What’s a staycation?

Editor’s note: The following essays were chosen as the winning entries from Heather Hardin’s seventh grade language arts class at Anderson County Middle School. Students were required to write about “staycations,” and their peers voted on which article they wanted to submit to The Anderson News.
A staycation is doing something that will relax you, save you money, don’t have to stay in a hotel, and something that keeps you active as well.
Two weeks ago Anderson County Middle School seventh graders went to Elkhorn Creek for our field trip/staycation. The purpose of doing this trip was to get us moving, enjoying nature and having fun with our friends. There are a lot of questions I’ve been hearing from people like: “Where is Elkhorn Creek?” “How far is the creek?” “Is it safe?” Elkhorn creek is in Scott County, Georgetown, Kentucky. On our trip we went three miles up the creek. It’s pretty long and tiring, but it’s fun. Yes, it’s safe, unless you don’t use the equipment right.
I think you and your family should go to Elkhorn Creek, because it’s fun, active, and it’s a staycation close to home. I think the best reason why you and your family should go to Elkhorn Creek is because you will have good quality family time and it keeps everybody active. Another reason why you and your family should go to Elkhorn Creek is because you get good exercise and you stay cool when you get in the water. When me and my friends got in our canoe, we were soaked before we even got in the water. We also experienced a lot of teamwork on the trip.
We also had some great memories on the canoe trip. When my friends and I got on the canoe, we accidentally ran into a tree which was very funny. It was hard to get used to steering the canoe, but we finally got used to it. When we finished the three miles we got out to swim, and while we were trying to get out we flipped our canoe! The water was cold. But it was hot, so it felt good.
On our way back we had to do another three miles so all together we did six miles. On our way back we caught up with our friends, and because we were talking to them we didn’t pay attention to where we were going and we ran over a dead tree. Then we were even further behind, because I dropped my paddle in the water. Then we got even more away because we ran into trees with spiders on them. I screamed and jumped out of the boat, and then threw my paddle in the water. It was awful, but fun and funny also. We finally got back to shore and had lunch.
It was really awesome! I loved it. These are things you and your family will be doing on your staycation at Elkhorn Creek.
*Note: For more information on canoe rentals and local canoe trips you and your family can take, visit canoeky.com.