Snow flurries. Yes we had a light fall of the white stuff. Amazing how lightly it falls. Mr. Lee and I remembered back to when we first witnessed our first snow fall. Sorry, I got a little nostolgic there. Mrs. Takacs made a hasty get away - the snow could have caused her to have serious problems as she decended the hill.
We had our last breakfast and the kids went on their last hike - in the falling snow. We packed and dropped off the bags. After their last time with their cabin leaders, we had snack and loaded the bus.
Around 5,000 feet the snow turned into a light rain. And some of the students turned green. Yep, car sickness. We got through the tough part of the drive, and they all felt better. Lauren G pointed out her house along the way. My it was a wonderful site as we turned onto Sienna. Home at last. We were met with rain and happy parents. Thank you parents who helped unload the busses.
The kids ate pizza - thank you PTA. You help us and help us. We really needed that pie - some had empty stomaches and the rest of us just needed to eat. Thank you for being there for us.
After the kids left with the drenched bags, I got a lift from my lovely wife Wendy. After a nap and dinner and a long hot bath, I am closing our trip. How did it go?
If we measure this camp experience by their appropriate behavoir, then they showed how well they were brough up.
If we measure this camp experience by their academic curiousty, then they honored Chaparral.
If we measure this camp experience by their persoanl envolvement, then they and only they have grown up. They did it and they did it toghther. I am happy to report that they are ready to move to middle school. I see it as a rites of passage for this grade level. And they have passed. I am proud of them - every single student.
Thank you parents for enduring my bantering, my meandering, my caring for your children.
Good Night Ladara Ranch.
Mr. Perry
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Our Last Night
Thursday up on Mountain Chai (High)
Our last full day, but boy was it a full day. The skits that we performed – amazing. Mr. and Mrs. Grant videoed all the glorous acts. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
All students are still up on the hill. No new behavior notices, and the nurse said we have a clean bill of health. I am impressed.
This was a warm morning – 27 degrees. The breeze was light with not clouds. At breakfast we had French toast and Skyler loves maple syrup. We also had strawberry syrup, and it was great.
Since the teachers didn’t have a trail today, we all went out on the trails to photograph, video, and to feed the birds. It was a smooth day with all the kids. Some were cracking rocks, others learned about the environment, and others studied animals. The morning was quite memorable. I got lucky to catch a photo of Mrs. Wilbur with a bird landing on her hand. The kids were on fire.
When we got in, we found out that Mrs. Takacs was on the hill. We got together and started planning our skits. The kids had been working on their skits for a few days – cheaters. We had lunch for the last time on the hill. I have found that the kids are growing up. They are now relaxed and fully enjoying themselves. They don’t talk to us like we are teachers anymore. They are impressive.
We did an assessment activity to evaluate their camp leaders. It was like herding kittens – 120 fifth graders is a power in the universe. They then did a hoedown with the camp team. The hoedown is a dance festival. The kids had some line dancing, 70’s disco, and a bit of the 80’s hustle. They were lost, goofy, and fast on their feet. Very interesting.
The whole camp practiced their skits, and the hill was on fire with excitement. Each group worked hard and in secret.
Diner was Chinese and extra laughter. Our table wolfed down the food and the water. Three to four glasses of water per meal.
Skit Night – about 16 skits covered all the cabins, two skits from the camp leaders, and ours. We had girl band singers, space monkeys, Gemain body builders, and Buzz Lightyear. Like I mentioned earlier, the skits were recorded. We have proof that we had fun. Fun up on Mountain Chai.
We are coming home tomorrow. Good night and sweet dreams. See you tomorrow.
Our last full day, but boy was it a full day. The skits that we performed – amazing. Mr. and Mrs. Grant videoed all the glorous acts. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
All students are still up on the hill. No new behavior notices, and the nurse said we have a clean bill of health. I am impressed.
This was a warm morning – 27 degrees. The breeze was light with not clouds. At breakfast we had French toast and Skyler loves maple syrup. We also had strawberry syrup, and it was great.
