Templeton Middle School’s (TMS) entire seventh grade class was given the opportunity to connect with nature and each other during a team-building field trip to Camp Whitcomb/Mason the week of November 3. This was the first time seventh grade students had the opportunity to visit the 300-acre site in Hartland with their classmates. This is the beginning of a new tradition, aimed at making connections between students who are just beginning their middle school careers at TMS.
“It is important for seventh graders to experience team building, bonding and problem solving activities to build relationships with each other and with staff,” explains Templeton Middle School Teacher Megan Karabon. “It is great to do at the beginning of the school year so that students can learn how to communicate effectively. As teachers, we were able to see students who are normally quiet in the classroom take on leadership roles in different ways,” adds Karabon.
“Many students don’t get the opportunity to spend this much time outside enjoying nature and we could almost see the stress melting away,” shares Templeton Middle School Teacher Christopher Beck. “We saw lots of smiles and a lot of support for one another. This trip was a really great way for the kids to work and build relationships with others they may not usually associate with.”
The goal of the trip is to participate in team-building and problem solving exercises that result in collaboration and the use of interpersonal skills. Camp Whitcomb/Mason field trips had previously been exclusive to only eighth grade students in the spring. However, given the camp’s tremendous success in connecting peers, TMS has now extended the field trip to seventh graders in the fall. TMS Home & School helped to fund the experience.
“I saw some great team work and problem solving,” shares parent volunteer Jillian Dargatz, who says favorite activity stations included shelter building and water ecology. “The students were remarkably well-behaved, everyone participated and the activities were well-planned for the seventh graders’ level of interest,” Dargatz adds. “The camp staff were awesome and supported the student-led curiosity and learning experience.”
Templeton Middle School Teacher Dr. Mary Caucutt says the field trip was a vital experience for students. “This offered them a chance to explore the outdoors, forge new friendships and simply enjoy being kids,” says Caucutt. “A true highlight was watching students step out of their comfort zones. Whether they were navigating challenges or discovering shared interests, seeing them collaborate and grow socially will undoubtedly translate to their academic success this year.”
“One of the best parts about TMS being a seventh and eighth grade school is that all seventh graders start off with a blank slate,” shares Templeton Middle School Teacher Kristy Emling. The timing of the Camp Whitcomb/Mason field trip being the start of the year is crucial because it helps students feel connected, engaged and gives all a sense of belonging.” Emling says the experience is not about academics. “It is about kids being kids, giving them time to bond with one another and creating those fun memories they’ll look back on for years,” explains Emling. “It was such a joy to watch students learn to build fires, create structures out of branches and take samples from the water to analyze. There was so much laughter, silliness and enjoyment of the outdoors that students would not have gotten to experience without this trip.