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.
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.
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!