We’re inside of a week of the much-anticipated camping trip. I’m sure your children are as excited as Ms. Futrell, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Tickle, and me. This annual trip is a wonderful chance for the class to learn, play, and laugh as they begin their final year together at St. Michael’s.

As our wonderful room parents, Madeline Gorman and Pam Martin, have shared with you via email, we will have a Parent Meeting this coming Tuesday night, September 13, at 6 p.m. in the Allen Library on the Singleton campus to review the plan for the trip. In this meeting (which precedes Back to School night), we will also touch briefly on the high school search process and other eighth grade specific items. 

Included in this note are details to help us all prepare for a safe and successful adventure. While we will prepare the students thoroughly for the trip, please take time to review this information with your child(ren) so we are all on the same page. 

Schedule

Thursday, September 15

8:05 a.m.        depart St. Michael’s Singleton campus (Students should arrive as they normally do.)

9:15 a.m.        arrive at Camp Westview

9:35 a.m.        small group activities and games

11:35 a.m.      lunch

12:30 p.m.      high ropes course and boating (canoes, kayaks & paddleboards)

6:00 p.m.        recess & free time (athletic equipment available)

6:45 p.m.        dinner

7:15 p.m.        down time to settle in bunks

9:00 p.m.        campfire

10:15 p.m.      lights out

Friday, September 16

6:00 a.m.        optional sunrise hike to the lakefront

7:30 a.m.        wake up call

8:00 a.m.        breakfast and free time

9:15 a.m.        water trampoline & water zipline

11:45 a.m.      class meeting

12:00 p.m.      lunch

1:30 p.m.        depart Camp Westview

3:15 p.m.        return to St. Michael’s Singleton Campus

Families are asked to park in the lower (gym) lot while awaiting the bus’s return. Please do not arrive too early as extra cars will clog carline for families of 6th and 7th graders. Updated estimated time of arrival will be posted on the School’s Facebook page and Twitter feed. 

Safety and Communication

As always, our first duty is to students’ safety. If an issue should arise during the trip, one of the chaperones or I will contact you. Similarly, should an emergency arise and you need to contact your child during the trip, please contact me (215-266-7303), Ms. Futrell (910-617-9521), Mrs. Martin (804-382-1255), or Mr. Tickle (804-658-6295) on our mobile phones. In the unlikely event that you are unable to reach any of us, please contact the school during normal school hours or Mr. Jones (804-387-0773) during off hours. 

Also, under the topic of safety, please complete and return to the office the attached release form. Completed release forms must be returned to the Middle School office by 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14. Students failing to return a completed form by this time place in jeopardy their ability to participate in the trip. 

What to pack (and leave at home)

Our accommodations at Camp Westview will be comfortable, but not a five-star hotel. Please keep this in mind, along with the objectives of the trip (learning, class bonding, and safe communal fun) when packing. In addition to clothes suitable for long, active days outside, students should pack:

• toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
• towels (1 for shower and 1 for swim activities)
• sheets and blankets OR sleeping bag (all beds are twin sized)
• pillow
• flashlight
  
• bug repellent
• waterproof sunscreen
• sturdy closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes or hiking shoes)*
• hat 
• sweatshirt or jacket *
• rainwear (coat & hat, or poncho) * 
• water bottle* 
• book
• swimsuit (females- we strongly suggest a one piece swimsuit given the athletic nature of the water activities)
  

* These items should be labeled with the student’s name.

Students need not bring the following as they are provided by Camp Westview:

• food, (all meals and snacks will be provided) 
• water.

Students should NOT bring or pack:

• cell phones
• valuables
• food
• electronic devices.

Again, we are all excited for a great trip! Please remember to get in those completed release form, attend the September 13 meeting, and have a nice weekend.