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PALI MOUNTAIN SCIENCE CAMP
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| Pinecrest 6th graders were away at Science Camp the week of April 21st. As you'll see, it was a time for adventure and learning to work together. |
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - Day 3 - The students woke up excited and ready to eat. Today we faced our fears with the high ropes course. Students challenged themselves physically, mentally, and socially. Each individual had to work with one another and encourage one another to meet their goals. Whether it was climbing one step high on the tree or getting across the entire challenge, each student gave it their all. It was also amazing to see those that originally give up before they reached the top, get back in line and actually complete it the second time around. All of them did a great job! After our themed "yellow" lunch (all foods were of yellow color), the students split up and ventured off to Animal Survivor. Imitating the lives of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, the students learned how dependent each creature is on the other. After Animal Survivor the students faced orienteering. This course offers them lessons on the compass, its use, and the importance of following directions. Placed in the forest, students were told to find the next marker using only the compass and measurements given. If they were not able to find the right marker, they needed to start all over until the entire trail was complete. Night time ended with a night hike in the woods. Playing games using our night vision and echo location, the students had a blast! They also learned that if you chew a wintergreen lifesaver real fast it will spark in your mouth! Today was eventful and we look forward to a more low key day tomorrow. Until then.....
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| Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - It's day 2 and everyone here woke up refreshed and ready to start a new day. Sitting at breakfast the girls spoke about their cabin time and their creativity in making homemade potpourri. Everyone eagerly awaited their first class, Geology and Engineering. The students were able to communicate on earthquakes and plate tectonics as well as design and build a structure that had to withstand the earthquake machine. Then it was on to Outdoor Survival. The students were taught the 10 basic necessities when hiking and camping and then taught to build their own tents, fires, and shelter. It was quite a challenge but everyone was rewarded with quesadillas! After our pasta night dinner the students were able to hang out with Mrs. Collins and play a game of SPUD on the field. Once the sun was set it was off to their night class of Building Support. In this class, the students were taught leadership and what it makes to become a good leader. Then as teams they were challenged to create something for their instructors to stand or sit on using 22 ropes and 22 dowels. It was quite an interesting day with a lot of team building exercises. Trail games prove to be a favorite of all the students along with 4 corners. Everyone is doing well! Until tomorrow.... |
Monday, April 21, 2008 - The children are having a great time and after a long bus ride up the windy road we finally reached Pali Mountain. The weather is amazing (not too hot and not too cold). While the past summers fires have caused a lot of damage up here, the students and the leaders aren't letting it get in the way of learning and having a good time. Students participated in Ground Based Initiatives in which they had to rely on one another to get certain jobs done. They also attended a balloon rescue class in which they were to design a contraption that would allow a balloon to survive a 30 foot drop. After a wonderful dinner, the kids headed off to the campfire. While fire regulations will not allow the site to have fires outdoors, we were allowed to mimic a campfire indoors. The students acted out skits and participated in a lot of games. Day 1 is over and everyone is ready for what Day 2 might bring. Until tomorrow....
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