From Campus to Cabins: the Inaugural Fourth Grade Overnight Campout

From the morning of February 13 to afternoon carline on February 14, four sections of Shorecrest fourth graders embarked on the ultimate Lower School field experience - an overnight camping trip at Camp Dorothy Thomas. The first of its kind for the Lower School, the overnight trip was an opportunity for students to take on new challenges, take time for reflection, and bond as a class, all before the leap to fifth grade and transition into Middle School. 

"In an outdoor experience like this, kids show up in different ways than they do in the classroom," shared fourth grade teacher Mrs. Mindy Bhuyan, who organized and led the trip for the fourth grade team. 

"Different personalities and sides of kids come out, and you just don't know until they're there. It's a great opportunity for kids to learn more about themselves and their peers."  

In its inaugural year, the teachers used the camping experience to connect to their grade-level inquiry into sustainability. "We were inspired by this quote from environmental educator David Sobel, 'Give children a chance to love the earth before we ask them to save it,'" Mrs. Bhuyan said. 

Over the trip students spent significant time in nature, learning about the plants and animals around them, and enjoying the unexpected - like stumbling upon a turtle laying eggs, or encountering four-legged cabin guests. 

In a journal reflection one student noted, "I think I got a little bit more brave and got over my fear of mice (a little)... I think they [future fourth graders] will love it and have an awesome time. Just if there are mice in the cabin, stay calm and carry on. (Don't worry, let the teachers handle it.)" 

In addition to planned activities like hikes and a low ropes course, students had multiple opportunities for quiet reflection and writing. 

"We'd ask the kids to find a quiet place where they’re by themself and then just be there for 30 minutes or so with their journal. Those moments of solitude and reflection are such a gift for today's kids," shared Mrs. Bhuyan.  

"I now feel more brave and independent than before the campout," one student shared in a written reflection. "I really do think that fourth graders in the future should do the campout because it lets them experience nature a lot more and they would see planets and constellations."  

Another wrote, "I think the campout was amazing because of the rotations like the ropes course, hiking, painting and teamwork strategy. The thing that I enjoyed the most was being with some cabin mates that aren't in my homeroom and waking everybody up in the morning with my trumpet." 

In a letter to families following the trip, Lower School Head Dr. Lisa Bianco and a trip chaperone shared, "This trip was more than just an overnight adventure. It was an experience that will stay with us all—a powerful reminder of the impact of experiential learning and the magic that happens when children step outside their comfort zones." 

This unforgettable experience was made possible by the thoughtful planning of our incredible fourth grade teachers—Ms. Husenitza, Ms. Schilling, Ms. Summer, Ms. Horton, and Ms. Bhuyan—along with the dedicated support of our outstanding team: Nancy Spencer, Kate Fierce, Roderick Fludd, Sarah Palazzolo, Charlotte Leavengood, and our wonderful school nurse, Donna Conroy. A special thank you to Mr. Raj Bhuyan, who took on the important role of documenting our adventure. – Dr. Lisa Bianco, Head of Lower School

Related News: 
Read a first-person recap of the fourth grade trip from Head of School Nancy Spencer

More photos:

Flickr album: 4th Grade Camping Trip | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin