Eighth Grade Camping Trip: September 11-12
To our 8th Graders and Their Families,
Every year, the 8th grade class goes on an overnight trip as a way to bring the class together, work on team building, discuss their roles as leaders, and build as strong a foundation as we can for a great final year at St. Michael’s.
Below you will find the schedule of planned events as well as how to prepare for the trip. Please reach out to Jonathan Williams (jwilliams@stmschool.net) or Ben Hayward (bhayward@stmschool.net) if there are any questions.
Schedule
Thursday, September 11
7:30 AM Depart from Bon Air Trader Joe’s parking lot, 3000 Stony Point Rd, 23235
9:15 AM Arrive at Jamestown 4-H
Morning Group and room assignments; group discussions/team building; dress for afternoon activities
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Ropes, archery, canoeing
4:30 PM Clean up
6:30 PM Dinner & free time
8:00 PM Campfire s’mores & stargazing & games
10:15 PM Lights out
Friday, September 12
7:30 AM Wake-up call
8:00 AM Breakfast, pack up, and clean cabins
9:00 AM Games (Crocodile Game, Scavenger Hunt)
10:00 AM Camp Store will be open
12:00 PM Lunch / retrieve gear from cabins
1:00 PM Leave 4-H Jamestown
2:30 PM Return to Trader Joe’s parking lot for pickup
Families are asked to park in the Bon Air Shopping Center in the central area of the parking lot (as Trader Joe’s itself will likely be too full) while awaiting the bus to return. Updated estimated time of arrival will be posted on the School’s Facebook page and Instagram feed.
Safety and Communication
As always, our first duty is to student 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 Mr. Williams (646-342-2436) or Mr. Hayward (315-405-2732) 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 Bob Gregg (703-899-6009) during off-hours.
What to Pack (and Leave at Home)
Our accommodations at Jamestown 4-H 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*:
- Water shoes or shoes that can get wet when canoeing
- Closed-toed shoes suitable for walking
- Bug spray
- Toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
- Towels
- Sheets and blankets OR sleeping bag (all beds are twin-sized)
- Pillow
- Flashlight (label with last name)
- Sunscreen and hat
- Sweatshirt or jacket
- If the weather looks like we’ll need it, rainwear (coat & hat, or poncho)
- Water bottle
- Book
- A spare change of clothes should a student get wet canoeing or muddy on the trails
- Cash (not to exceed $20) to visit the Campsite store for souvenirs before we head home
*Items should be labeled with the student’s name.
Students should NOT bring or pack:
- Cell phones and electronic devices
- Valuables
- Food (including candy)
Medications: any student with medication will need to turn it in before entering the bus. A form for administering medications will be sent separately from this email.
We look forward to a fun and very memorable trip!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Williams
Middle School Director
