For over two decades, the middle schoolers at MICDS have been making memories at Fifth Grade Mini-Camp. This annual tradition, started by our current Head of Middle School Jen Schuckman, is a day filled with games, laughter, and learning as students explore the entire MICDS campus and connect with their classmates.
This year’s Mini-Camp contained four unique stations plus a campus scavenger hunt.
Games ON Your Feet
Susie McGaughey, Lower & Middle School Counselor, and Debra Mein, Middle School Arts Teacher, led students in fun group-focused theater games. McGaughey, who once studied to be an actor, expressed her excitement about collaborating with Mein to make these activities successful.
Spirit Wear Bracelet-Making
Led by Beth Garcia, Middle School English Teacher, fifth graders enjoyed designing and creating their own red and green spirit wear beaded bracelets to wear throughout the week and weekend for the upcoming Homecoming celebrations. She said, „It was a great way for students to express their creativity through a hands-on experience and to promote their MICDS school spirit and Ram pride!“
Oregon Trail
Who remembers the infamous Oregon Trail video game from the 80s and 90s? According to Middle School History Teacher Kayla Helton, fifth graders approached this game with less familiarity but more advanced technology skills. Despite its simplicity, they embarked quickly on a virtual journey along the Oregon Trail. Even the most experienced gamers among them discovered that the game, despite its age, offered a unique and engaging experience. It taught students valuable lessons in resource management, decision-making, and problem-solving, along with a healthy dose of history.
Spirit Stickers
In a creative workshop in the Middle School makerspace, Middle School Science Teachers Branson Lawrence and Kelly Long led students in designing personalized stickers for student recognition. Students will vote on their favorite design, and the winning sticker will be used to reward students who go above and beyond, whether it’s helping others, demonstrating exceptional effort in class, or showcasing leadership qualities.
Outside of these four stations, fifth-graders enjoyed lunch, a fun-filled campus scavenger hunt, and art and PE class. Fifth Grade Dean and Middle School Spanish Teacher Christine Mayer said, „Mini-Camp is a wonderful opportunity for fifth-graders to get to know each other on a deeper level. As they discover their shared interests and unique qualities, work together in teams, and build a sense of school spirit, they create lasting friendships and memories.“
Mini-Camp 2024 was a fantastic way to foster community and joy among the members of the Class of 2032!