Vermont weather makes camping a challenge in the fall, so it’s wise to come prepared. “Our teachers warned us it might be cold in the mornings and passed along some advice,” said one Flood Brook camper. “We put our clothes in our sleeping bags and got dressed inside before stepping out.” Worked like a charm.
Tips on keeping warm was just one of many lessons learned during the annual Flood Brook 5th Grade camping trip. For three days and two nights some 40 students and chaperones braved the elements at the Farm and Wilderness campgrounds near Plymouth, Vermont. The trip featured joyful play, purposeful work, and rugged outdoor living. The kids loved it.
During a debriefing after the adventure, five fifth graders and two eighth grade mentors looked back with pride at roughing it in the woods. The living conditions were rustic. Each cabin had a roof and walls on three sides but the fourth was just open space with a view of the lake. No windows or screens to keep out insects. “The mosquitoes weren’t too bad at all,” said one camper. “But there were some pretty creepy black spiders.”
To a person, the most trying part of the experience was the lack of indoor plumbing facilities: Using the outhouse, known more precisely — and mortifyingly — as KYBO (Keep Your Bowels Open), was a burden to bear.
The eco-friendly camp was also short on electricity, making flash lights a necessity at night. Cell phones were only allowed for taking pictures. “It was actually okay to be unplugged from our screens,” said one camper. “It made us realize that we can find other ways to keep busy, like actually talking to each other.”
Their time at the camp was filled with activities. Hiking, canoeing, swimming and practicing yoga kept everyone busy during the day. At night there were card games, conversations, singing and campfires featuring s’mores.
Which takes us to the topic of food. Everyone raved about the grub with thumbs up around the table. High marks were given overall for breakfast with orange slices and bacon receiving special praise. The chili and especially the warm cornbread hit the spot.
The older students gave the young campers high praise for their work ethic. “They did a great job collaborating at meals in the serving of food and cleaning up the dining area,” said one older mentor. “The kids were separated into three groups - red, white and blue - that needed to coordinate their work to get the job done and back to having fun. They made it look easy.”
Collaboration and bonding as a class was a major goal of the trip. The students all claimed to have made new friends and learn more about their fellow classmates. “We had time to focus on each other,” said one camper. “It made us feel like a family.”
For many students, overcoming nerves or fears was a significant challenge. “Some were afraid to spend two nights away from family,” said Jennifer Houghton, fifth grade English teacher. “Others were afraid they couldn't do the hikes, or canoeing, and for some it was using the KYBO. By the end, they all felt the pride of getting through and overcoming their fears.”
Overall the trip was considered a huge success. “I give four and one half stars on YELP,” said a future critic. What? Why not five stars? The response in unison: “KYBO."
A special acknowledgement to our round-table participants: Fifth Grade Campers: Mason Lechthaler, Jack Scudder, Bryce Saunders, Lyla Cyr, and Eden McIntyre Eighth Grade Mentors: Hanne Carlson and Cadence Logan |
The campers wash dishes as part of the student-led cleanup after meals at camp.
Campers "loved" the food ... especially breakfast!