Rockmont 2026 đź’š
Earlier this week, Lower Elementary went on their first overnight adventure of the year!
We left school and headed up into some of the oldest mountains in the world, arriving at Camp Rockmont to a beautiful fall day. There is just something so special about the cool mountain air and this sweet landscape!
We spent our afternoon picnicking, rock climbing, journaling, creating art, and simply delighting in nature. We were even fortunate enough to have a sweet snake friend visit us! The students watched in wonder as the snake, who they later named Jeff, slithered all the way up a tree and out onto the branches.
From there, students headed into our cabin to set up their beds and spaces for the night. I am always impressed by the independence our students show on these trips, but I am equally impressed by the way our returning campers are eager to help their new friends. Watching students teach one another how to make a bed, organize their things, and settle into camp is one of the joys of getting to experience community together.
After everyone was settled, we made our way to the waterfront, where students had plenty of ways to explore and challenge themselves. Some played in the beach area and caught fish, while others went down the big slide. Some blobbed their way into the water, channeled their inner Spiderman on the climbing web, paddle boarded, or canoed. No matter what they chose, it was so nice to see each student find their own way to be adventurous.
The waterfront is one of my favorite parts of the trip because I get to see how students have grown over the years. Maybe during their first year, they are timid about trying any of the water elements. By their second year, they are jumping on the blob with friends. And by their third year, after watching others take on the Gulley Washer for years, they decide they are ready to try it for themselves. It is amazing to watch that confidence grow as students see their friends try something new, decide when they are ready to take a risk themselves, and discover that they are capable of more than they may have thought.
After water play and dinner, we gathered around the campfire to sing songs, make s’mores, and end our day with a gratitude circle.
And then came the big adventure... sleeping away from home!
The next morning, students took responsibility for packing up their things and getting themselves ready for our final hike. We hiked up and over the mountain to a beautiful viewpoint, where students had time to journal and reflect on our trip and all that we had experienced together.
I wish you all could see and hear the joy students have on the trail. They are singing, playing, laughing, and simply enjoying being in community and in nature. It is such a magical way to end our time together.
Although the trip feels short, there is so much growth happening along the way. A big part of this experience is giving students the opportunity to discover just how capable they are.
They can pack their own bag. They can make their own bed. They can serve themselves a meal. They can climb a rock wall, jump off the high dive, zip line into the water, or hike up a big mountain.
And perhaps most importantly, they are learning that they can try something new, support a friend, ask for help when they need it, and be responsible for themselves and their community.
I am truly filled with gratitude that I get to adventure alongside these kiddos and watch them discover all that they are capable of.
—Ms. Emily
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