Back to nature for fifth grade

M
allo Camp, located about 25 miles north of Newcastle, is nestled in tall fir and pines, with plenty of aspen mixed in. With rugged cliffs and a meandering Mallo Creek, the setting is not only peaceful but inspirational. This setting is what the fifth graders of Newcastle and Upton enjoyed for three days. From Wednesday, Sept. 25, through Friday, Sept. 27, they slept in cabins and participated in events geared toward an appreciation for nature and the skills associated with
camping out.
The budding scientists went on habitat safaris, panned for gold, practiced marksmanship and archery, learned survival skills, and viewed tiny aquatic bugs under microscopes. There was something for every child to enjoy and loads to learn. Each day also included a roundup for meals, singing, dancing, and just having fun with one another. 
I was able to witness what these kids were enjoying for several hours on Sept. 26. I couldn’t help but smile as I saw a group during archery practice, learning how to use a bow safely. I even witnessed a couple of arrows hit the bull’s eye. Another group was learning marksmanship and gun safety with pellet guns. Quite a few of the students were hitting their targets rather darn well, too. 
Teachers and volunteers seemed genuinely proud of how seriously the kids tackled each experience. Shannon Huber, the teacher for aquatic insects, said the students were careful with the microscopes. And then she added, “Some of these kids will never have this type of opportunity again.”  
Even in a small town, she said, you have to make a living, and in many families, that “just puts these activities last on
the list.” 
She said she hoped this experience would stick with the kids and even influence how they spent their leisure time. 
According to Huber, the camp is for all fifth graders, not just those who attend public schools. Of the 90 kids who were at the camp, she said, “about 20 came from Upton, 67 came from Newcastle, and three came from homeschools.” 
Weston County has offered this the camp for 25 years, Huber said.
Brandy Holmes, principal of Newcastle Elementary School, allowed me to see what went on that night as the kids ate a dinner of spaghetti, bread, and salad. I watched as children lined up in an orderly fashion to receive their meals from the kitchen staff. No shoving, throwing of food, or other misbehavior occurred that I could see. Holmes acknowledged that while there were always a few behavior problems, they were small incidences and the correction was well received.
After dinner, the children crowded around in a large circle as Sara Whipple led them in singing. How much singing was involved is up to personal interpretation, but there was a lot of noise, complete with hand gestures to “Baby Shark” or “YMCA,” as well as other songs. I was impressed, again, by how much participation there was. I’m not that used to children having good, boisterous fun without it being more on par with a mosh pit. But these kids, as loud as they were, were well behaved and respectful of the teachers
and volunteers.
Again, that same good behavior was evident, for the most part, when Nikki Bloom led the kids in about 40 minutes of dancing. The few kids that started getting a bit too enthusiastic with the dance responded to correction, without trouble or incident. But they did dance! Several times a conga-type line was formed, seemingly out of nowhere. Even a few volunteers joined in as they danced around in a winding path. A boys’ and girls’ dance competition happened near the end, and each participant was cheered on by the whole group. They had a great time. Bryce Hoffman, vice principal of Newcastle Elementary, said that “just having a great time” was important. 
Hoffman laughed.
“It tires them out. We need that when it is bedtime,” he said.
After the dance, the kids were dismissed to their cabins to put on warm clothes and “take care of business,” if needed. Then the kids came to the campfire, already burning and warming up the area. Bleachers were set up around the campfire in a semi-circle, and the kids filed in and quickly settled down.
This situation is where I received the highest respect for the youth. Hoffman proceeded, with the help of a video projector and screen, to give a presentation to honor veterans. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the “Star-Spangled Banner” sung. The kids listened quietly to taps and “America the Beautiful.” I was almost startled by how respectful and quiet every child was during this whole presentation. Even when the video package honoring the vets was playing – while Hoffman talked about the sacrifice our veterans have made for our freedoms – your kids were quiet, attentive and very courteous.
And they were just as well behaved once they were released to go to their cabins for the last night. I mentioned how impressed I was by the kids in Newcastle last spring during the talent show. I haven’t backed off of my opinion at all. If anything I’m even more impressed than I was back then. These kids had a ton of fun and no small amount of physical activity. I mean, I was tired watching them. But then they could just as quickly calm down and show decency and gentleness as soon as that was required. I think that our teachers, the volunteers and those who run Mallo Camp are to be praised for the job they have done. I also think the parents of these students deserve some recognition as well, and you should be proud of your children.
And I hope we never forget and never lose appreciation for what a gift Weston County has with Mallo Camp. Not only is this one of the jewels of the Black Hills, but it is also a precious place for children.  Here they can learn a few things that have nothing to do with life in a city. Still, these experiences are just as crucial for the quality of life I enjoy. I’ve said before that I never want to move from Newcastle. Once again, I’m gifted with another reason to hold onto this community with love and hope for our future. I hope each year the fifth-grade visit to Mallo Camp is as successful and enjoyable, as well as life-affirming as this one proved to be.