Since the teachers didn’t have a trail today, we all went out on the trails to photograph, video, and to feed the birds. It was a smooth day with all the kids. Some were cracking rocks, others learned about the environment, and others studied animals. The morning was quite memorable. I got lucky to catch a photo of Mrs. Wilbur with a bird landing on her hand. The kids were on fire.
When we got in, we found out that Mrs. Takacs was on the hill. We got together and started planning our skits. The kids had been working on their skits for a few days – cheaters. We had lunch for the last time on the hill. I have found that the kids are growing up. They are now relaxed and fully enjoying themselves. They don’t talk to us like we are teachers anymore. They are impressive.
We did an assessment activity to evaluate their camp leaders. It was like herding kittens – 120 fifth graders is a power in the universe. They then did a hoedown with the camp team. The hoedown is a dance festival. The kids had some line dancing, 70’s disco, and a bit of the 80’s hustle. They were lost, goofy, and fast on their feet. Very interesting.
The whole camp practiced their skits, and the hill was on fire with excitement. Each group worked hard and in secret.
Diner was Chinese and extra laughter. Our table wolfed down the food and the water. Three to four glasses of water per meal.
Skit Night – about 16 skits covered all the cabins, two skits from the camp leaders, and ours. We had girl band singers, space monkeys, Gemain body builders, and Buzz Lightyear. Like I mentioned earlier, the skits were recorded. We have proof that we had fun. Fun up on Mountain Chai.
We are coming home tomorrow. Good night and sweet dreams. See you tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Day Two
Here we are on night two. Sorry parents, I guess that they just don’t miss you enough to have a homesickness tantrum. The nurse reported that we are happy and healthy – no injuries. And all students are still up on the hill – at camp. Hoo Yaa!
Our day started in 26 degree, blue sky – the kind of blue that we remember from our childhood, moderate breezy mountain weather. I sat with Jessica S’s table for breakfast burritos – yep with beans - our first hike that morning was memorable. Mason and Courtney were great company. We had a great time talking and enjoying the food. Hunger does wonders for all food.
I took out a group with Jessie R and Johnny. We covered the wildlife of the area. An activity to promote animal awareness was to feed the birds. I taught them how to be quiet (miracle in it self), not to move and to hold their hand steady. Yes, the birds landed on the students had and took some seeds. You will not hear the end of this. Kids got so startled when a bird landed that they jerked and tossed the seeds. We all had a great laugh. The chickadees liked Jessie and Johnny. The hike took 2 and a half hours. When we got back, we all took a group picture.
It seems all we do is eat and hike. Lunch came and we scarfed down the food. These kids are in their element. While they had some quiet time and play time, I took a well-deserved nap. After our break, we went back for more.
The afternoon hike was a bit hampered by a rising cold breeze, but we are all mountain men/women. We persevered. The bird feeding was the hit of the hike again. I had Rhys (sorry), Dakota, and Ivana. They loved it. The kids wanted to know how to do this at home. We didn’t see any large animals, but we did some ants in their mound. I loved teaching them about wildlife, their habitats, and how to protect them.
Did say all we seem to do is eat and hike? I had diner with Maddy, Aiden, and Gabby. What a group. We almost got in trouble for laughing so loud. Maddy seemed to have problems with water. And we had a great time letting loose. Dinner with this group was exhausting – too much fun.
You guessed it – now was the time for the night hike. After a short break, we had a lesson on the solar system, and then we went out to the soccer field to look at the stars and the moon. We had a rather large reflecting telescope. The sky was clear and the stars were bright. I hear a kid say that they could just about touch them.
They went to bed at 9. They all looked tired and too excited to sleep. We will see who wins tomorrow. I found out that two cabin groups were given the talk this morning. They were too talkative last night. So tonight the whole group was reminded of the expectations of the camp. These are great kids. Intelligent, respectful, and curious.
I’m using Mrs. George’s computer to write and post this blog. Some fool left his power adapter in his classroom. Thank you Mrs. George. Lucky for that fool that Mrs. Takacs is coming up tomorrow. How does that Beatles song go, “With a little help from my friends.” Or was that Joe Cocker?
