Fifth-grade camp makes impact and memories for our kids

For over 20 years every Trenton fifth grade student has had the chance to attend outdoor education camp as part of their fifth grade experience.

For many of these years we have attended Camp Michindoh in Hillsdale.

The camp is a favorite memory for many students as they attend a variety of hands-on classes and spend time with their chaperones, the camp staff, and the fifth graders from both Anderson and Hedke.

Students make new friends as they mingle in the dining hall and during free choice activities before dinner.

Between meals students attend classes in reptiles and amphibians, team/confidence courses, shelter and fire construction, Michigan settlers (a living history event), pioneer crafts and games, drama and rock wall climbing among others.

Students also get to participate in evening programs like campfire songs, skit night, and wacky Olympics.

The attendance at camp serves many goals: first is to allow fifth graders from each school to meet each other and break the ice before joining each other at the middle school.

Many of the classes also review science or social studies topics that they have learned in previous grades. Lastly, students get a chance to participate in an independent experience away from home, many for the first time.