One hundred and nine sixth graders and selected teachers attended YMCA Camp Marston, located in Julian, CA, to participate in activities and classes from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18. In a break from tradition, this year’s sixth grade camp was held in the fall instead of the spring.
According to Ms. Brooks, sixth grade teacher and camp organizer, sixth grade camp was held in the fall instead of the spring to help bond the advisory classes. The Preuss School along with YMCA’s Camp Martson helped bring this event together for the sixth graders to participate in fun activities where they worked together as a team, and strengthened bonds with each other.
“It was great because the activities/classes weren’t that hard,” said Ridwan Mead (‘31), “I felt closer to my peers because we had to sleep and do the activities and classes together.”
This was Preuss’s second consecutive year of taking the sixth graders to YMCA Camp Marston in Julian. According to Ms. Brooks this sixth grade camp was free to all sixth graders because of The Pincus Family Foundation fund that was granted to Preuss. Many enjoy the camp and hope that it can be continued for the future sixth graders.
This year, the camp had various classes to get the sixth graders to work with each other but have a fun experience while doing it. Their classes were focused on the world around them and helped them become independent.
“There were six classes that students rotated throughout the week- Sustainability, Earth and Water, Team Building, Activities, Ecology, and Survival Skills. Teachers went to all classes!” Brooks added.
The sixth graders were given this opportunity to experience most of the San Diego students’ experience, and also a time to disconnect from technology. Students were not allowed to bring any electronics of any kind in order to preserve the close bond that was created between all the students.
“We got to do sport activities, hanging out with our friends, or doing interactive activities with other peers and students from other schools,” said Mead (‘31)
Teachers and students see this camp as a success with students and teachers being pleased with the outcome and the activities and living conditions provided. While many students faced challenges, which was expected, there were resources like help from counselors and teachers that helped students manage with their emotions.
“Many students got homesick which was normal. It was the first time many of them were away from home that long. Luckily, six Preuss teachers were there all week and the YMCA counselors help students battle these feelings,” said Mrs. Brooks.
Maintaining a school’s traditions while slowly evolving and adapting into our changing world is essential for fostering a sense of community in a school environment. It can help make memories memorable and meaningful for everyone involved, teachers and students included and help strengthen the students’ skills. Students were satisfied with camp and also had good behaviors and represented Preuss as a school very well, with many participating in activities and taking leadership roles.
“They should do this next year because it is pretty fun and it is an extra break from school,” said Mead (‘31) “A good time to relax after transitioning to middle school.”
As this year’s sixth grade camp ends, Mrs. Brooks finds this camp was a success and hopes for it to continue in future years.
“There’s nothing I would change about camp. Funding for next year is not guaranteed, so I really hope we are able to secure consistent funding to make the sixth grade camp in Julian a staple for all sixth graders.”
Many sixth graders enjoyed the camp as well and recommend it to the future sixth graders because of the fun activities and classes.
“It was fun, I really liked rock climbing and candle making,” said Marlene Sandoval (‘31), “Yes I recommend it for next year’s sixth graders because it’s fun, you get to go hiking.”
