The annual seventh-grade overnight camping trip is a cherished school tradition and an exciting rite of passage that our students eagerly anticipate. On November 6-7, the memory-making began as members of the MICDS Class of 2031 adventured to Camp Lakewood in Potosi, Missouri.
The Camp Lakewood two-day experience centered around six 90-minute activity sessions designed to engage and challenge the students. Thanks to the beautiful weather, the exciting roster of activities included boating in canoes, target sports featuring archery, axe throwing, and BB shooting, navigating the low-ropes Challenge Course, a demanding survival hike, outdoor cooking, and scaling Pines Peak for a rock climbing adventure.
In between the main activities and group meals, students had ample time for free play, enjoying amenities such as sand volleyball, Gaga ball, fishing, or simply taking a refreshing nature walk. The schedule was intentionally built for plenty of social time, encouraging students to bond and relax together. Thursday evening culminated in a special event: the camp staff put on a lively skit for our seventh-grade Rams around a spectacular bonfire, complete with roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.
The central objective of the seventh-grade camp experience is always to enable students to build stronger social connections in a setting outside the MICDS classrooms and hallways. During their time away, the focus is squarely on further developing essential lifelong skills, such as teamwork, compromise, creative problem-solving, and active listening.
One of the notable highlights of the trip was the night hike. Students embarked on a guided trek through the dark woods. Upon reaching the summit of the hill, everyone powered down their lights to appreciate the sounds of the night and marvel at the blanket of stars illuminating the sky. This powerful moment was capped off with calling out for owls and eagerly waiting for a response.
Read on for student reflections about Camp Lakewood!
“Boating was the best time, it was relaxing and fun to be with friends on the water. The cabins were really nice because it was like a big sleepover with friends. The food was good too!” – Porter Gray ’31
“Boating was challenging, but the communication we learned to make sure we paddled together was actually really fun.” – Noor Dhindsa ’31
“I liked the boating even though it was hard. I didn’t think I’d like the survival hike, but I did. The advice I would give next year’s seventh graders is to try archery, it’s more fun than you think!” – Caden Walker ’31
“Favorite thing was absolutely being with friends!” – Maddie Dimit ’31
“Archery was my favorite. I was really happy that the climbing instructor challenged me. We played a few games in the cabin last night, and that was really fun. Advice for next year’s seventh graders: bring a big water bottle! – Henry Sharp ’31
“I loved being with friends and trying challenging new things, and spending time hanging out with people you don’t usually see.” – Elle Gast ’31
“I really got to bond with friends at camp, and we had some deep talks. The night hike with Mr. Whitney was my favorite activity. Advice for next year’s seventh graders: make sure to hang out with both old and new friends. You’ll be surprised by the new connections you make if you’re open to it.” – Gavin Koning ’31
“I loved getting to hang out with friends that I don’t have classes with, and I got to know a lot of people.” – Avery Selner ’31
By taking advantage of the natural surroundings and stepping away from digital devices, the students were able to fully embrace the physical and mental challenges presented, wholeheartedly engage in the various activities, and deepen their ties with their classmates.
We look forward to seeing how the seventh-grade class continues to connect and grow in the aftermath of such an inspiring overnight trip! What a terrific foundation for s’more learning in the weeks and months to come!