A report on that seventh-grade campout
By Sr. Mary Michael
School Sisters of Christ the King
St. Teresa School in Lincoln
This spring, we endeavored to take our seventh-grade class on a three-day campout at Camp Kateri Tekakwitha near McCool Junction. Not only did we live, but we were also filled with life.
There is a scene from an old movie about St. John Bosco in which the boys in his school/care were out for the day in the country, playing and enjoying the great outdoors and one another. In the movie, there was “playful” music in the background, and it almost looked like a scene from heaven. Now, I don’t want to get carried away, but this was as close as I have come, for three days in a row, to such goodness. Joy proper to youth exuded frequently from children and adults alike.
I was excited last spring and wrote an article about the buzz that accompanied the planning. I promised that if it went well, a follow-up would be offered. Oh, did it go well!
When we arrived, we had a short meeting after the students had found their cabins and changed clothes. Early in that meeting, Sister Mary Gabriel gave the kids a ferverino – a pep talk – on being open to trying new things, even if they were a little scared. It set the tone for many new experiences. Creek exploration, ax throwing, archery, knot tying, campfire cooking, orienteering, an obstacle course, newspaper, tent assembly and tug of war all provided to thoroughly engage all involved – students, staff and parent volunteers.
In one of the sessions, the children wrote “newspaper” articles to record the events. One wrote about a chat around the campfire. The group “just talked, asking each other questions, laughing, and just enjoying the beautiful nature. It was really cloudy, but this one spot was clear, and the sun’s magnificent rays were shining through. We were surrounded by all the trees, bushes, and even weeds. It felt like a short while talking, but it was like 20 to 30 minutes.” The student recorded that the great moment was followed by foot races with students and staff.
At the end of the three-day adventure, we asked the children for advice for next year. Hands down, two things emerged: Enjoy! And bring extra socks!
I, too, need to comment on the “creek exploration.” Miss H. and I headed to the creek to get a few pictures and to observe. Miss H. ended up in the creek – upon her own volition – and I thoroughly enjoyed the event safely up on the bank. Every half a minute or so, one heard a girl scream. Mrs. S., the leader of the exploration, appeared deaf to the screams. As near as I could tell, the shrieks were due to cold water, mud, bugs, snakes, shells, flying mud, playful nudges, a small drop off in the creek bottom, or getting stuck in the mud. I do have to admit when one student came toward me with a snake and asked if I wanted to hold it, I was glad there was a steep bank between us, so I hardly even had to say, “no, thank you.”
Another one of my favorite events was building a huge fire that I lit without matches. Flint and a striker caused the ignition, so I, too, was a good camper and did a few new things! Building a good fire is one thing, seeing it used through to the end is yet another. I delighted in helping and watching the children cook the campfire meals which they had assembled.
Thank you, Lord for the goodness of the event, and Your blessing on all. May the fruit of the experience show itself into the indefinite future.
