The Importance of Fifth Grade Camp

As our Fifth Graders leave for camp this week, I find myself thinking about what a lot of extra work it is to put this trip together. Ms. Davidheiser and our team of Fifth Grade teachers have been planning all fall, and some of the work and planning happened even this summer! So why do we take this on? Because Fifth Grade Camp has many important benefits for our students—and it’s a very special opportunity for all our students to look forward to.

Fifth Grade Camp is an eagerly anticipated and cherished tradition at our school, and for good reason. It's not just an adventure or an escape from the classroom; it's a carefully designed program that offers a plethora of educational and personal development opportunities for your children. In this article, I want to highlight the key reasons why Fifth Grade Camp is such an important milestone in your child's education.

Building Independence: One of the most significant benefits of Fifth Grade Camp is the opportunity for your child to develop a greater sense of independence. They will be away from home, taking care of themselves, making decisions, and learning to be responsible for their actions. This newfound independence fosters a sense of self-confidence that will serve them well as they transition into middle school and beyond.

Connecting with Nature: In today's digital age, it's essential for our children to connect with nature and appreciate the world around them. Fifth Grade Camp provides a unique setting for this connection. Surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors, our students have the chance to explore and appreciate the natural world, fostering a love for the environment that can lead to a lifelong commitment to its preservation.

Teamwork and Social Skills: Camp encourages students to work together, communicate, and collaborate. Whether they are tackling challenges, participating in group activities, or simply sharing stories around the campfire, they develop valuable teamwork and social skills. These experiences will help them in the classroom, on the sports field, and throughout their lives.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Fifth Grade Camp provides a dynamic and hands-on learning environment that complements what your child learns in the classroom. Through activities like nature hikes, science experiments, and environmental studies, they'll apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations, making learning more meaningful and memorable.

Building Memories: Fifth Grade Camp creates lasting memories that your child will cherish forever. The friendships formed, the adventures undertaken, and the stories shared during this time become an integral part of their school experience. These memories can shape their overall perception of school and learning.

Personal Growth: Perhaps most importantly, Fifth Grade Camp offers an environment where personal growth and character development are nurtured. It encourages self-reflection, resilience, and adaptability. These experiences prepare your child for the challenges they will encounter as they continue their educational journey.

We are committed to ensuring that Fifth Grade Camp is a safe and well-supervised experience. Our dedicated staff members, including teachers and camp counselors, will be there to support and guide your children throughout their camp adventure.

We hope that you share our enthusiasm for Fifth Grade Camp and recognize its value in your child's education. If you are a current parent of a Fifth Grader, we encourage you to engage with your child, ask them about their experiences, and support them in the personal growth and development that this unique opportunity offers. If you are the parent of a younger student, you may want to share with them about this very special experience that awaits them when they become a Fifth Grader.

Finally, I would like to thank Outdoor Schools Washington, a division of the Washington School Principals' Education Foundation (WSPEF), and a partner with OSPI on Overnight Outdoor Educational Experiences (Outdoor School). They provided a substantial amount of funding to our school for camp, making this experience possible for ALL our Fifth Grade students, regardless of financial circumstances. We are very grateful to them for their help.

BIKE UNIT: Thursday, October 26th, 2023– Thursday, November 16th, 2023

We will be taking part in Cascade Bicycle Club’s bicycle and pedestrian safety education program for students in grades 3-5. For more information about this program, please see the attached letter from Cascade Bicycle Club which will be sent home by homeroom teachers.

We will be receiving a fleet of bicycles at our school next week for students to participate, during their scheduled P.E. class, where they’ll learn important safety skills for walking and rolling.

Students are NOT allowed to use their own bikes for this unit. They must use the bikes provided. Students ARE allowed to use their own helmets under these 2 conditions:

1. The helmet must fit properly. (Please refer to the helmet diagram being sent home to check the fit.)

2. The helmet cannot be older than five years.

We are looking for volunteers to help during the scheduled PE times for grades 3rd–5th. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Ms. Litton: allitton@seattleschools.org