Day 1 at IslandWood Camp

On Monday (Feb. 2, 2009) First Place 4th, 5th and 6th graders began a week of eco-field tripping at IslandWood, one of the nation's most innovative educational facilities. Many students experienced their first ferry ride to travel to the 255 acre outdoor learning center on Bainbridge Island, where they've joined East Port Orchard Elementary School.

Throughout the week First Place students will be learning about environmental and community stewardship through hands-on interaction with nature and by practicing sustainable habits in their daily activities.

After Monday's lunch, Team Marsh (one of three First Place activity teams) began their lessons right away by hiking to the Bird Blind, a wooden gazebo in the middle of Cattail Marsh. Outfitted with dozens of peepholes students were able to peer out upon the marsh's natural ecosystems without being spotted.

While inside the Bird Blind the team also developed their "Community Agreement". Agreeing to "have fun" "be on time" and always stick to their first goal of "working together in a positive way", the First Place 4th, 5th and 6th graders have laid the groundwork for a success week.

First Place would like to thank Howard and Barbara Wollner for their support in making this trip possible. For many of our students, it is their first time at a camp!

Stay tuned for another update tomorrow.