I’m fading. And it is only 9:45. I am sorry that you are not able to see and interact with your students the way Mrs. Burns, George, Wilbur and Mr. Lee and I are working together with them. These are not little children. They are growing up. I am proud of them, and I am honored to share fifth grade with them. Good night. Talk to you tomorrow.
Our day started in 26 degree, blue sky – the kind of blue that we remember from our childhood, moderate breezy mountain weather. I sat with Jessica S’s table for breakfast burritos – yep with beans - our first hike that morning was memorable. Mason and Courtney were great company. We had a great time talking and enjoying the food. Hunger does wonders for all food.
I took out a group with Jessie R and Johnny. We covered the wildlife of the area. An activity to promote animal awareness was to feed the birds. I taught them how to be quiet (miracle in it self), not to move and to hold their hand steady. Yes, the birds landed on the students had and took some seeds. You will not hear the end of this. Kids got so startled when a bird landed that they jerked and tossed the seeds. We all had a great laugh. The chickadees liked Jessie and Johnny. The hike took 2 and a half hours. When we got back, we all took a group picture.
It seems all we do is eat and hike. Lunch came and we scarfed down the food. These kids are in their element. While they had some quiet time and play time, I took a well-deserved nap. After our break, we went back for more.
The afternoon hike was a bit hampered by a rising cold breeze, but we are all mountain men/women. We persevered. The bird feeding was the hit of the hike again. I had Rhys (sorry), Dakota, and Ivana. They loved it. The kids wanted to know how to do this at home. We didn’t see any large animals, but we did some ants in their mound. I loved teaching them about wildlife, their habitats, and how to protect them.
Did say all we seem to do is eat and hike? I had diner with Maddy, Aiden, and Gabby. What a group. We almost got in trouble for laughing so loud. Maddy seemed to have problems with water. And we had a great time letting loose. Dinner with this group was exhausting – too much fun.
You guessed it – now was the time for the night hike. After a short break, we had a lesson on the solar system, and then we went out to the soccer field to look at the stars and the moon. We had a rather large reflecting telescope. The sky was clear and the stars were bright. I hear a kid say that they could just about touch them.
They went to bed at 9. They all looked tired and too excited to sleep. We will see who wins tomorrow. I found out that two cabin groups were given the talk this morning. They were too talkative last night. So tonight the whole group was reminded of the expectations of the camp. These are great kids. Intelligent, respectful, and curious.
I’m using Mrs. George’s computer to write and post this blog. Some fool left his power adapter in his classroom. Thank you Mrs. George. Lucky for that fool that Mrs. Takacs is coming up tomorrow. How does that Beatles song go, “With a little help from my friends.” Or was that Joe Cocker?
I’m fading. And it is only 9:45. I am sorry that you are not able to see and interact with your students the way Mrs. Burns, George, Wilbur and Mr. Lee and I are working together with them. These are not little children. They are growing up. I am proud of them, and I am honored to share fifth grade with them. Good night. Talk to you tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
We Made It!
Here we are talking, laughing, and typing. Now that the kids are snoring, we get some down time. We got in to camp around 11 AM, and from that moment the kids were whisked away. They got to know their councilor, the rules, and the lay of land. We had lunch together – the kids looked a bit worse for ware, but they ate like hungry tigers. I ate with Shannon, Ashley, Lauren G, Amanda J, Rachel F, Jessica C, and Lauren E. I enjoyed their company for that meal. After lunch, they went off onto some trails (group building and sensory experiences), while we learned our responsibilities.
Dinner – my food tastes good when you’re starved. I ate with Calvin, Jacques, Curren, and Lyndsay. We had a great time. Some kids had headaches, and only a few had altitude sickness. One poor girl from the Huntington Beach school had a light green pale to her complexion. But in general, our group was in great shape.
After dinner groups could do a nature walk or an astronomy session. I tagged around with Addy, Marielle, Kianna, and four other girls. We learned about nocturnal and diurnal, night vision, and animals of the night. For about an hour or so we stood out in a wooded area of the camp and tested our night vision, listening skills, and we tried to catch a glimpse of an owl – no owls tonight – shame.
