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Submitted by Kara Jensen
MEARS — Ludington Area School District eighth graders recently continued a nearly six-decade tradition with a week at eighth grade camp at Grace Adventures in Mears.
This year marked the 58th year OJ DeJonge Middle School eighth graders have participated in the camp, located on Upper Silver Lake.
When students arrived Monday, they were divided into small, mixed peer groups led by counselors. Camper groups were paired into brother-sister teams for friendly competitions throughout the week.
The camp is designed to encourage students to cooperate, build teamwork skills, develop class unity, try new experiences, build trust and gain independence and leadership skills.
Students participated in a variety of classes and activities, including archery, ziplining, horseback riding, canoeing, sailing and kayaking. They also learned how to build fires, use a compass and identify leaves and trees.
Other activities included tie-dyeing, creating art using light and cyanotype paper, learning dances and developing mock rock skits with cabin groups.
Brother and sister cabins also competed together in activities including disc golf, cornhole, blanket volleyball and dodgeball.
As a group, students hiked a dune at dusk and watched the stars. They also participated in an activity night featuring a DJ, climbing wall and games, created cabin banners, were “blobbed” into the lake, played laser tag and tackled the high ropes course.
For many students, camp provides an opportunity to try activities they have never experienced before.
The week is intended to build community among eighth graders and often changes how students view themselves and their relationships with classmates.
Several students were recognized at the end of the week as exceptional campers for demonstrating qualities emphasized during camp, including cooperation, unity, trust, willingness to try new things, independence and leadership.
Students recognized were Sofia Gamez, Hevenli Rodriguez, Penelope McClellan, Kendal Larson, Caitlyn Dean, Ruby Collins, Skylar Beimer, Natalie Sheldon, Alaina Falnery, Addilynn O’Brien, Nate Martinez, Carter Teague, Caden Beaushaw, Nick Carpenter, Devin Jacobs, Thorin Seims, Reid Allison, Kellan Morgan and Mason Nickelson.
Counselors and staff nominate students for recognition and then select two as Campers of the Week. This year’s recipients were Skylar Beimer and Devin Jacobs.
The district offers fundraising opportunities throughout middle school to help cover the cost of camp. Sixth graders sell wreaths from Nickelson’s Farms in the fall, while sixth- and seventh-grade students sell cookie dough during the winter.
Additional financial assistance is still needed for some students.
Those interested in contributing to the eighth grade camp program may contact camp director Bryan Morgan at bmorgan@lasd.net.
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