Students gain from learning outside the classroom

Indigenous hoop dancers Lumhe and Samsoche Sampson perform in ceremonial dress with multiple hoops in the gym at the Brainerd High School. — Indigenous hoop dancers Lumhe, left, and Samsoche Sampson perform Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Brainerd High School.

By Kelly Humphrey

March 27, 2022 at 8:00 AM

Students had an opportunity for learning experiences, service projects and fun activities outside the traditional classroom for Warrior Day at Brainerd High School Friday, March 25.
"The day will include many activities that will focus on school positive school culture, community, service projects, and social/emotional mental health resources for our students," the school district reported, noting the day was an endeavor to bring learning to the students in a different way, have fun and work on positive personal connections with classmates.

Polar Plunge for Special Olympics in the BHS parking lot.

1/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

2/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

3/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

4/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

5/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

6/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

7/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

8/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

9/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

10/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

11/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

12/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

13/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

14/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

15/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

16/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

17/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

18/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

19/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

20/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

21/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

22/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

23/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

24/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

25/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

26/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

27/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

28/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

29/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

30/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

31/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

32/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

33/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

34/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

35/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

36/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

37/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

38/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

39/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

40/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

41/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

42/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

43/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

44/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

45/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

46/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

47/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

48/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

49/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

50/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

51/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

52/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

53/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

54/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

55/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

56/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

Students and faculty jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

57/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

58/109: Students and faculty jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

59/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

60/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

61/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

62/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

63/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

64/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

65/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

66/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

67/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

68/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

69/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

70/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

71/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

72/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

73/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

74/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

75/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

76/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

77/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

78/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

79/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

80/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

81/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

82/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

83/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

84/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

85/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

86/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

87/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

88/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

89/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

90/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

91/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

92/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

93/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

94/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

95/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

96/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

97/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

98/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

99/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

100/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

101/109: Students and faculty jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

102/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

103/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

104/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

105/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

106/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

107/109: Students and faculty jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

108/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

109/109: Students jump into frigid water during the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Friday, March 25, 2022, in the Brainerd High School parking lot.

A host of activities included a Polar Plunge for Special Olympics in the BHS parking lot. Other service projects included the Outreach Program Mobile Pack, a nonprofit that packages meals for people in need. Events included a job fair, team building activities, art projects, talent show, food booths, an escape room, seed planting, trivia game, visiting animals at the agricultural greenhouse, rock climbing, blanket making for Heartland Animal Rescue Team, painting kindness rocks and writing letters or notes to seniors living in area nursing homes, among others.

World-renowned dancers Lumhe and Samsoche Sampson (Mvskoke Creek/Seneca) known as the Sampson Brothers gave the students a look at Indigenous hoop dancing, creating shapes while moving to music. The Sampson Brothers strive to promote cultural pride, unity, and hope by setting a positive example through art, education, and dance. The Sampson Brothers report they hope to give back to their tribe, and the Indigenous community as a whole, by breaking stereotypes and thus creating opportunities for generations to come.

Indigenous hoop dancer Lumhe Sampson performs at the Brainerd High School. — Indigenous hoop dancer Lumhe Sampson performs Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Brainerd High School.

By Kelly Humphrey

Growing up in the Brainerd lakes area I realized that I never wanted to leave, so it is a true blessing that I was able to find a job at the Dispatch doing something I love. As a visual journalist, I work in the mediums of photography and videography to bring our readers everything from sports, hard news, weather and local events to slice of life documentation of our coverage area.

Students gain from learning outside the classroom

Indigenous hoop dancers were part of events and activities at Brainerd High School for a day when students could take part service and art projects and have fun with their classmates.