Fall Voyage Part 2

Our Fall Voyage was wonderful! We had great weather. The Lightning Cheetahs and Lightning Kittens patrol groups had a great time, challenged themselves and learned so much. I must say that I think the highlight of the trip for many of the crew was our indoor campfire (due to fire bans in the area because of dry weather). Be sure to ask your child all about the skits and songs that our camp leaders performed for us. Of course, while they loved all of the activities, they also loved riding the bus and sleeping in the cabins.

Here is a link to a photo album of photos that Ms. Wendy and I took and then below the link are descriptions of the activities that we did during our Voyage:

Fall Voyage 2015 Photo Album

Why do we have a Fall Voyage?

We have a Fall Voyage for many reasons.

• We take voyages to push students just a little bit out of their comfort zone. Real learning occurs when you are pushed out of your comfort zone and are challenged to try things you have not done before. For some first graders the biggest challenge is simply being away from home for a night and learning that they can trust other adults and themselves. For others the challenge is being responsible for themselves and their gear instead of counting on mom or dad to keep track of everything. Most are challenged in some way by the activities of the voyage. They must learn to work together, show perseverance when trying to find solutions to challenging problems, push themselves physically, and start to show independence in an age-appropriate manner.
• I love the voyages because I get to see the students in a completely different environment and see other strengths that they have that might not show up in a classroom.
• The voyages are also a great place for the students to practice the character traits that we have been working so hard to learn in class. Students also bring back some of the confidence and new skills that they learned on the trip and are able to apply them to academic learning.
• We also all form tight bonds as a crew and are able to work very well together for the rest of the school year.

What did we do at Camp Elim?

In addition to eating, sleeping, packing, unpacking and taking care of ourselves, we also had time for some learning and some fun. Listed below are the activities we did along with a very short description.


Initiatives (Problem Solving Challenges)
Bag It – This activity had us choosing a rock and then finding the rock we put in the bag (can) while blindfolded. We learned to use other senses rather than simply rely on sight to gather clues and make decisions.

Camouflage Hide and Seek - A unique version of hide and seek that can be played in a wooded area. We learned about predators and prey in this fun game.

Nature Hunt at the Lake - This was a beautiful walk around a lake. We were challenged to really look at, listen to and smell what was around us. We had a list of things to look for and check off as we found them.

Web of Life - During this activity, we learned about a variety of plants and their adaptations while on a short hike around the camp.

Recreational Activities

Alphabet Hike - At the beginning of this hike, we were given a sheet with all of the letters of the alphabet on it. During the hike we had to look for things that started with that letter of the alphabet.

Obstacle Course – There were several physical challenges at this station. This activity was a huge hit with the crew.

Solo Hike – This was a short walk with a stop for a little solo time to reflect on the voyage. The kids chose spots within a set boundary and they sat by themselves just thinking, reflecting, writing or drawing about the Voyage and what they had learned.

Games - There were several fun running and very active games that were played indoors.



Thank You Chaperones!
We had a fantastic group of chaperones this year and we so appreciate their time and help on this Voyage. We couldn't have done it without them! Thanks to:
Ms. Amy (Halle's mom)
Ms. Katarina (Kaisa's mom)
Ms. Karen (JP's mom)
Mr. Rick (Ben's dad)
Mr. Travis (Tanner's dad)
Mr. Greg (Ali's dad)
Mr. Jay (Corbin's dad)

We are Crew!

Fall Voyage

Our Fall Voyage was wonderful! We were worried about the weather because so much rain was predicted for our area but we ended up with only one small rain shower. The Rattlesnake and Eagle patrol groups had a great time, challenged themselves and learned so much.

Why do we have a Fall Voyage?

We have a Fall Voyage for many reasons.

