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.