It is catching up on 10, and the kids went down at 9. I have to report that only one of our little girls visited the nurse (it only took two hours) – slipped and bumped her chin. One boy got a warning (not yet a strike), and all the Chaparral children stayed up on the hill – no one went home. Ya! Mrs. Burns, George, Wilbur and Mr. Lee are happy healthy and fine. It was a good day.
Here are some words from our campers:
Jacques – I got to see a deer today. We saw the doe over by the meeting area. It was about 15 to 20 feet away. Cool.
Lyndsay – I liked going on the hikes today. We went on two hikes. In the morning, we went on a short one where we roamed around and learned about trees and what kinds of animals that live here. We also learned about the native Indians who lived here.
Curren and Griffin – We liked the games. We really liked camouflage the best. They then told me in great detail the rules of the game. Curren said that her was only out once. They had big smiles as they told about their experiences.
Faith – I really liked going out today to learn about the animals and where they lived. I saw some rabbits, squirrels, and lots of birds. Faith was beaming as she told me this.
Florencia – I favorite was the discovery trail where people had to be blindfolded. And other people would lead you to meet a tree. Then you took off the blindfold to see the tree that you met. She smiled as she said that she felt a bit silly meeting the tree.
Well that is enough for today. I now need to check out the comments on this blog. We do have wireless internet access, but it is far from broadband – B not G. See you tomorrow. Good night.
Dinner – my food tastes good when you’re starved. I ate with Calvin, Jacques, Curren, and Lyndsay. We had a great time. Some kids had headaches, and only a few had altitude sickness. One poor girl from the Huntington Beach school had a light green pale to her complexion. But in general, our group was in great shape.
After dinner groups could do a nature walk or an astronomy session. I tagged around with Addy, Marielle, Kianna, and four other girls. We learned about nocturnal and diurnal, night vision, and animals of the night. For about an hour or so we stood out in a wooded area of the camp and tested our night vision, listening skills, and we tried to catch a glimpse of an owl – no owls tonight – shame.
It is catching up on 10, and the kids went down at 9. I have to report that only one of our little girls visited the nurse (it only took two hours) – slipped and bumped her chin. One boy got a warning (not yet a strike), and all the Chaparral children stayed up on the hill – no one went home. Ya! Mrs. Burns, George, Wilbur and Mr. Lee are happy healthy and fine. It was a good day.
Here are some words from our campers:
Jacques – I got to see a deer today. We saw the doe over by the meeting area. It was about 15 to 20 feet away. Cool.
Lyndsay – I liked going on the hikes today. We went on two hikes. In the morning, we went on a short one where we roamed around and learned about trees and what kinds of animals that live here. We also learned about the native Indians who lived here.
Curren and Griffin – We liked the games. We really liked camouflage the best. They then told me in great detail the rules of the game. Curren said that her was only out once. They had big smiles as they told about their experiences.
Faith – I really liked going out today to learn about the animals and where they lived. I saw some rabbits, squirrels, and lots of birds. Faith was beaming as she told me this.
Florencia – I favorite was the discovery trail where people had to be blindfolded. And other people would lead you to meet a tree. Then you took off the blindfold to see the tree that you met. She smiled as she said that she felt a bit silly meeting the tree.
Well that is enough for today. I now need to check out the comments on this blog. We do have wireless internet access, but it is far from broadband – B not G. See you tomorrow. Good night.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Here We Are the Night Before Camp
We are excited. The students are excited. The camp is excited. Even the wild life is excited.
The camp weather seems to have stabled. Days should be in mid 50's to low 60's, and nights should be low 30's to mid 30's. If we get some strong winds, the the wind chill factor could lower these numbers.
Dress them so that they will be protected from the wind and cold. Snow won't be a big problem.
Put their sleeping bag and pillow into a large plastic trashbag tie off the opening and lable the bag with thier name. I'll have a second bag inside the first bag - you never know.
Remember to encourage your student to:
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