Sixth Grade Camp Creates Memories and Educational Experiences

BEACHWOOD, OH – Each year, sixth grade students from Beachwood Middle School spend three days at Hiram House Camp participating in hands-on activities designed to strengthen teamwork, problem-solving, and community. From canoeing and survival challenges to escape rooms and engineering activities, the camp gives students opportunities to learn and grow outside the traditional classroom setting.

This year’s sixth graders attended camp from May 6-8.

“Sixth grade camp is an important part of the students’ school year because it serves as a capstone event,” said sixth grade Science teacher and sixth grade team lead Robb Ristau. “Besides the goal of strengthening peer relationships, students get to work together to solve problems, build confidence, and participate in experiential learning.”

Planning for an experience of this size begins months in advance. Ristau notes that the sixth grade teaching team starts organizing many elements of the camp in the fall before ramping up preparations in February. Parent information nights, student presentations, and ongoing coordination meetings with Hiram House staff all help ensure the trip runs smoothly.

“Planning for the camp is a big undertaking by our sixth grade team of teachers,” Ristau said. “Once February hits, many aspects of planning for the three-day field trip in May must be started.”

The wide variety of camp activities allows students with different interests and strengths to shine. Activities such as Engineering Challenge, Escape Room, and Orienteering connect to concepts students have explored throughout the school year, while activities like canoeing and survival challenges encourage teamwork and communication.

“We design camp to have a wide-reaching variety of activities for the students to experience,” Ristau said. “This year’s camp theme of ‘Kindness’ was part of every activity in the hopes of fostering positive peer interactions and relationships.”

This year also marked the debut of an inaugural Family Night, which welcomed families to experience camp alongside students. More than 80 families attended the evening event, participating in activities before gathering together for a bonfire, flag retirement ceremony, and s’mores.

“Our first Family Night was a big success,” Ristau said. “It was a tremendous way to bring the sixth grade class community all together for a single event.”

For many students, the memories made at camp last far beyond sixth grade. The shared experiences help students form stronger relationships with classmates and teachers while developing greater independence and self-confidence.

“Throughout the 18 years the sixth grade has been coming out to Hiram House Camp, most students point to this experience as a core memory of sixth grade,” Ristau said. “The extra time spent together outside of the classroom alongside classmates, friends, and teachers helps students build stronger relationships, develop independence and confidence, and create memories that stay with them long after they leave middle school.”