Nothing stopped sixth graders fun

Angelina Yick
October 27, 2009
Filed under Features, Lower School

From October 7 to 9, the class of 2016 enjoyed an exciting adventure at Camp Mokule’ia. Enthusiastic counselors from the junior and senior classes also accompanied and guided the sixth grade groups; each group comprised of three homerooms. The sixth graders engaged themselves in many entertaining and interactive activities. They also remained fearless despite the spooky stories of the Zip Line, the 30 feet high cable line on which the sixth graders had to cross for a balancing activity. Some recreations included wall-climbing, swimming, archery, basketball, volleyball, and football. At night, they gathered around the campfire and played a hilarious game of “Boom Chick-a-Boom Boom.”

Since many of the activities required cooperation and interaction with peers, the sixth graders had to step out of their comfort zones, helping to develop their leadership and communication skills. “Building class unity is important for there are about fifty new students,” said Mr. Fred Okumura, Dean of Lower School. “Students need to work and play cooperatively. Camp is a great opportunity to make new friends. The sixth graders engage in outdoor activities and we hope they have fun!” Christopher Yick ’16 responded, “I really enjoyed working with my classmates. The Zip Line was the best activity, and the campfire was awesome.”

During the camp, a tsunami watch was held for Hawaii on October 8 while the first group enjoyed their break from school. Fortunately, teachers already had an evacuation plan ready. The evacuation site? “Waialua High school, if needed,” said Mr. Okumura. “There was a bus on stand-by in Wahiawa. We in the Lower School and teachers at the camp were in constant communication. All of us were receiving the latest weather reports. Two e-mails were sent to sixth grade parents: one to inform them that the teachers were monitoring the situation and another to inform that things were ‘all clear.’”

Luckily for the first group of sixth graders, camp continued happily after this period of apprehension. No tsunami watch was in effect for the second group.