Blessed to have been a chaperone once again for our annual 7th grade camp. Each of the three KMS teams participates in a 3-day camp at Camp Erdman in Mokulēʻia for team building. It’s especially important since many of the 7th graders have come from different schools as well as the neighbor islands. Unfortunately, we were not able to stay overnight due to scheduling conflicts. We participated in day camp activities such as Group Challenge and the Odyssey Ropes Course.

The Odyssey is the one experience that the students never forget.

We ended the camp with a 6-mile hike to Ka’ena Point. I joked that it was sooo hot, we didn’t go on a hike. We were deployed….

Everyone had a good experience and made friends. I did too. Imua.

….really! Some people think it’s torture, but I absolutely love it!

Some of my best memories are from Camp Erdman: Frosh Camp, Kalihi Y Summer Fun, Leeward District Leadership Camp, and the Kamehameha Schools.

Camp Erdman has been a sort of an “escape” for me. Not so much an escape from the city, but an escape to my “true self.” Yes, I’m really a camp counselor trapped inside the body of an education technologist.

Yes, it can be hot, dusty, and tiring. (And in my old age, it can even be painful.) But what I appreciate the most about camp is the opportunity to bond with other teachers and students. Friendship, acceptance, teamwork, respect, and positive energy are the the modus operandi at camp. Sign me up!