By fourth grade teachers Adelaide Wainwright, Michelle Meszaros, and Dan Bowman
Under a sky bright with warming winter sunshine, OES fourth graders had a spectacular first day at Camp Westwind when they arrived on January 14. Spirits were high from the moment we stepped off the bus. During the hike into camp, students commented repeatedly on just how beautiful the scenery was, only to be freshly dazzled by the sublime view of the Pacific that met us when we arrived at Wilson Lodge. We all felt incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such beauty in unbeatable conditions.
After unpacking and settling into cabins, we ventured out once again, this time on a “meander”—a long walk through the Salmon River estuary and through the grass dunes of the beach. We were graced by a gorgeous sunset as the kids let loose in free play before dinner: a satisfying meal of taco salad, finished off with cupcakes (happy birthday, Carol!).
Cabin groups then return to their bunks to create a cabin crest and a skit to delight and entertain their classmates. PJs were donned, teeth were brushed, and the students assembled in front of the fireplace in Wilson Lodge. Fourth grade laughter reverberated through the walls of the cozy building as we all enjoyed the skits.
Though it was a highly physical day, many chaperones noted how positive and relaxed this wonderful group of kids was. We all turned in, looking forward to a good night’s sleep and another full and glorious day ahead.
Our second day dawned with perfect weather again and the fourth graders had ideal conditions to stretch themselves: physically, socially, and creatively. After a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast, groups of approximately 15 students headed into their first half-day rotation. For half of the grade, this involved a variation on the classic game Capture the Flag, modified to reinforce the seven principles of “leave no trace,” which have been an important theme in our time together. They also spent time design thinking, using physical and digital materials to catalog, describe, and communicate their surroundings. The other half of the grade hiked up to the promontory God’s Thumb, where they took in truly sublime views of Lincoln City to the south, Cascade Head to the north, and the great Pacific Ocean stretching out into the horizon. Some groups practiced the wilderness survival skills of fire building and shelter creation that they learned back at OES in the fall. Lunch warmed everyone, and then the two groups switched, with the afternoon culminating in a glorious free play hour on the beach under the sun.
We wrapped up an hour of choice time—with options such as dungeons and dragons or board games—as a cozy way to ease into the evening. The students then relaxed in their cabins, reading notes from their parents and probably feeling some feelings. The joy of our final campfire outdoors under the stars created memories we’ll all likely hold onto for a long time to come.
We’re so proud of the many ways the fourth graders have leaned into challenging adventure with gusto on this trip. The students return home with many stories and well-deserved pride in their independence and growth.