was under scrutiny for it's past poor perfomances and now there seems to be a cover up of incidents which may or may not have gone on. Then I look and see a "pile on" of comments from people directly connected with the school system as well as the trip trying to promote it as a good thing. One person brings something to everyones attention then then they are chastized for speaking out? What is going on here? Is this a public relations page for the trip? Let's be honest and stop the nonsense people, we can see what you are tryng to do here and it's being exposed.

Steve... Not trying to be funny at all. But as someone who went on the trip and loved it... This is all very sad!!!!!!

This whole started because the reporter said the trip went off "without a hitch." I wonder if the reporter was at Ford's Theatre 150 years ago, would they write a review of the play and fail to mentioning the shooting of President Lincoln?

If the trip was such a success and then were a few minor incidents, let the public decide that. The very definition of a reporter is to report and not editorialize. My post was responded to 6 minutes after I wrote it. The reporter chose not to include the facts. That is all!

Well folks as usual, a COWARD hiding behind a screen name comes forth to bash the program. "Steve Vision" you must be one of the 4 people that were so vehemently against this program and it must burn you up that it went through in spite of you. What I do know is that none of you come out in the daylight to spew your venom or are man enough to face the foundation or the community with your questions or concerns, but you hide behind screen names and undermine all the good that has been done. Your Sandusky remark just goes to show how sick and twisted you are and the lengths you will go to to tarnish an incredible learning experience. Oh yes, of course you would say the reporter omitted facts, do you have any idea how long this article would have been had she put all the facts about everything the kids did up there that was good and educational. Should she have listed 178 childrens names and the # of times they smiled or said "that's cool"? Get a grip! Also, they call it an "Emergency Room" because "I have a concern over this minor injury/situation, but my doctor's office isn't open right now, or I am too far from home", WON'T fit on the sign. And face it, if they hadn't taken him to the medical facility you would have been screaming that they were negligent. All the chaperones chose to "err on the side of caution", who better than to take your child to an ER than a marine, EMT, former Bayville First Aid Squad member, and Berkeley Township Police Officer all rolled into one?

Idiom Definitions for 'Without a hitch'
If something happens without a hitch, nothing at all goes wrong.

We live in the Pine Barrens, right in our own back yard, a wonder of nature and still many areas are untouched by civiliation. We are proud of our township and surrounding areas, yet we send the kids off to another part of the state, spending thousands of dollars (in the past taxpayers' dollars) and speak about the progress made by such a program. Why couldn't this prgram, in some sort of manner, be done in our own backyard to teach the students the natural wonders in their own backyard? In politics they call that a junket.

It seems like all the comments that are positive are from people employed by the school. A google search proves that. Why are they so angry? Someone pointed out that a child was hurt on the trip. If nothing bad happened, then what is the big deal discussing this? If you care about the children let all the information be out there. No reason to hide anything.

I honestly believe that if all interested parties would sit down and discuss this program, as well as many others, our children would surely benefit.
Many programs, including foreign language and computer technology have been negatively impacted by the current economic climate. So, we should allow environmental ed. to join these ranks?
It's very easy to hide behind a screen name, to type comments without eye contact. Step out in public and voice your opinion - but please check your facts first.
Education is becoming a business. The only problem is - our "products" can not be returned or discarded. It's up to us to give them every tool, skill, and advantage. We're fighting for our students, they deserve it.
In answer to some comments - transparency is a wonderful thing. "12 year old rushed to the hospital" Rushed?? "babysit" - have you seen the program? Why has no one asked how many similar injuries happen every day at school, at home, at the park, on the ballfield, etc.? Girls caught at 3am w/out chaperones? Where?? What garbage? "e" as in emergency room - did you ask what preceded that visit? did you ask iwhat happened, what treatment? Sandusky jokes - are you serious?
I HAVE seen the joy on those faces - catching a first fish, reading animal signs, seeing live animals, up close and personal, working as a team to complete a challenge, canoe across the lake, spy a deer grazing for food, I can go on forever.

I have had the pleasure of many a conversation with alumni who recall Stokes with fond memories. Some quite far in the distant past, others most recentwho want to go again.
Ask questions, by all means. Get the facts. And support the students, they are the future...

Gerry Morey and everyone who worked so hard to make this trip a reality for these kids are to be commended. Thank you.

So many in this town are far too selfish, negative, look for any excuse not to do something, and rarely lift a finger do to anything for anyone else.

Here's to an even better trip next year! Next, fix the Berkeley School Board situation?

tnk, so are you saying that the mayor "authorized 4 police officers to go" at taxpayer expense, as in highly priced chaperones on the townships dime? Even if not so, were the officers compensated with days off or by some other means not seen on paper? I'm still baffled at how people don't get this is NOT the same program from years ago, especially when the curriculum no longer is taught as we also get rid of teachers for cheap computer programs telling everyone there is no money in the bdget only to fill political patronage jobs. Let's pretend that didn't happen and talk about what a fun time the kids had at a useless junket program which is no longer reenforced by academic courses. Where is the outrage? Close your eyes: Go to the Happy Place, Go to the Happy Place! Ahhhh.. that's better people. YOU ALL BETTER GET REAL.

It was my child in the ER. The hospital bill I received tells me otherwise.

