New Beginnings

Today is the first day of the rest of sixth grade... or so to speak! We are up at camp and having a BLAST! The children are soaking it all in. I've seen them making new friends with their own classmates as well as the kids from other schools. I can see the changes already starting to happen within them. It's an amazing week to be a part of and I wish there was a way for all of the families to be "flies on the wall" up here... or maybe "critters in the forest"!
When we arrived on Monday it was clear that they were going to have a great time up here. OLMC was first to arrive and then SLOT (St. Lawrence O'Toole) showed up soon after. The kids got settled into their cabins and began their hiking adventures. Some were still hesitant but I could see them beginning to embrace the idea! Dinner that night was barbeque chicken, white rice and veggies with corn bread. They were STARVING! They really enjoyed it and then especially liked the chocolate pudding for dessert! After dinner we enjoyed a campfire where they could be silly, dance and sing! Bedtime came around 10pm. The kids were sleepy but also excited about all that had happened the first day.
Tuesday was a new day and a new theme. The kids were going to take their first hike of the week and the theme was community. I chose to go with a group and we went down to the creek. We had a great time, hiking and learning about the environment and how everything is hitched to everything else in this world. The kids had a fun time trying to come up with one thing that was not connected to us in this world and they never did. Everything tied back to us and one student made a great statement: "Everything is connected to us because God made everything and God made us so we are all connected!" It's great to see what they have learned back in the classroom come to life up here in conversations with their adventure groups. At one point we went up a very steep (but safe) hill and I wasn't sure I was going to make it. All of my students from OLMC were at the top encouraging me and offering to help! Even thought I needed to get on my hands and knees to make it up parts, I did it and it was so special to see the kids at the top supporting me and congratulating me for my success. This is why I teach 6th grade. These moments are what make all the hard work worth it. After our hikes the kids got to do electives: archery, gaga ball, arts and crafts and creative writing. The kids LOVED these activities even though they were hoping sleep was one of their choices for electives! (THEY WERE POOPED!) After the electives was free time, a chance for them to shower, rest, write letters and get relaxed. Dinner was spaghetti, salad and bread.. YUMMY! Then it was time to prepare for the night hike! You could tell the nerves were high, but they all did a great job and supported each other through the fear. You could see the pride on their face at the end of it! Bed time was 9:30pm and they were soooo sleepy! The boys were definitely quieter than the girls cabins, but the girls didn't seem to care... they were happier being chatty with each other and bonding over girl talk, while the boys like to be mellow and relax before bed. Eventually... they all got to sleep!
Wednesday is here and today was a creek study day. After breakfast (breakfast burritos) the kids had a chance to meet with their class and me to review the week so far and make graffiti sheets. They will receive these when they get home and hopefully share with you. They have just returned from their creek hikes and are about to start a fun detective activity. I can hear the buzz outside and the excitement is permeating through the woods. I look forward to the next two days of adventure and memories and I thank you all for allowing me to bring them up here for this awesome experience! See you all on Friday!
Caritas Greetings,
Miss B :)