• We take voyages to push students just a little bit out of their comfort zone. Real learning occurs when you are pushed out of your comfort zone and are challenged to try things you have not done before. For some first graders the biggest challenge is simply being away from home for a night and learning that they can trust other adults and themselves. For others the challenge is being responsible for themselves and their gear instead of counting on mom or dad to keep track of everything. Most are challenged in some way by the activities of the voyage. They must learn to work together, show perseverance when trying to find solutions to challenging problems, push themselves physically, and start to show independence in an age-appropriate manner.
• I love the voyages because I get to see the students in a completely different environment and see other strengths that they have that might not show up in a classroom.
• The voyages are also a great place for the students to practice the character traits that we have been working so hard to learn in class. Students also bring back some of the confidence and new skills that they learned on the trip and are able to apply them to academic learning.
• We also all form tight bonds as a crew and are able to work very well together for the rest of the school year.

What did we do at Camp Elim?

In addition to eating, sleeping, packing, unpacking and taking care of ourselves, we also had time for some learning and some fun. Listed below are the activities we did along with a very short description.


Initiatives (Problem Solving Challenges)
Bag It – This activity had us feeling objects in bags (without looking) to try to figure out what they were or finding the rock we put in the bag. We learned to use other senses rather than simply rely on sight to gather clues and make decisions.

Camouflage Hide and Seek - A unique version of hide and seek that can be played in a wooded area. We learned about predators and prey in this fun game.

Nature Hunt at the Lake - This was a beautiful walk around a lake. We were challenged to really look at, listen to and smell what was around us. We had a list of things to look for and check off as we found them.

Web of Life - During this activity, we learned about how plants and animals depend on each other. We all wore an animal or plant nametag and then made a web (with string) to show how they are all related and what happens to the whole web when one animal is removed.

Recreational Activities

Alphabet Hike - At the beginning of this hike, we were all given a card with a letter of the alphabet on it. During the hike we had to look for things that started with that letter of the alphabet.

Obstacle Course – There were several physical challenges at this station. Check out our photo slideshow for more.

Solo Hike – This was a short walk with a stop for a little solo time to reflect on the voyage. The kids chose spots within a set boundary and they sat by themselves just thinking, reflecting, writing or drawing about the Voyage and what they had learned.



Games - There were several fun running and very active games that were played indoors. We played various tag games, follow the leader and parachute games.


Photographs
I have created a slideshow of photos for you at the link below but first, here are a few photos to pique your interest. Thanks to Ms. Wendy for helping me get some great photos. Chaperones, if you have any more to add, please send them to me.

Fall Voyage Slideshow  - 152 more photos of our time on our Fall Voyage (once at this link, click on the small arrow at the top, right of the screen to choose to view the photos as a slideshow)

Thank You Chaperones!
We had a fantastic group of chaperones this year and we so appreciate their time and help on this Voyage. We couldn't have done it without them! Thanks to:
Ms. Aleia (Lilliana's mom)
Ms. Jody (Madison's mom)
Ms. Lisa (Kyson's mom)
Mr. Mark (Taylor's dad)
Mr. Michael (Lexi's dad)
Mr. Steve (Simeon's dad)
Mr. Mike (Gabby's dad)
Mr. Jesse (Landon's dad - he filled in for Ms. Mary Beth's crew)

We are Crew!

My Memories of the Fall Voyage

As I have been reflecting on this year's Fall Voyage, I have thought of several stories about the trip that you might enjoy hearing, too. While I am sure that there are many great stories that I missed, below are a few stories that I thought I would share with you.