As a parent of a student who went on the trip this year, I am extremely grateful that they did get to go. As his older brother went 2 years ago, it was important for him to have the experience too. Yes there was some differences to the trip, although they did not seem to matter to my son. He had an awesome time, and wants to go back. I applaud the people from Central Regional that stepped up and went on the trip even if it was last minute. I am glad to say at least Central is still in it for the kids. I was extremely disappointed in the staff from Berkeley boycotting the trip. Yes we have lots to do in our own backyard, but for many of these kids it will be the only time they get to go camping or even to go away with out their parents.
I thank Mrs. Whitford, Mr. Morey, Mrs. Crawford and the others who went above and beyond to make this trip happen. Although I was willing and did pay for my son to go, had the board approved the trip in Sept., I believe the foundation would have been able to raise enough funds for the trip and no one would have had to pay.
I think the board and administrators have lost touch with the meaning of education.

Do I think we should get rid of teachers for computers or Rosetta Stone programs, no, but I didn't think my child was learning a lot of Spanish when they only had the class 2 times a month.
The next to go would be the music program, they now have the same teacher teaching music and the band so my son only had band practice about once every 3rd week. They had 6 practice then a concert. Can you imagine what the concert sounded like.

Smitgerin' I don't understand where you are coming from by saying " but for many of these kids it will be the only time they get to go camping or even to go away with out their parents."
It's not like these students are under privileged children. In fact two children in my son's class took time off this year to spend school days in Disney. I'd be willing to wager that most of these children are going home to a nice air conditioned home with cable tv. Let's not try and pretend they are inner city fresh air children who never saw a tree before.
I didn't know that the music program was being cut back. Thank you for that information. The United States ranks 10th in the world's literacy rate. If someone who posted on here said it gives a child a chance to touch a snake for the first time. Go in the backyard or a petstore and do that. Use that money raised for better ways to help them learn and make it in the real world.

As a parent of a child who enjoyed a trip to Stokes in 5th grade and knowing the circumstances around this trip, I am disgusted by the attitudes of those who have anything negative to say about the teachers and administrators who made this trip a reality on their own time and their own dime. I am disgusted that there's money for other programs, usually sports, but not for a program that teaches our kids lessons about our state, our environment and the value of teamwork and determination. Thanks to those unselfish teachers and administrators who made this possible for the kids of Berkeley and shame on those who spew their politically charged and negative attitudes. Way to go to those who made Stokes 2012 happen - thanks for giving these lucky kids a memory that will last a lifetime and the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate our beautiful state.

Anne, you are so right. I wonder where some peoples' priorities are for the children/students or what exactly are their agendas. Reading their comments, it makes you wonder how involved some parents are in their child's life as they would rather see class trips over curriculum. The Stokes Junket provides no value, as it is not backed up with any classroom work but does provide, at best, a free night for the parents not to watch their children,

Stokes Junket has become a babysitting service which provides no real eduction, or follow up teaching, for these students.

The Berkeley Township School District's mission is to encourage students to become life-long learners by developing intellectual curiousity and a desire for discovery and knowledge.Experiential education is a process through which a learner constructs knowledge, skill, and value from direct experiences. I can't see where this program does not fit. After all is said and done, what is the issue? If it is a concern about what the science curriculum contains, encourage the district to enhance it, If the concern is tax dollars, that has already been addressed. We are not going to resolve the issue going back and forth online. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you are that adverse to the program, don't send your children or grandchildren. But don't limit the experiences that we can provide our students. All children learn differently and if we can offer the possibility of "differential" learning, what's the problem?

Not for nothing but i was one of those parents that PAYED for my son to go. He got in trouble at school on the wednesday before the trip. Just joking around and was repremanded at home and at school. Mrs Whitworth called to tell me that she would not bring my son who had no serious problems at school and was not a trouble maker he could not go on the trip because she did not want to be responsiable for him!! If you cant take responsibility for a child who has no serious problems in school how are you going to care for 169 other kids who you know nothing about?? I am still waiting for my money back from this wonderful township!! She had no right to single my son out.. when if fact other kids did get in trouble on the trip. I want it so that if any child gets in trouble though out the school year they should not be alowed to go on the trip at all... It should of been left up to the principal who said he could go then wanted nothing to do with an argument. Now I know why he wanted nothing to do the decision because he was running for super... hahaha what a joke. I am not that really involved but i will be from here on out!!

Dear readers,
I was a member of the 6th grade Class of 1970, Bayville Elementary School, on Route 9. . I remember my parents saving the money for me to go on the trip to Stoke's State Forest. The chaperone that I remember most was my teacher that year, Mr. George Meyes ( do not know correct spelling, pronouced: Mize). It was the a great trip, especially as Mr. Meyes loved nature and had a vast knowledge on the topic. Most memorable for me were the hikes in the mountains, the waterfalls and streams were bubbling with the melt-off of that winter's snows. I still have all of the pictures from the trip, and enjoy and cherish those memories.For me, as well as others of that age groug, it was the 1st time to venture far from home without being "under the eye of family supervision", a stepping-stone to adulthood. It was a very safe and well supervised event. The Park also had guides and or chaperones assigned to each school's participants, no strangers were allowed near the student's cabins or recreation areas. I do not remember anyone getting hurt, and I especially do not remember a bus filled with medical supplies staffed with any nurses. If someone had gotten hurt there, it would have been due to not listening to Mr. Meyes, he STRESSED SAFETY. But then we did not have ADT and all of that non-sense back then. Do not let this tradition fall to the wayside of "progress", due to the population explosion experienced by the town of Bayville. Signed, Jim Colvin, CRHS Class of '76