Grade 7 and 8 Winter Camp
Grade 7 girls posing in the snow at Camp Arnes
 
Click here to view larger map

On Monday, January 11th, 2010, the grade 7 and 8 students of IHMS boarded a chartered bus for the 110 km. ride to Camp Arnes. They stayed for three days and two nights, returning on Wednesday, January 13th.

The students were accompanied by Mrs. Naurocki and Mrs. Skakun (their homeroom teachers), Mr. Dedio (their Phys-Ed teacher), and Mrs. Radawetz and Mr. Saunders, two parent volunteers. Mr. Picklyk also went to camp until Tuesday afternoon, and was replaced by Mr. Maguire for the last half of the stay.
 
Adult supervisors eating together in the Dining Hall
IHMS sends two classes to camp every year. On odd numbered years, the grade 5 & 6 students attend “summer camp” (in May) while on even numbered years, the grade 7 & 8 students attend “winter camp” (in January) . In this way, students who remain at IHMS from grade 5 to 8 attend camp twice - once in summer and once in winter.
Click here to view layout of Camp Arnes

Last June’s grade 6 students who went to summer camp are now in grade 7 and off to this year’s winter camp. Last June’s grade 5 students who went to summer camp will have to wait until 2012 (when they are in grade 8) to attend winter camp.

As stated in their website, “Camp Arnes is an inter-denominational Christian camp, committed to presenting opportunities for children and youth, to experience an unforgettable adventure while hearing the message of Jesus Christ. We endeavor to do this by providing an exceptional environment, character and leadership development, recreation, and a respect for the world around us.”

Upon arriving at Camp Arnes after their hour and fifteen minute bus ride, the students were greeted by councillors who got them settled at the two chalets where everyone would sleep. The chalets - “Tamarack” for the grade 7 & 8 boys and “Silverbirch” for the 7 & 8 girls - each contained a bathroom, a shower, a set of bunk beds for sleeping, and a room for the teacher supervisor.

Grade 8 girls in the Silverbirch chalet
Peeking out of a quinzee opening
After everyone settled in, the councillors took the students on a quick tour of the area. Some of the more important buildings included the Dining Hall, the Meeting Room, the Swimming Pool, the Wigwam, and the Resource Centre. All outdoor activities began and ended at either the Wigwam or the Resource Centre (except for snowshoeing), so it was important for everyone to know where they were located. Luckily, the Resource Centre and the Dining Hall were the two buildings closest to the chalets where the students were staying.

After everyone settled in, the councillors took the students on a quick tour of the area. Some of the more important buildings included the Dining Hall, the Meeting Room, the Swimming Pool, the Wigwam, and the Resource Centre. All outdoor activities began and ended at either the Wigwam or the Resource Centre (except for snowshoeing), so it was important for everyone to know where they were located. Luckily, the Resource Centre and the Dining Hall were the two buildings closest to the chalets where the students were staying.
Group photo at Camp Arnes. Click here to view in larger format

Everyone at camp participated in a series of scheduled outdoor activities such as:

  • Quinzee Building
  • Fire and Bannock
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Shelter Building
  • Compass Orienteering
  • Instincts for Survival
Shelter building (top photo) and quinzee building (bottom photos)

After meeting at either the Wigwam or the Resource Centre, students would divide into their groups (there were 4 different groups) to do one of the activities with a teacher and a camp councillor. Activities were always taught by the camp councillors. The teacher or parent volunteers simply supervised or helped out when needed.

In addition to the above outdoor learning activities, students also went on a hay ride, had a marshmallow roast, played outdoor games, participated in an Extravaganza (where they played small group games), and went swimming in the pool. Some of the students also visited the ponies, donkeys, and goats at the Nature Center while on their way to the hayride.
Students toasting marshmallows and in the pool

At night, everyone had to be in bed by 10:30 p.m. (ground silence). Breakfast, which was served at 8:00 a.m., consisted of breakfast burritos, toast, pancakes, cereal, oatmeal, orange juice, and milk. Lunch varied between 11:45 and 12:15, and included chili with fries, chicken burgers with salad, and pizza buns. Supper was at 5:15, and included meatballs and rice on one day, and BBQ chicken with roasted potatoes on the other. In addition, a small snack of cookies, bananas, apples, iced tea, and juice was served at 10:00 p.m., just prior to bed time. Students were free to eat as much as they wanted, and everyone commented on the excellent quality of the food at camp!
Students in the Dining Hall

On the morning of the third day, the students had breakfast, packed their bags, and cleaned their chalet. After participating in the last scheduled activity, they had lunch and boarded the bus for the long trip back to Winnipeg. They arrived back at IHMS at around 2:00 p.m. with memories to last a lifetime!
Students on their way home from camp