In a new article from education news source The 74, Camptown gets a shoutout as a pivotal piece of Christel House Academy’s work in educating the largest age range of students in Indiana:
“Beyond academics, Christel offers a broad range of opportunities for its K-12 students. These run from music instruction to camping programs that culminate in a week-long trip to Cumberland Falls in Kentucky.
“Camptown, a nonprofit organization that runs outdoor educational programs, has been a partner with Christel for 15 years. Executive Director Brent Freeman said fourth graders begin with a simple overnight trip; the skills taught increase with difficulty each year. By eighth grade, students have hiked through a cave at night and learned how to purify water and navigate their own path through the woods, Freeman said.
“Working through difficulties as a team is a great experience for students and brings them closer to each other and school staff, he added. Some trails feature 30 creek crossings, and the students carry a 40-pound backpack.
“McClure lights up as he recounts camping trips he took years ago. Noting that he was a troublemaker in seventh grade, he said the outings helped the students feel more like family. He realized there is ‘so much more to classmates than being in math and trying to solve a math problem.’ The program’s effects are still felt today, he added, as his classmates stay in touch with each other.
“’It builds self awareness and confidence,’ Freeman said. ‘Students know, ‘I have done a hard thing. I was afraid and I did it.’ There’s such power in leaning into fears and overcoming them.'”
Read the rest of the article on The 74‘s website.