The second best Operation Squirrel ever

Teacher heads up in tree to raise money for trip
Associated Press

ROCKFORD, Mich. — David Buth is rewarding the tree-mendous fundraising efforts of some middle school students by spending 65 hours in a tree, mostly in a perch 40 feet above the ground.

It's all part of a deal the part-time science teacher at Rockford Christian School made with the students, who earned and collected thousands of dollars for a trip this summer to Teton Science Schools in Jackson, Wyo.

He calls it Operation Squirrel.

"When I was in elementary or middle school, I would have been fascinated by this," Buth told The Grand Rapids Press. "I've piqued their curiosity, and that's neat to see."

Eighteen sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders will join Buth and another teacher, Julie Barrett, on a two-week trek to Yellowstone and Badlands national parks, Mount Rushmore and other landmarks. The summer journey will include a week at the Teton Science Schools, where Buth taught while completing his master's degree in environmental science from the University of Wyoming.

Buth, 35, used ropes and pulleys on Monday to ascend the tree, which is on school property. He took along his hammock, a tarp and some other items.

While tree-bound, he is feasting on food supplied by parents and students. Tuesday's fare included a steak sandwich and homemade cookies.

On Wednesday, he was to descend 30 or so feet to fulfill his teaching responsibilities while still in the tree.

Operation Squirrel concludes Thursday morning.

Oh, elementary school educators will do anything to impress their kids. I remember my elemntary school principal once kissed a pig for some dumb thing we did. Sadly that was the precursor to swince flu.

But the 'Operation Squirrel' tag reminded me of a great plan once hatched by myself & Welch when Patton was working at Papa John's. We we're going to order a pizza to a false address and then hide in the bushes next door. Then we would run out and steal his car when he went to the door. It was foolproof but as usual we got apathetic and never did it. Now he's almost a lawyer.