Mike Moses Elementary fifth-grader Xzavior Roque came to Camp Olympia in December already with some archery experience. And when the time came for his group of fellow students to go to the range, Xzavior got to lend some of his expertise to other campers, putting him in a bit of a different role than what happens in the normal school day.
Fifth-graders from Mike Moses stayed two nights at Camp Olympia, located in Trinity near Lake Livingston, just before Christmas.
The experience allowed Xzavior to step into the role of helper or instructor. “Everyone had fun,” he said, “and I got to help teach them.”
At Olympia, students participated in activities and lessons led by camp personnel who are also certified teachers. Activities ranged from canoeing and fishing to archery, horseback riding, forest ecology instruction, survival skills, bird watching and team building.
The camp also has a planetarium that provides close ups of the stars and features constellations for the students.
“I had heard for years about the tradition of students going away to camp in fifth grade, but I had never been given the opportunity to take a group of students,” said Mike Moses teacher Monica Gryder.
Some students went on a night hike into the forest. Each student carried a flashlight, but at one point those were switched off and camp instructors talked about eyesight adjusting to the pressing darkness in the rural setting.
“It illustrated to the kids that they too have night vision,” said Mike Moses principal Dr. Dana Solomon. “They just have to adapt to the darkness.”
There were other lessons interspersed throughout the three-day stay. It was on the night hike where students saw how wintergreen flavored LifeSavers would spark against teeth.
Science and history are two focuses of the camp, Gryder said, and many of the activities are geared towards those subjects. “It was wonderful to see kids who really struggle with school get a chance to have successes,” she said.
And there were plenty of activities to go around. Brayden Adams enjoyed the night hike, and Isha Bermejo described the long climb up to a giant swing with two other students. “I pulled the rope, and then you went up high,” Isha said. “Real high.”
And when Joseph Garcia went to fish, he also received a tour of the entire camp when the students rode on a trailer on the way to the lake. Joseph also remembered the visit to a cabin that was outfitted with what a 19th century home might look like.
All fifth-graders at Mike Moses were invited to attend camp, which included two nights away from home. A combination of district and campus funds covered the cost of attendance so parents did not have to pay anything, Solomon said.
“The kids became closer after spending those days together,” Solomon said. “They were able to build new friendships.”
In addition to teachers and campus administrators making the trip, parents served as chaperones at the camp.
“We had an amazing experience at a beautiful camp and can’t wait to go again next year,” Solomon said.