• On the bus on the way to Camp Elim, both first grade crews spontaneously burst into one of the chants we have learned in math. It is: "2, 4, 6, 8, first graders are really great". They were so exuberant while they were chanting that you couldn't help but smile. It seems like math has bonded the entire first grade.
• The look of surprise or shock when we told the kids that we were going to eat lunch on the bus on the way up was priceless. The littlest things mean the most to them. One boy even shared that as his favorite part of the whole Voyage during our closing circle.
• Just as all of the girls were beginning to settle in at night, one girl popped up and said, "I don't want a top bunk anymore." Within a minute, another girl popped up and said, "But I do." So began the bed shuffle and starting the settling down process again.
• One boy was having trouble sleeping and another boy came over to comfort him and help him fall asleep. He kept glancing at the chaperone to see if it was okay. The chaperone thought it was very sweet.
• During the obstacle course, one boy began to cry as he tried to climb up and over the "A-frame" so he came down and finished the rest of the course. He came back later and triumphantly climbed  the "A-frame" and immediately ran around to do it one more time. Perseverance paid off him. He was so proud.
• I saw so many of the crew practicing good stewardship while we were hiking. They would see a piece of trash and pick it up and carry it until we reached a trash can. (Yes, we did wash hands before every meal.)
• As we were packing up on Thursday morning, one girl became the sleeping bag stuffing expert and helped almost all of the girls in her cabin stuff their sleeping bags into the sacks.
• While hiking two girls were constantly on the prowl for "perfume" (sage).
• After our campfire and closing circle on Wednesday night, I read a Henry and Mudge book to the crew. I love how calm they get when they listen to a story. It felt like a little bit of school while we were away.
• During our closing circle on Wednesday night I felt like the crew was not "right" so I had them do a count around the circle. It turned out that one crew member was missing and then I remembered that he was with his dad so all was good. However, this prompted one crew member to bring up Harry so we talked about my FaceTime chat with Harry from the night before and how he had a chance to do some painting with one of the nurses. It felt nice that Harry was part of that closing circle.
• On the bus on the way home, it was so relaxing to just sit amongst the crew and watch them be children. There was lots of pretend play with stuffed animals and animal crackers, storytelling and writing numbers on paper. Nothing big but they were all very content and having a great time.
• As we got closer to the school, one boy asked if the bus could just drop him off at home since it was on the way and he was sure that his parents would appreciate it since they might be busy.
• The crew was totally flexible and went with the flow for the entire Voyage. They really didn't know what day it was or what time it was. Even after eating dinner on the bus, one boy was surprised to learn that school was already out for the day when we got home. He was wondering if we would do another closing circle when we got there.
• Finally, I would like to say a special thanks to Wendy for helping to keep things running smoothly. It was great to have her to lean on.

Be sure to check out the information and slideshow on the previous blog post for more details about our Voyage.

Homework
Reading ~ Read a good book or two.
Math ~ Home Link 2.6 Telling Time to the Hour
Expedition ~ Interviews with Grandparents are due tomorrow.

Fall Voyage

Our Fall Voyage was a big success and lots of fun for all. Below is a slideshow of photos from our trip. You can either just hit play and watch this slide show or you can use the arrows at the bottom of the pictures to move more quickly or to go backward and forwards. Have your child watch it with you so they can tell you all about each picture. Below the slideshow are some facts, stories, etc. about our trip.


 


Why do we have a Fall Voyage?

We have a Fall Voyage for many reasons.

• We take voyages to push students just a little bit out of their comfort zone. Real learning occurs when you are pushed out of your comfort zone and are challenged to try things you have not done before. For some first graders the biggest challenge is simply being away from home for a night and learning that they can trust other adults and themselves. For others the challenge is being responsible for themselves and their gear instead of counting on mom or dad to keep track of everything. Most are challenged in some way by the activities of the voyage. They must learn to work together, show perseverance when trying to find solutions to challenging problems, push themselves physically, and start to show independence in an age-appropriate manner.
• I love the voyages because I get to see the students in a completely different environment and see other strengths that they have that might not show up in a classroom.
• The voyages are also a great place for the students to practice the character traits that we have been working so hard to learn in class. Students also bring back some of the confidence and new skills that they learned on the trip and are able to apply them to academic learning.
• We also all form tight bonds as a crew and are able to work very well together for the rest of the school year.

What did we do at Camp Elim?

