This year, 5th-grade students from all Issaquah School District elementary schools will participate in a one-day camp at Camp Waskowitz. Cultural Bridges invited Jane Harris, the Principal of Apollo Elementary, to briefly introduce our 5th-grade families to this day camp and the expectations.
Cultural Bridges (CB): What is this Day Camp about, and what will it look like?
Jane Harris (JH): Camp Waskowitz is located just outside North Bend and is an all-inclusive one-day (10 am – 7 pm) outdoor education experience. All 5th-grade students in the Issaquah School District will have the opportunity to attend the same camp on specific days in April with their school’s 5 th-grade cohort.
CB: What activities will the 5th Grade Students be doing during the day?
JH: Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center is run by the Highline School District. It provides students in Highline, as well as students in other districts, with programs that focus on connecting with nature and personal growth. Students will be hiking, observing nature in an authentic setting, eating and learning on the trail, experiencing a true outdoor campfire, and an after-dinner dance!
CB: What will students learn from the camp?
JH: Students explore the forest’s settings to enhance their Northwest and Pacific Coast science and environmental education learning along with Northwest history. “Groups will hit the trail to learn, explore, observe, and connect with nature and each other!”
CB: What do parents need to prepare before the camp?
JH: The students’ teachers will be communicating with families about camp preparations, such as meal forms to indicate any food allergies, any medications need for a student during a day field trip, and permission slip to attend camp.
Parents need to make sure that the students are prepared to bring a water bottle, a backpack, and layers for variable weather; we could get rain, snow, wind, and sun up here! The cost of attending 5th Grade Day Camp is $85.00. This price includes transportation, lunch on the trail, dinner back at the camp lodge, after-dinner campfire, and dancing.
CB: What are the student expectations during the camp?
JH: Again, students should bring a water bottle filled with water, a backpack with essential items for themselves, and wear layers of comfortable hiking-style clothing for variable weather. Students will ride the bus with their school to and from camp, so they need to follow the Issaquah School District bus ride rules. Students remain with their assigned group for the day and follow the directions of teachers, chaperones, and Camp Waskowitz staff.
CB: What are the safety measurements?
JH: Along with the Camp Waskowitz staff, schools will have teachers, nurse(s), paraprofessional educators, and a small number of volunteer chaperones. Teachers and chaperones will stay with the same group for the entire hiking day.
CB: What if some students chose to opt-out, is there any Plan B for these students? Would they miss any educational time?
JH: There will be a teacher(s) on hand at each elementary school to provide a learning environment for students who choose not to attend. Students can also apply for a scholarship to attend the day camp experience.
