|
Announcing The New Highland Camp Directors
*Mrs. Jody Schmidle & Mrs. Lynne Jakiel*
The Highland Grade Camp Program has evolved into a three-day outdoor educational experience that affords students the opportunity to explore the natural world around them, both locally and at an established camp facility. Presently, two of the three days are spent at Camp Seven Hills owned and operated by the Girl Scout Council of Buffalo & Erie County, which is located in Holland, New York, and one day is spent exploring and appreciating the natural world right here in our own community.
The Highland Camp program originated in a 1969 Highland Elementary School field trip to Franklinville, NY. Since then, many different camp facilities have hosted the program over the years, including the 4H Camp, Camp Aloha, and now, the Camp Seven Hills. The tradition of the outdoor education program has been offered to students in their final year at Highland. The Highland Camp Program has been so successful due to the true team effort over the years by various faculty, staff, parents, community volunteers and students. Numerous area organizations – the PTG, The Evans Police Dept., and WNY United Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse to name a few – along with the highly dedicated Highland faculty, staff, and administration continue to support this unique opportunity for students.
The Highland Elementary Camp/Outdoor Education Program is a tradition deeply rooted in our wonderful community, which many generations have enjoyed while gathering together around the campfire, building friendships and memories that will surely last a lifetime! This tradition will surely live on for many years to come.
Enjoy a pictorial highlights video of the
Highland Camp through the years below!
Camp Educational Programs are always evolving to best meet the interests and needs of our students. An exciting new exciting team of teachers, staff and parents has begun their planning for the 2009 camp learning activities.
Examples of previous camp activities and programs have included the following:
- The Totem Circle of Friendship (provided by Highland’s own PE teacher Mrs. Charlene Schneckenberger) - Students, teachers, and chaperones will create a can for a group totem pole that is symbolic of friendship and teamwork. The totem circle is the area that traditionally welcomes visitors to our gathering area at Empire Lodge.
- "WHO"se Bones? - Students will explore and dissect regurgitated owl pellets to understand the animals' dietary habits. Bones of the prey are carefully analyzed and skeletal remains are mapped and glued to identification boards.
- Compass Crusaders - Student teams will navigate their way through our orienteering course, while working cooperatively.
- Mystery Math - Students will apply their knowledge of mathematical concepts, including measurement, capacity and prediction in the great outdoors.
- Jammin' Jamboree – Nature songs, games and dance expose students to the arts.
- Mountain Muscles - While hiking the camp trails, students explore the terrain, plants, animals and the processes that have acted upon the forest.
- Totally Teamwork (provided by the "WNY Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse") - Students will undertake various team and trust building activities that require a total cooperative effort.
- Buffalo Museum of Science - Animal Classification and “Marooned" with Nature Mary
- Eastern Mountain Sports "Stay Put, Stay Dry" - Survival Skills Program
- Science Circus - "In Jest" Juggling Program featuring Nels Cremean
- Then & Now" Local Fossils - NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Presentation
- The Reptile Guy - "Nickel City Reptiles & Exotics"
Camp is about new learning experiences, camaraderie and fostering a sincere appreciation of the great outdoors for our students! The entire Highland faculty, staff, administration, parents and students look forward to keeping the tradition alive at Camp 2009. Most importantly, it’s about TEAMWORK!
|
Camp Program 