In addition to eating, sleeping, packing, unpacking and taking care of ourselves, we also had time for some learning and some fun. Listed below are the activities we did along with a very short description.


Initiatives (Problem Solving Challenges)
Bag It – This activity had us feeling objects in bags to try to figure out what they were or finding the object we put in the bag without looking. We learned to use other senses rather than simply rely on sight to gather clues and make decisions.

Camouflage Hide and Seek - A unique version of hide and seek that can be played in a wooded area.

Nature Hunt at the Lake - This was a beautiful walk around a lake. We were challenged to really look at, listen to and smell what was around us. We had a list of things to look for and check off as we found them.

Web of Life - During this activity, we learned about how plants and animals depend on each other. We all chose an animal and then made a web (with string) to show how they are all related and what happens to the whole web when one animal is removed.

Recreational Activities

Alphabet Hike - At the beginning of this hike, we were all given a card with a letter of the alphabet on it. During the hike we had to look for things that started with that letter of the alphabet.

Obstacle Course – There were several physical challenges at this station.

Solo Hike – This was a short walk with a stop for a little solo time to reflect on the voyage. The kids chose spots within a set boundary and they sat by themselves just thinking and reflecting about the Voyage.

Chapel Games - There were several fun running and very active games that were played in the large chapel.

Other Items

We had a big campfire with skits and lots of laughter. This was a big hit for most of the crew. I am sure that they will tell you all about the spitting contest between two of the counselors to put out the fire.

The meals were very good. For dinner we had spaghetti, green beans, salad and garlic bread with a cupcake for dessert. For breakfast we had pancakes and sausage. There was also a breakfast bar with fruit, granola, oatmeal and hard boiled eggs. Then for lunch we had pizza, salad and grapes with ice cream bars for dessert.

It really was a wonderful trip. Thanks again to all of the chaperones who gave so generously of their time. Chaperoning is just like parenting or teaching – the toughest job you will ever love.

Crew News August 23, 2012

Fall Voyage

Our Fall Voyage was a big success and lots of fun for all. Below is a slideshow of photos from our trip. If any chaperones have any great pictures that they would like to share, just send them to me and I will add them to this slideshow. Remember you can either just hit play and watch this slide show or you can use the arrows at the bottom of the pictures to move more quickly or to go backward and forwards. Have your child watch it with you so they can tell you all about each picture. Below the slideshow are some facts, stories, etc. about our trip.



Why do we have a Fall Voyage?

We have a Fall Voyage for many reasons.

• We take voyages to push students just a little bit out of their comfort zone. Real learning occurs when you are pushed out of your comfort zone and are challenged to try things you have not done before. For some first graders the biggest challenge is simply being away from home for a night and learning that they can trust other adults and themselves. For others the challenge is being responsible for themselves and their gear instead of counting on mom or dad to keep track of everything. Most are challenged in some way by the activities of the voyage. They must learn to work together, show perseverance when trying to find solutions to challenging problems, push themselves physically, and start to show independence in an age-appropriate manner.
• I love the voyages because I get to see the students in a completely different environment and see other strengths that they have that might not show up in a classroom.
• The voyages are also a great place for the students to practice the character traits that we have been working so hard to learn in class. Students also bring back some of the confidence and new skills that they learned on the trip and are able to apply them to academic learning.
• We also all form tight bonds as a crew and are able to work very well together for the rest of the school year.

What did we do at Camp Elim?

In addition to eating, sleeping, packing, unpacking and taking care of ourselves, we also had time for some learning and some fun. Listed below are the activities we did along with a very short description.


Initiatives (Problem Solving Challenges)
Bag It – This activity had us feeling objects in bags to try to figure out what they were without looking. We learned to use other senses rather than simply rely on sight to gather clues and make decisions. The best part of this activity for most students was that we did it in the teepee.

Ants on a Log - This activity required us to all stand on a  log and then switch places without falling off. Lots of teamwork, discussion and support was required to make this happen.

