October 25, 2023

Eleven amazing high school students and ten parents met us in the pouring rain as we scurried to our cabins that first afternoon.

The skies cleared up the next few days and we experienced many hands-on science lessons taught by our high school students. The 6th grade students attended classes on their first full day that included ocean studies, mammal studies, water quality class, and an egg drop contest.

In Ocean Studies, students learned about the tides based on the moon phases. In Mammal Studies, our high school students taught the 6th graders about mammal bones, pelts, and prints. In Water Quality class, both the high school students and 6th graders collected creatures from the lake and shore to look at under a magnifying glass.

The egg drop contest was the favorite of the day as students were given supplies to create a protective frame around their egg that would then be dropped from various heights. Only a couple of groups walked away with an uncracked egg, but all had a great time!

Our second full day was filled with more learning and leading by our high school students. In Fire Building, students learned about fire safety and how to build various types of campfires. Roasting a marshmallow was the ultimate prize in the end! Another group of high school students led the 6th graders in Forest Studies on a hike around the camp where students identified various plants and trees native to Oregon. In the Busy Beaver class, students built beaver dams and then tested them for their durability. The last class of the day was Soil Food Webs where high school students taught the 6th graders how to use microscopes to look at various creatures and plant life.

Both afternoons were spent building drip castles on the beach, playing foosball in the gym, canoeing, and taking turns on the Extreme Swing. Students soared through the air in the canopy of the forest and screamed with delight. Even a few high school students were able to enjoy the fun ride. The evenings were spent at the campfire singing silly songs, sharing cabin calls, acting out skits, and ended with a devotion from Mr. Espinoza on the difference between dogs and cats! (Trust us, it was about God!)

Outdoor School week is a favorite 6th grade memory for many as students try new experiences, gain confidence and self-worth, and bond as a class. From the beginning to the close of the day, 6th grade students had fun experiencing the outdoors and learning about science through the lense of the Bible. High school students developed their leadership skills as they taught science field studies, led evening campfire, and created an amazing experience for each 6th grade student.

As we packed up and loaded the bus on the last day, one 6th grade student wrapped up our amazing week in one statement: "I wish Outdoor School was longer!"

By Krista Schroder, Jr High Teacher & Outdoor School Coordinator