Rhema Grade 7 students experienced some history during their trip to Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario.
Fort Henry trip teaches students British history
Friday, May 25, 2007 -- Karl Nielsen, Grade 7 teacher
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 22 and 23, the Grade 7 class spent 24 hours as new recruits in the British Army in North America, circa 1867.  The recruits joined the famed Fort Henry Guard in Kingston Ontario.

During their time, they were taught proper equipment care, barracks inspection, marching on the parade ground, the uses (and abuses) of various weapons, including at 24 pounder artillery piece and several different muskets and carbines, and how the education of soldiers' children was carried out. 

They were also schooled in the fife, drum and bugle, as well as the various disciplinary measures meted out in the 19th century to "wayward" soldiers. 

Rhema students experienced history at Fort Henry May 22 and 23.

Finally, they learned proper respect for the British flag, and how it is to be taken down and raised in the evening and morning respectively.

There were tales of daring, mystery and suspense — even a few designed to scare us as we slept in the deserted Fort overnight! 

The following day, all recruits, having served their time with distinction, were granted honourable discharges and given a certificate bearing the name of Queen Victoria herself.  A fitting end to the Victoria Day weekend!

On the way home, the group visited the Corrections Museum, located in the former Warden's home across the street from Kingston Penitentiary, the first and oldest prison in Canada.

A great time was had by all! Thanks to Fort Henry, the Grade 7 class and especially the parent chaperones, Mr. Scott, Mr. Haagsma, Mr. Landry (nice Kilt, there, laddie!) and Mrs. Carter.  An extra special thanks to Mrs. Carol Ann Thompson who organized and prepared our "mess tent" activities. Great job, everybody! At ease!