By Dr. Thomas Little
Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools
Our school district provides a wealth of experiences for children far beyond the four walls of the traditional classroom.
One of these experiences – and sure to create lifetime memories – is our fall camping program for fifth-graders.
Pupils attend a three-day camp at either Bradford Woods, Camp Allendale or the YMCA Flat Rock River Camp. This is a rich experience for our students, many of whom are camping for the first time. Support is provided for children with special needs and medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
The camp provides hands-on activities facilitated by the classroom teacher and staff members employed by the camp. Children participate in canoeing, archery, fishing, hiking, creative expression and arts and crafts. In addition, they learn about survival skills, how to build a camp fire and how to make s’mores. Ecosystem studies include a study of pollution, microbiology, forestry and wildlife conservation and bring textbook theory to real-life experiences.
This year Homecroft Elementary participated in the bald eagle habitat curriculum at Bradford Woods. The program also features games that many of us grew up on, like capture the flag. There is also time set aside for journal writing and sharing reflections.
“One of my favorite elements of the Bradford Woods curriculum is the family-style meals,” said Homecroft Principal Jody Matthews. “Students are taught responsibility by not taking more than they are going to eat, and if they take the last of the food, they get more for the rest of the table.”
Camp isn’t just for fifth-graders. High schoolers from Perry Meridian and Southport who are members of the leadership team LOTS (Leadership Opportunity Through Service) attended training to be counselors at the camps. Our staff developers are also actively involved at camp and assist students in writing reports and creating presentations using Chromebooks.
“Camp teaches kids to use their other intelligences,” said Rosa Parks-Edison Elementary Principal David Henriott. “The focus on nature, observations and how humans and nature directly impact each other is a one-of-a-kind experience! Camp always provides kids opportunities to be themselves and brings out the personalities we don’t get to see on a regular basis. It’s a unique way to see students in a whole different light.”
We are fortunate in Perry Township to have many dedicated staff members who sacrifice time away from family to provide these important and unique experiences for our students. We express our gratitude to the staff and volunteers who serve as positive role models for our children inside and beyond the walls of the classroom.
Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools
Our school district provides a wealth of experiences for children far beyond the four walls of the traditional classroom.
One of these experiences – and sure to create lifetime memories – is our fall camping program for fifth-graders.
Pupils attend a three-day camp at either Bradford Woods, Camp Allendale or the YMCA Flat Rock River Camp. This is a rich experience for our students, many of whom are camping for the first time. Support is provided for children with special needs and medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
The camp provides hands-on activities facilitated by the classroom teacher and staff members employed by the camp. Children participate in canoeing, archery, fishing, hiking, creative expression and arts and crafts. In addition, they learn about survival skills, how to build a camp fire and how to make s’mores. Ecosystem studies include a study of pollution, microbiology, forestry and wildlife conservation and bring textbook theory to real-life experiences.
This year Homecroft Elementary participated in the bald eagle habitat curriculum at Bradford Woods. The program also features games that many of us grew up on, like capture the flag. There is also time set aside for journal writing and sharing reflections.
“One of my favorite elements of the Bradford Woods curriculum is the family-style meals,” said Homecroft Principal Jody Matthews. “Students are taught responsibility by not taking more than they are going to eat, and if they take the last of the food, they get more for the rest of the table.”
Camp isn’t just for fifth-graders. High schoolers from Perry Meridian and Southport who are members of the leadership team LOTS (Leadership Opportunity Through Service) attended training to be counselors at the camps. Our staff developers are also actively involved at camp and assist students in writing reports and creating presentations using Chromebooks.
“Camp teaches kids to use their other intelligences,” said Rosa Parks-Edison Elementary Principal David Henriott. “The focus on nature, observations and how humans and nature directly impact each other is a one-of-a-kind experience! Camp always provides kids opportunities to be themselves and brings out the personalities we don’t get to see on a regular basis. It’s a unique way to see students in a whole different light.”
We are fortunate in Perry Township to have many dedicated staff members who sacrifice time away from family to provide these important and unique experiences for our students. We express our gratitude to the staff and volunteers who serve as positive role models for our children inside and beyond the walls of the classroom.
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