Camp Marston is an Outdoor Education Program that connects students to science and nature. Campers will attend a five day residential school program that includes hands-on learning opportunities which incorporates the state science framework.
6TH GRADE CAMP INFORMATION
- Camp Dates: October 7-October 11, 2024
- Tuition: $450.00
- Payments can be made on this webpage or at school by cash or check.
- Questions? Please contact the main office 760-331-6400
Make a payment here
6TH GRADE CAMP FAQ
1. When is 6th Grade Camp?
6th Grade Camp is a year-round program run by the YMCA This year, CHMS is scheduled to attend camp the week of October 7-11, 2024.
2. Who goes to 6th Grade Camp?
The simple answer: CHMS 6th-grade students. In addition, some of our CHMS teaching staff will be attending camp.
3. Does 6th Grade Camp cost money?
Based on transportation, room/board, food, and the like, there is a cost of $450.00 per student. Families can contribute via cash or check at CHMS, or online through the CHMS webstore. This process begins at 6th-grade registration for the 2024-2025 school year in August.
4. My student has _________________ (allergies, health concerns, special condition) How do I communicate that to the camp?
Students with specific medical concerns should complete the Health History form (included in the 6th-grade camp packet). In addition, our school Health Technician will be in communication with the RN Nurse at Camp Marston about specific cases. Should you have additional questions regarding health concerns, please contact the CHMS Health Technician, Theresa Green at (760) 331-6390.
5. Will my student be able to choose who they are in a cabin?
Due to the size of our 6th-grade group and the logistics involved with sending our students to camp, we are not able to accommodate specific cabin requests. Likewise, Camp Marston does not allow schools to submit cabin requests. In addition, one of the primary goals of the camp experience is for students to forge new friendships and relationships with students whom they might not normally spend time with on campus.
6. How will my student make up for the week of school that they missed?
Since Camp Marston is an approved outdoor education program offered by the YMCA, it is fundamentally focused on providing meaningful, standards-based science instruction for students. So, rather than missing a week of school, students are afforded a unique, hands-on curriculum based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core Standards. In addition, since CHMS participates in 6th-grade camp each year, our teachers have planned their curriculum around our 6th-grade camp week. 6th-grade students who attend camp will not "miss" any instruction.
7. What if my student chooses not to attend camp? Do they need to come to school still?
Historically, most CHMS students choose to participate in 6th-grade camp. However, each year, and for a variety of different reasons, some students do not attend camp. Those students that do not attend camp will be grouped into a rotation schedule with the remaining 6th-grade students and will be participating in extension and enrichment activities related to the 6th-grade curriculum - including projects and science experiments. 6th-grade students who do not attend 6th-grade camp should plan on attending school at CHMS each day.
8. Who will be responsible for my student up at camp? What qualifications does the camp staff have?
As a function of the YMCA, all camp staff are fingerprinted and must hold the same certificates and credentials as the teachers and staff of CHMS. Similarly, the camp is run in much the same way as a school - including a camp principal, teachers (counselors), health professionals, food service workers, etc. CHMS teachers will also be attending camp to support and connect with students during this fun time. Students will be under the direction of the camp principal and the camp staff and will be supported at times by CHMS teachers in attendance.
9. What about facilities? Are students separated by gender?
Each "cabin" at camp is divided into several "dens" or rooms that hold up to 18 students. The "dens" all open onto a centralized common room for the members of each cabin to congregate to play board games, talk, etc. Each cabin (and its respective dens) is gender-specific (either boys or girls) and is supervised by a camp staff member of the same sex. Students spend the majority of their days outside of the cabin - on hikes, involved in activities, sharing meals, etc. As such, students spend very little time in the cabins except to sleep. Each cabin has its own attached restroom and shower facilities.
10. Can my student bring _________________?
Students are encouraged to utilize the packing list provided as part of the 6th-grade camp packet. Students should abide by school rules in terms of what they bring - no knives or weapons, no fireworks, no inappropriate clothing, etc. In addition, Camp Marston does not allow any electronics (cellphones, video games, etc.) that need to be plugged in to charge. Also, due to the wildlife in the area, they also do not allow students to bring food - especially candy - from home.
11. How can I get in contact with my student at camp, especially if they aren't allowed to take a cell phone?
Camp Marston does not have any cellphone reception, so, even if students were able to bring phones, they would not be accessible by cell phone. If you need to contact your child for an emergency reason, please contact the Camp Marston main line. We encourage you to write your student letters (be sure to send them the weekend prior to camp to make sure they get them). Likewise, some parents prefer to write letters and place them in students' luggage for them to read during the week.
12. What health and safety measures will be in place due to the Pandemic?
Camp Marston is back running at full capacity this year. Incoming campers will be required to present a negative Covid test prior to departure.
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CAMP FORMS
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