Ten Things I Learned From Going To Spruce Lake...

I have now been to Spruce Lake 10 times and each year I learn something new.  Here is a short list of things I have learned at Spruce Lake and more information:

10. Half of the bus will be asleep on the way back.

9.  It is a bit colder in the mornings and at night than we anticipate.

8.  We are always eating.

7.  Someone in the 7th grade will get their shoe stuck in the mud during Pond Community.

6.  Tears will be shed during the Challenge Course.

5.  My flashlight will not be bright enough.

4.  During break, an 8th grade boy will start playing the piano.

3.  A group of 8th grade boys will choose not to shower.

2.  Someone will be genuinely amazed at the number of stars at night.

1.   The salamander in Reptiles and Amphibians will pee on a 6th grader.

Here are some logistical details as well as an overarching purpose for our yearly trip to Spruce Lake. Please read the following points carefully.

• Your child should arrive at school as usual- by 8:09. Each student should have a sleeping bag and pillow enclosed in a garbage bag and clearly labelled. Your child will not have access to luggage until late at night, we will go through several activities in the cold, possibly wet outdoors. Please be sure your child is dressed accordingly. Check the "What to Bring" List (found at the bottom of the post) as you are helping your child pack, and do not hesitate to e-mail us if you have a question.
• Our projected schedule is busy. Our days will be filled with intriguing team building challenges, outdoor adventure courses, activities and classes. We will be tired by the time that we return on Friday. We plan to be back at the school at 4pm on Friday.

As Middle School teachers, we eagerly anticipate this trip each year and know that in students, this causes much excitement, but also can cause anxiety. We pray that each student would experience a deep sense of love and community as we spend these three days together.

What to Bring ! ? !    

Packing should be kept compact and as light as possible (despite this long list!)

Clothing (Marked with student’s name)

warm jacket

sweater or sweatshirt

3 shirts (including a warm shirt)

2 pair of pants or jeans

3 changes of underwear

6 pair of socks or more

comfortable, practical footwear* -- waterproof

Old sneakers

1 pair of warm pajamas

rain gear (if it rains, we will still be walking outside)

hat, gloves

Layering is a good idea!  Pack accordingly!

Personal Items

plastic bag for dirty laundry

Kleenex or handkerchief

toothbrush and toothpaste

soap, comb or hair brush

a washcloth and towel

chapstick

personal hygiene items (liquids should be bottled and bagged securely)

flashlight (marked with name)

Sleeping (Marked with student’s name)

sleeping bag or bedroll (sheets and two blankets.)  

pillow (optional)

If your sleeping bag does not have an outside cover, please wrap it in a plastic garbage bag.  It needs to be tied securely with rope or heavy twine after the garbage bag is in place.

Don’t Bring !!!

food of any type, gum, candy, jewelry, electronic devices, cameras, pocket knives, cards, toys or games.

*A Note About Shoes

Do not bring new shoes!  We will do a lot

of hiking, and this trip will not be the

occasion to “break in” a new pair.  The older, the better.