Camping together is the way we start our year.  We get together for a week to plan, agree on our laws, apply for our jobs, get our systems set up, elect our tribal leaders and get to know each other.   We come away from that first week connected.  I love having this time to get to know my students as people, and to begin our work for the year together.
Right:  Jonah and the dinner crew making pasta.
Below left:  Gary and the early morning breakfast crew.
Below:  Lina, Kahvi and Will chop veggies with Reka.  Gary supervises.

In the afternoons, we swim, dig, read, catch lizards, hang out, and become friends.


Students spend their mornings in classes.   They apply for jobs, discuss the qualities of leadership and the attributes of successful students. They do science experiments and work on projects together.

At night, students vote on legislation that they write in committees in the afternoons.   Modifications to our constitution and new laws for our handbook are hammered out around the campfire. 

For the last couple of years we've been at Camp Mattole.  This year  we'll be on the Eel River at Stafford from August 31 to September 4th.  I can't wait!   Packing lists, directions and emergency numbers are all below


Beginning of School Camping Trip -  2009

     We leave Monday, August 31st  for a five day trip the Eel River at Stafford.   Parents are responsible for getting students to and from the camp.   Most parents are carpooling and we are driving down together.   Let me know if you have room in your car, or if your student needs a space in someone else’s car.  We leave from the school at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, and will leave from the camp Friday at noon.   Drivers should plan to arrive at 11:00 a.m. on Friday so that we have time to load-up.  
     We are staying on the Eel River near Stafford.  There is a pond, a nice swimming hole, and an open field for our tents.  We will be tent camping.   We’ll spend our days doing some hands-on science, writing our student handbook, updating our Constitution, exploring the river, getting to know each other, and setting some goals for the year.   There will be a regular schedule with “school” assignments, but there will also be a lot of fun. 
     Each student needs to bring $25.00 and their permission slip.  I need those before we leave.   I’ll mail you the packing list, permission forms and a map with emergency phone numbers in August.  You can reach us on my cell phone 498-1770.  
                                                    
                 Click on "View Larger Map" for bigger map and driving directions

Packing List
(Packing light is essential when carpooling.  One bag.)
Lunch for Monday
Waterbottle
Sleeping bag and pillow
Tent
Four summer outfits
Underwear and socks
One warm sweater/jacket for evenings
Swim suit and towel
Water shoes or old tennis shoes for wearing in the river.
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Hairbrush
Soap/shampoo
A book to read
One spiral notebook and pencils
Sunscreen/sun hat
Insect repellent
Flashlight
Any medication the student is currently taking w/instructions in a Ziploc.
Permission slip and $25.00
Please DON’T bring candy and gameboys






Click on view larger map for driving directions.  Emergency # 498-1770.