Barb Mattison

As the 2021-2022 school year is coming to an end, the 6th grade students at Norway Intermediate are gearing up for an educational experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.  Every year the students go to Wapsie for an overnight stay.  This gives them the chance to engage in experiences they can’t get in the classroom.  While they are at Wapsi they will get the chance to meet the teachers they will have in 7th grade and have additional fun with their current teachers.

Many students don’t have the opportunity to go to summer camp.  This experience gives all students the chance to find out what camp is all about. While at Wapsie the students will develop new interests, skills, and friendships.  They will have the exhilarating chance to climb the rock wall and zip line to the ground.  In addition, they will canoe, make tie dyed tee shirts, do outdoor cooking, and many other outdoor activities.  In the evening there is a group campfire with Wapsi staff leading the students in crazy sing along activities. 

All of the meals are included while we are at Wapsi.  The students and staff eat family style meals.  The students are responsible for setting up for the meals and cleaning up after the meal is over.   They are also in charge of cleaning the cabins before they leave. 

While I am sad the school year will end soon, I look forward to engaging in this opportunity with all of my students outside of the classroom.  This gives the students and the teachers  the chance to engage with each other in a more carefree atmosphere.  While this is their rite of passage from 6th grade into 7th grade, I will truly miss them all.