The East Grand Rapids School Foundation is supporting our incoming 6th graders over the next (2-3?) years with team building experience at Camp Manitou-Lin. The East Grand Rapids Middle School houses our 6th, 7th and 8th graders. In 6th grade all three elementaries combine for the first time. There is a lot of excitement around meeting so many new students that year.
One way the middle school works to create bonds between students is starting the year with a camp experience. Students interact with their classmates from all three buildings plus students that are new to our district in a variety of ways. From singing on the bus together, to overcoming their fears and cheering each other on as they scale the rock wall, to solving challenges on the low ropes course, students will learn more about themselves and each other and begin to form bonds that will hopefully see them all the way through high school.
Groups attending Camp Manitou-Lin will have four experiences together including: high ropes course, low ropes course, teambuilding, and shelter building. The bonds students will build during these shared experiences will allow them to have a deeper understanding of one another.
Jill Smith, EGR Middle School English teacher shared, "We are so appreciative of the Foundation's support. Providing this opportunity to our 6th graders at the start of the school year really allows them to bond quickly. Middle school can be stressful, especially at the start of the year. The camp experience allows them to build trust and relationships with other students in a fun environment. It is an experience that both students and staff look forward to at the beginning of the year!"
