Any kid would love to return to school after the summer knowing that they will be going right back to camp.  Luckily for Wydown sixth graders, sixth grade camp has been a tradition practiced in the Clayton school district for years.

A Wydown 6th grader learns how to take risks on the ropes at 6th grade camp. (Sonja Petermann)

On Sept. 22, sixth graders from Wydown, counselors from CHS, and teachers from both schools took a ride to Sherwood Forest, the multiple cabin-filled campground that they would call home for the next four days.

“The goal is to give the sixth graders an experience they will never have again,” camp co-director Ryan Luhning said. “We hope they develop a greater understanding of themselves and create a stronger bond with their classmates.”

Some of these experiences include activities such as canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, nature writing, nature art, and the notorious Tango Tower, which became the most popular structure at camp.

“Tango Tower was my favorite thing to do because the counselors got to bond,” senior counselor Max Goldfarb said. “It eventually led to unity between the kids and counselors.”

Many other high school students took a week off of school to mentor the sixth graders at Sherwood Forest.  The juniors and seniors’ applications had to be approved by the directors of the camp. Those who were approved then had to attend a team building and informational meeting a few days before camp.

Most students chose to be a counselor for similar reasons.

“I did it because I learned a lot last year from the kids,” senior and two-time counselor Sonja Peterman said. “I really wanted a similar experience this year and that’s why I applied.”

With her little brother, Andreas, attending the camp as a camper, Sonja had a particularly interesting experience.

“It was a lot of fun to see my brother and mess around with him,” Petermann said.

Like a lot of the other campers, Andreas gave his praise to the Tango Tower.

“I loved climbing the tango tower with my friends,” Andreas Petermann said.

Many of the sixth graders left the camp stronger, more environmentally conscious, and more socially comfortable.

“For many of the sixth graders, this experience is their first time away from their family, so they naturally learn more independence,” Luhning said. “They also learn leadership roles that allows a group to function successfully.”

The sixth graders weren’t the only ones who went home with a sense of accomplishment; many seniors got a lot out of sixth grade camp as well.

“The counselors seem to come back with a sense of accomplishment,” Luhning said. “They feel like they made a difference in a young person’s life and gave them an experience they will not forget. I think they also come back with a better appreciation for their parents and teachers as they live through the struggles and the joys that kids can put us through.”

Next year, Luhning hopes to continue running sixth grade camp with a new set of counselors.