Ecology Camp
October 15th, 2007
Grades three, four, and five attended an ecology camp on October the 11th and 12th at Camp Taiwan. Mrs. Chang, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Hunter attended the trip as well. This was an overnight event in which the students learned about ecosystems. There were three parts to the ecosystem portion of the event. These included a field ecosystem study, a river study, and a forest study.
We arrived at the camp on Thursday and were quickly greeted by a warm and friendly staff. Students were given time to settle in to their tents. Lunch was prepared and the staff quickly informed us of the rules while we were at camp. We were then treated to delicious and plentiful meal. After lunch we were off to one of the field studies.
The river was wet, but fun and educational. Students were assigned to get into the river and take part in the learning!!! They had to look for the different organisms that lived in the river and make a map of where they found each living thing. It began to rain hard, but the kids were already wet up to their waists, so it didn’t matter. A fish was caught, along with shrimp, and various insects. The students also identified the various types of plant life that were associated with the river.
Another big hit was the forest study. It started off with more rain!!! The kids were having so much fun that it didn’t matter. They found praying mantis, walking sticks, frogs, and several other types of beautiful insects. The instructors talked about camouflage and how it helps each type of living thing we found. Students were also required to identify the role of each animal they found in its environment.
That night we played several cooperation games in which students had to work with a team in order to win. Concepts such as the importance of teamwork were taught. We were again treated to a great meal. After dinner the camp instructors taught the students how to make smores!!!!
This year’s ecology camp was a complete success. I think all of the students learned a great deal. I’m sure that they all can’t wait until next year to go back!!!