Nature Hunt at the Lake - This was a beautiful walk around a lake. We were challenged to really look at, listen to and smell what was around us. We had a list of things to look for and check off as we found them.

Web of Life - During this activity, we learned about how plants and animals depend on each other. We all chose an animal and then made a web (with string) to show how they are all related and what happens to the whole web when one animal is removed.

Recreational Activities

Critter Hike – On this hike our guide brought along some various animal parts for us to take a close look at. We were able to see some animal skulls, feathers, tails, hooves and more.

Obstacle Course – There were several physical challenges at this station. Only one or our patrols was able to complete this activity - it was rained out for the other group.

Solo Hike – This was a short walk with a stop for a little solo time to reflect on the voyage. The kids chose spots within a set boundary and they sat by themselves just thinking and looking around or writing or drawing in their Camp Elim journals. Ask your child to show you his or her journal so you can read some of their thoughts about the trip or see some drawings that they made. Again, only one of our patrols was able to do this activity because of the rain.

Chapel Games - There were several fun running and very active games that were played in the large chapel. We pretended to be in shark attacks and many other situations. When our last activity was rained out, we came here for some more games with the entire first grade.

Other Items

We had a big campfire with songs, skits and lots of laughter. This was a big hit for most of the crew. I am sure that they will tell you all about the mosquito skit and the spitting contest between two of the counselors to put out the fire.

The meals were very good. For dinner we had beef soft tacos, rice, refried beans, chips and lots of toppings. We had churros for dessert - another huge hit. For breakfast we had pancakes and sausage. There was also a breakfast bar with fruit, granola, oatmeal and hard boiled eggs. Then for lunch we had pizza, salad and grapes with brownies for dessert.

Seasonal allergies were really tough this year. I know that I have never had such a bad reaction to all the weed pollen in the air (thanks to all the chaperones who stepped up to cover for me during my sneezing attacks) and I know that many of the chaperones and kids were affected, too. We all showed perseverance and kept on going in spite of all the itching and sneezing.

It really was a wonderful trip. Thanks again to all of the chaperones who gave so generously of their time. Chaperoning is just like parenting or teaching – the toughest job you will ever love.

Crew News August 16, 2012

Patrol Groups
We have been meeting with our patrol groups. We have two patrol groups in our crew. Patrols are the groups we work with on Voyages. We work together to solve challenges, do team building activities and to help support each other. Our first challenge was to come up with a name for our group. Below are some pictures of us working together. Ask your child what name his or her group chose.

Homework
Reading ~ Read a good book or two.

Fall Voyage

Our Fall Voyage was a big success and lots of fun for all. (I am thinking that we should change the name to Summer Voyage because the weather was far more summer-like than fall-like.) Below is a slideshow of photos from our trip. If any chaperones have any great pictures that they would like to share, just send them to me and I will add them to this slideshow. Remember you can either just hit play and watch this slide show or you can use the arrows at the bottom of the pictures to move more quickly or to go backward and forwards. Have your child watch it with you so they can tell you all about each picture. Below the slideshow are some facts, stories, etc. about our trip.





Why do we have a Fall Voyage?

We have a Fall Voyage for many reasons.

• We take voyages to push students just a little bit out of their comfort zone. Real learning occurs when you are pushed out of your comfort zone and are challenged to try things you have not done before. For some first graders the biggest challenge is simply being away from home for a night and learning that they can trust other adults and themselves. For others the challenge is being responsible for themselves and their gear instead of counting on mom or dad to keep track of everything. Most are challenged some way by the activities of the voyage. They must learn to work together, show perseverance when trying to find solutions to challenging problems, push themselves physically, and start to show independence in an age-appropriate manner.
• I love the voyages because I get to see the students in a completely different environment and see other strengths that they have that might not show up in a classroom.
• The voyages are also a great place for the students to practice the character traits that we have been working so hard to learn in class. Students also bring back some of the confidence and new skills that they learned on the trip and are able to apply them to academic learning.
• We also all form tight bonds as a crew and are able to work very well together for the rest of the school year.

