Templeton Middle School’s (TMS) entire eighth 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 April 20. Over the course of four days, more than 400 students and dozens of staff members and family volunteers visited the 300 acre site in Hartland.
“It’s just great to be out in nature every once in a while, as I don’t do that much myself,” shares Templeton Middle School eighth grader Chase Orr. “A lot of people who were in my group I really don’t share classes with. Or if I am in class with them, we don’t talk a lot. So I feel like through this experience, we’ve been able to grow closer and understand each other more now.”
Students spent the day enjoying outdoor activities such as campfire cooking, canoeing, archery, and orienteering, a compass-based navigation challenge that encourages problem-solving and teamwork. The annual field trip has become a celebrated tradition for TMS students who will finish middle school in a few weeks and begin high school in the fall.
“Fortunately, I got to come here two years ago with my now sophomore,” explains Kristina Kender. Kender volunteered to chaperone the most recent field trip to Camp Whitcomb/Mason alongside her younger son Blake. “I had to come back because it’s just such a great experience! It’s an amazing place to be and such a good bonding experience. These are memories that I will cherish and I know the students will cherish too, because it’s a great way to wrap up their eighth grade year.”
“The goal of this trip is to participate in team-building and problem-solving exercises that result in collaboration and the use of interpersonal skills,” explains Templeton Middle School Counselor Steve Gross. “In each activity area, students are able to spend time with fellow students that they might not normally have class with or socialize with.”
“I liked that we kind of got to take a break from school for a day and go out and do something fun outdoors,” shares Templeton Middle School eighth grader Kennedy Sandieson.
“My favorite part was probably canoeing because we saw a turtle,” says Templeton Middle School eighth grader Jayna Vosters.
Darren Hill Jr. chaperoned the trip with his daughter’s class and says he thinks his group of students had the most fun while canoeing. “Great experience to get the kids out of their regular element and get them out in nature, something I think they miss a lot of,” he explains. “I worked at a camp so it’s really beautiful to see the kids come out here and enjoy some of the stuff that I loved growing up.”
“We were put in randomized groups and I got to build really strong connections with people I’ve never even talked to before,” shares Templeton Middle School eighth grader Ayla Tetting. “One of my favorite things was archery,” adds Tetting. “Even though I wasn’t good at it, it was fun to learn a new skill!”
Parent chaperone Patty Stranak says she really enjoyed seeing her son and his peers canoeing together. “It was really great to see the kids connect and have fun, getting a day to just be kids.”
Camp Whitcomb/Mason is a Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee property located in Hartland, Wisconsin.