Camp Wanake

May 2-6

In sixth grade, students at Dalton have an opportunity to go to Camp Wanake for a week of outdoor education. They get to stay overnight, have counselors, and do outdoor learning and fun for an entire week.  I have vague, but fun memories of my week at camp as a camper.  I have more clear, and equally fun, memories of returning my senior year to be a counselor. 

Madison was so excited for this week – just the idea of what the week could be.  Students know very little before going – no schedule, no clue about their cabin mates or counselor.  They do get a packing list, which was really all Madison needed to get excited.  We gathered up things she would need – kite string, disposable camera (throwback!  she had no idea how a camera like this actually worked!), rain boots, raincoats, and lots of changes of socks!  And suddenly it was Monday morning. 

Jeremy took her to the drop off point with all her luggage.  She learned who was her counselor (Faith) and her cabin mates.  And the sixth grade girls got a photo together.

While there, we had a few pictures of her at camp via Facebook.  It was fun to catch her busy doing things – creating a name tag, enjoying a meal, hanging out with a friend. 

         

It was even more fun when she came home and unloaded all the details of the week.  The week lived up to her expectations. 

While she was gone, Ellie was stuck here alone.  She started the week saying how bored she was, but by the end of the week, she had found a rhythm of being alone and entertaining herself.  That said, she did have a really fun outing with her friend Brooklyn to Ninja Hub and out to eat at Blaze Pizza – go to activities when Madison is away. 

    

One super cool thing that happened at Ninja Hub is she made it to the top of the warp wall.  This was a big deal to see.  Often, she would quit since the height of the platform scared her.  This time, she allowed herself to risk it.  It was awesome!