Robert Gray Middle School
OUTDOOR SCHOOL
Outdoor School is the finest program designed for children that I have ever seen, truly. All of the camps we use are along the Sandy River and within about 1 hour of Portland. MESD oversees the program for Portland; they have refined it to a fine science over about the last 40 years. There are camp leaders that oversee the camp and provide high quality, hands-on activities--such as turbidity of water, holding and comparing a variety of animal skulls and furs, playing a game to understand the bear population of an area, building a city out of dirt, sand, twigs etc. then seeing the effect of pollution on the environment, hiking to see the levels of soil or the types of trees, measuring the trees--height, circumference, trees per square foot-- catching and observing water creatures, PH of water, the naming the plants and animals in the area..... This is a science camp with an emphasis on the environment.
High School students work with groups of about 4-5 middle schoolers to get the most out of these hands-on activities. These junior councilors also take students to campfire, and to all the activities during the day as well as sleep in the cabins with them at night.
The camp has a full time, 24 hr. nurse that monitors the kids medication and any illness that comes up. They work with leaders to deal with bed wetting and homesickness in a private way. They have a phone so that parents and the nurse can communicate, if necessary. Students are discouraged from using the phones. All medications are given to me--clearly marked--by you at the bus stop before and after the camp. I sign these in and out from the nurse on site. As I said, she does a great job monitoring everything there. Please let me know before we leave of any problem you anticipate at ODS--homesickness, leaving at different times, cabin partner issues, behavior, sleeping issues, illness, bedwetting.... It helps me considerably. There is nothing that ODS hasn't encountered in 40 years or me in going about 15 times over 20 years. It is an excellent program!
A teacher--me for one class and Mrs. Tamlyn for the other class--will be on site 24 hrs per day as well as go on the bus to and from the site. I will oversee all the activities each day and will touch bases with each child on a continuous basis. Our class gathers for all the activities and for an evening meeting with just me. During that time, we will play some games, chat, and do a journaling activity.$0 $0$0 $0 $0We leave on Sunday around 2:00 by bus from in front of the building and return Friday around 1:30. I will send notice and update this site so you have the exact times. It is important that you have students to the school and pick them up at the correct times. Students are discouraged from using the phone to call you. The bus leaves on time. Occasionally, students need to leave early or come late to camp. No biggie. Let me know and I will tell the nurse. They need to be dropped off or picked up at the nurse's station. BRING WOOL--OR OTHER WARM CLOTHES AND BOOTS OR HIKING SHOES.
Clothing and Equipment List for Outdoor School
Following is a suggested list of needed items. Please don't bother to purchase anything new, but
rather borrow from friends and bring older clothing and equipment that you already have. The main thing you want to consider is that you will be dressed warmly enough and that you can keep dry in the rain. Remember, the weather outside may change - prepare ahead.
Socks and appropriate shoes are probably the most important items on the list.
Please be sure to LABEL ALL ITEMS
SLEEPING GEAR
• Sleeping bag (a size compatible for
laundering in a home washer/dryer) or three heavy blankets and sheets
• Extra blanket if your sleeping bag is light
• Pillow and pillow case
CLOTHING
• Warm hat
• Shirts - 3 or 4
• Jeans or heavy pants- 2 to 3
• Warm Jacket
• Warm sweater or sweatshirt
• Socks - 6 to 8 pair
• Underwear - 5 to 6 changes
• Raincoat
• Waterproof head covering
• Sturdy boots or rubber boots
• Tennis shoes
• Shower sandals
• Gloves or mittens
• Pajamas
Note: If the weather is predicted to be cold and rainy, please observe the following
modifications:
• 2 – 3 warm sweaters or sweatshirts
• 8 – 10 pairs of socks (or 6-8 thick pairs)
• Waterproof/heavy shoes or rain boots
EQUIPMENT
• Letter writing materials - paper, envelopes, stamps, postcards, addresses
• Camera and film – optional (Disposable)
cameras are preferred)
• Binoculars - optional
• Pencil or pen
• Musical instrument - optional
• 1/2 cup of soil from a special place
• Flashlight – optional
• Water Bottle
PERSONAL GEAR
• Bath Towel
• Tooth Brush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Salve for chapped lips
• Comb and hair brush
• Plastic bag, ziplock bag or tote bag for carrying toothbrush, toothpaste, soap,
washcloth, comb, brush, etc.
• Kleenex
• Wash cloth
• Soap and container
• Two or three large plastic garbage bags for wet, dirty clothes (use duct or masking
tape and label the bags)
IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONAL POSSESSIONS
It is important that you not lose clothing or other possessions while at Outdoor School. The Outdoor School cannot be responsible for lost or stolen belongings. All personal items and equipment should have your name and your school name marked clearly on them. It is recommended you use a waterproof felt pen, a sewn-on name tag, or embroidery to mark all items. It would also be to your benefit to make out a checklist of what you take to Outdoor School and re-check it carefully before returning home. This is your responsibility.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING MONEY, ELECTRONIC MUSIC PLAYERS OR GAMES, CELL
PHONES, COMIC BOOKS, POCKET KNIVES, EXPENSIVE JEWELRY, CARD GAMES, MATCHES, HAIR DRYERS, CURLING IRONS, MAKEUP, OR ANYTHING TO EAT, INCLUDING CANDY OR GUM.
