OREGON — The White Pines Ranch in Oregon recently offered a week of summer camp to a fourth grade student for free this summer. Students interested in the opportunity wrote an essay describing why they would like an opportunity to go to camp. An essay was chosen at random.
The winner selected was Adelynn Arnold from Mrs. Cover's fourth grade class at Oregon Elementary School. She is very excited and has never been to camp before. Students had to explain why they would like an opportunity to go to camp, what they would be looking forward to doing there, and why they should be chosen. Students spent class time exploring the Ranch website and discussing what they could gain as a leader from attending camp. Several finalists from each fourth grade class were brought together and one was chosen as the winner! Some students who participated in the essay writing were unaware that we had a beautiful summer and weekend camp right here in our own town. Even if they didn't win, many expressed their excitement to visit, try horseback riding on the weekends, or visit the camp another time. Adelynn will be attending camp this June during their "Three Happy Holidays" theme week. An anonymous donor generously helped provide this opportunity, hoping a student would get an experience they might not have otherwise had.
All of the essays written were given to Mrs. Hafer, Outdoor Education coordinator/manager, so the owners of the ranch can read and enjoy them. Most of the fourth grade students have never experienced going to a summer camp or the activities that this camp offers, like horseback riding, archery, hiking, fossil hunting, and campfires with friends, but best of all, no technology! Camp is a time for kids to unplug and enjoy the outdoors with new friends.
“Hopefully this writing experience and our exploration of what kids can experience at summer camp will encourage more families to seek out this opportunity,” Cover said. “Having spent many years at the ranch myself teaching outdoor ed, I know first-hand how fortunate kids are who get to experience a week at the White Pines Ranch. While working at the Ranch, I looked forward to spending my weekends with horses, excited kids, and great people. We hope Adelynn makes memories that last a lifetime!”
