Perrysburg’s sixth grade camp tradition to cease next school year

Ari Collins
eSomethin staff

One of the many famed experiences at Camp Michindoh is opportunity to hold bizarre creatures, like tarantulas and hissing cockroaches. The camp also housed amphibians and some reptiles that students could engage with. (Photo credit: Christina Schoen)

Many students, and alumni, of Perrysburg High School may remember their sixth grade camp experiences: holding tarantulas, tie-dyeing t-shirts and square dancing.

Perrysburg students will no longer have these experiences at Camp Michindoh due to a new decision. Hull Prairie Intermediate Principal Scott Best announced through email notification that the sixth grade camp tradition will not continue next school year.

For many years, students in the sixth grade would attend an optional trip to Camp Michindoh in Hillsdale, MI, where they would participate in outdoor programs and engage in several educational activities that develop personal skills.

Because the trip has been considered a “staple” for many years, the school’s decision was a shock to some.

Senior Gracin Bella shared this photo from her sixth-grade camp experience in 2018. In the photo, she and other seniors—Sydney Deal, Ava Lewis, Ava Hess, McKenna Cope and Anna Daltonu—pose in their new camp t-shirts. (Photo: Gracin Bella)

Best’s email was shared online and gained traction and controversy in the community within hours. Many parents conveyed disappointment in the decision, while others support it.

Some suggest solutions to the issue, like fundraising for camp or accepting volunteer parent chaperones.

However, the decision was not made lightly, or without reason, Best said. Sending students to camp has become more difficult due to Perrysburg’s exponential increase in enrollment and the camp’s costs.

Additionally, there is a growing challenge to staff the trip to camp while also providing services for students who choose to stay at school. Best also says that there has been added “difficulty in finding enough high school students who can be cabin leaders.”

Students can still acquire skills through their schooling, Best wrote, stating that the activities students have at camp “are similar to other programs out students participate during the school day.”

Although the loss of the sixth-grade camp trip has caused distress for many, hope should not be lost.

Students can still experience fun camp activities while gaining social and personal skills by virtue of Perrysburg camp programs.

Perrysburg Recreation has over 50 camps and activities that students can register for. Many of the camps are free—some do have costs, but they are affordable—and run June through August.

Those interested in Perrysburg Recreation activities can register here!

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