Steilacoom's sixth graders prepare for camp

Memories of camping are always a highlight of the promotion ceremony held each June at Pioneer Middle School. Remember those crazy outfits you wore? For many decades (it's a 50-year tradition) incoming 6th graders have eagerly anticipated the annual early June trip to a weeklong camp. That tradition continues for the newest class of 6th graders-with a few changes to the tradition.

"There are a few changes to this year's camp program," explained Cathy Stewart, a member of Pioneer's Sixth Grade Team. "And we're confident it will be just as great a time as other Camps."

Students will attend Camp Colman between April 19-21 or 21-23. The camp will be held at on the Key Peninsula, near Case Inlet. Camp duration and location were revised for a number of reasons, including the increased numbers (240) of 6th graders. This year 120 students will attend the first session, along with teachers from the school’s first floor sixth grade wing. The remaining 120 students, along with second-floor 6th grade wing teachers will attend the second session.

“Because of additional camp staff personnel, we’ll have a 3-1 ratio of teachers to students.”

“We are really trying to make this camp a tighter alignment with the state science standards for outdoor education, and the focus of our planning is to be more relevant with these standards and get away from the traditional way of doing things,” said PIO principal Kristi Webster.

“The camp will continue to be fun and include many recreational activities,” she added.

Classes at the YWCA – sponsored camp will include plant exploration and forest ecology to outdoor living skills and marine investigation.

Parents of prospective campers recently attended a camp program informational night at the school. More details about camping changes for this year can be found at Pioneer’s Super Six web page, located at: www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us

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