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Grade Level 2nd
Background: The German Army in Italy surrendered May 2, 1945 and war in Europe ended five days later on May 7, 1945. The 10th Mountain Division was assigned post war duty in Yugoslavia (currently Slovenia) for a brief time before returning to the US. Upon their return the soldiers, were discharged and began the challenge of returning to civilian life. Many of the 10th returned to their first love; of mountains, of skiing, of mountaineering, of climbing and just an enormous love and appreciation of the outdoors. The activity for grade two will revolve around the legacy of the 10th in their contributions to the love of the mountains and outdoors. The activities designated will require the assistance of an adult.
Objective: Student will participate in an outdoor activity and describe their experience in a written journal.
Option 1 – A Day in the Snow
Many younger students have already gained an appreciation for the outdoors by learning how to ski, snowboard or just spending a day playing in the snow. For some, this love of winter recreation has been handed down from their 10th ancestor.
To complete this activity the student will be required to spend a few hours skiing, snowboarding or just playing in the snow. Please have a picture taken of the student during this activity.
The student is then to download and complete:
My 10th Mountain Division Outdoor Journal Experience
Upon completion of the activity you can either scan the journal and photo and email to vrios913@aol.com or the photo and journal can be mailed to:
Val Rios
6816 S Maple Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725
Include the name and address of the student who will be receiving the certificate and patch.
We would like to include the photo in the next edition of the 10th Mountain Division Association digital newsletter, the Blizzard. Please indicate your permission to do so.
Option 2 – Camping/Backpacking
Many families have introduced their children to the outdoors through camping, hiking or backpacking. For some, this love of the outdoors has been handed down from their 10th ancestor.
To complete this activity the student will be required to spend a day/night camping, hiking or backpacking with family and/or friends. Please have a picture taken of the student during this activity.
The student is then to download and complete:
My 10th Mountain Division Outdoor Journal Experience
Upon completion of the activity you can either scan the journal and photo and email to vrios913@aol.com or the photo and journal can be mailed to:
Val Rios
6816 S Maple Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725
Include the name and address of the student who will be receiving the certificate and patch.
We would like to include the photo in the next edition of the 10th Mountain Division Association digital newsletter, the Blizzard. Please indicate your permission to do so.
Option 3 – A Walk in the Park
The soldiers of the 10th, as part of their conditioning and training, spent many hours walking or hiking. At Camp Swift they would often go on what became known as their “25 Mile Speed March.” In Italy, they would continue marching and hiking to keep them in shape and to challenge them for what the war might bring.
Not all 10th descendants and their families live near or have easy access to the mountains for skiing or hiking. This activity will allow students to still experience the appreciation of the outdoors within their town or neighborhood.
To complete this activity the student will be required to spend a couple of hours in a local park enjoying the outdoors and whatever the park may have to offer. Please have a picture taken of the student during this activity.
The student is then to download and complete:
My 10th Mountain Division Outdoor Journal Experience
Upon completion of the activity you can either scan the journal and photo and email to vrios913@aol.com or the photo and journal can be mailed to:
Val Rios
6816 S Maple Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725
Include the name and address of the student who will be receiving the certificate and patch.
We would like to include the photo in the next edition of the 10th Mountain Division Association digital newsletter, the Blizzard. Please indicate your permission to do so.
10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc. 