For a detailed description of the school’s philosophy for our Adventure Education trips, please see the Parent Handbook at the very bottom of the Adventure Education page of the Renaissance website.

What did we do at Camp Elim?

In addition to eating, sleeping, packing, unpacking and taking care of ourselves, we also had time for some learning and some fun. Listed below are the activities we did along with a very short description.


Initiatives (Problem Solving Challenges)
Bag It – This activity had us feeling objects in bags to try to figure out what they were without looking. We learned to use other senses rather than simply rely on sight to gather clues and make decisions. The best part of this activity for most students was that we did it in the teepee.

Mine, Mine, Mine – This activity was a trust walk with a twist. Students were blindfolded. The blindfolded students were led to a tree and they had to feel their tree and notice all of its features. Next the students were taken back to the meeting area and they removed their blindfolds. Then they had to go and find their tree only this time they were not wearing a blindfold. We also played another blindfold game at this station where students were "hunters and deer" and had to find each other or avoid each other.

Unnature Trail – This was a hike with a twist. We had to go on a short hike and along the way find items that were hidden along the trail that should not be there. Some items were very easy to find and other were very difficult. We had to really use our skills of observation to find things. This is when we saw a bear (teddy bear) in the woods. Many of the kids couldn’t wait to tell their parents that they saw a bear in the woods.

Stepping Stones - For this activity a grid of stones was laid out. Students had to figure out the correct path to navigate from one side to the other. This activity took lots of trial and error and lots of patience.

Recreational Activities
Craft – We created space monsters during this recreational activity. We got to use many materials including paint. Our finished products are at school. Thanks to Mr. Dan for transporting them all back for us.

Hike – On this hike our guide pointed out various plants and animals. We were particularly fascinated with the woodpecker homes and the burned areas.

Obstacle Course – This was a huge hit with all of the kids. There were many physical challenges at this station. I don't have pictures because I needed to be at a different station during this time. If any chaperones have photos of this and send them to me I will share them with you.

Solo Hike – This was a short walk with a stop for a little solo time to reflect on the voyage. The kids chose spots within a set boundary and they sat by themselves just thinking and looking around or writing or drawing in their Camp Elim journals. Ask your child to show you his or her journal so you can read some of their thoughts about the trip or see some drawings that they made.


Other Items

We had a big campfire and the chaperones were all a part of it. Two parents, Mr. Joe and Ms. Heather, were involved in a skit that led to many giggles and belly laughs. All of the other parents had knock knock jokes and other jokes to share with the kids. We also did the old campfire standard - we sang "I'm Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee".  Apparently some of the boys were writing their own version of this during journal time before bed. You will have to ask the male chaperones for the details.

The meals were very good. For dinner we had barbeque chicken, green beans,potato salad and jello. We had mint chocolate chip ice cream cake for dessert. For breakfast we had pancakes and sausage. There was also a breakfast bar with fruit, granola, oatmeal and hard boiled eggs. Then for lunch we had sloppy joes, french fries, carrots and water melon with rice krispy treats for dessert.

The kids kept all of the adults smiling with their very cute comments. Just a few examples:

• When our hiking guide picked a weed to show us, one student asked if his boss knew that he was doing that. 
• The students were very worried on the bus ride up that the bus might run out of gas.
• While on the hike students kept asking if we were lost even when the camp was clearly visible.
• One student's mom told her to be sure to spin on the tire swing because it was healthy for her. (Okay, so that is not true but it was an attempt to get to spin on the tire swing because we were limiting time on the tire swing because the spinning made kids too dizzy.)

There are many more but I can't remember them all. I am hoping that the chaperones will share some cute stories in the comments of this post.

It really was a wonderful trip. Thanks again to all of the chaperones who gave so generously of their time. Chaperoning is just like parenting or teaching – the toughest job you will ever love.