LISD 5th Grade Camp

Dear 5^th Grade Students and Families,

There are few things more exciting in the elementary school experience than 5th grade camp. Relationships, collaboration, fun, and connecting with nature are all benefits of the camp experience.

The 2010-2011 school year will mark the 4th consecutive year for our students to attend the YMCA’s Collin County Adventure Camp in Westminster, Texas. This year, as it has been in the past school years, will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to build lifelong connections with friends, staff, teachers and parents in an enriching educational setting. Fifth grade teachers at Hart, Lovejoy, and Puster Elementaries are working diligently to make this the best camp experience yet!

Our scheduled camp dates are Wednesday, Sept. 29^th through Friday, Oct. 1^st.  

To ensure that you receive as much information as possible related to camp we have placed important information on Parent Information link on the LISD website. Please take a few minutes to browse these important topics and mandatory forms. Your review of those resources is very important. In addition, a parent information meeting is scheduled to immediately follow each campuses 5^th grade curriculum night for the following dates and times:

Ø       Hart Elementary: September 9th at 6:30

Ø      Lovejoy Elementary: September 9^th at 6:00

Ø      Puster Elementary: August 26th at 6:00

Note: official forms will not be collected prior to the above meeting dates.  

Many of our parents have asked some important questions in the past. Here are a few: 

·        Q:  Is camp mandatory?

A:  Camp is not mandatory; however, very few students choose not to go. Each school year we had 2-3 students at each campus who did not attend. Students who do not go to Adventure Camp will still need to report to school for those days, as activities will be planned.

·        Q:  What are the accommodations?

A:  The accommodations are quite nice. A Power Point presentation is posted to the district website that will allow you to take a peek at what the cabins look like. Meals will be served by the camp staff.

·        Q:  How do I volunteer?

A:  We will be taking at least 60 parent volunteers based on a lottery method. Parents will be asked to volunteer based on gender. That is, moms will be asked to volunteer to come with daughters and dads with sons. All parent volunteers must pass a criminal background check. Each of our volunteers will be required to attend a preparation meeting to discuss proper discipline techniques, timeliness, and general camp procedures.

·        Q:  What is the cost for camp?

A:  The cost for camp this year will be $175 which includes a camp T-shirt, 2 nights lodging, transportation and all food. Parent volunteers are required to pay this amount as well.

·        Q:  What will my child need to bring to camp?

A:  A full list of items needed for camp can be found on the LISD web page.

Payment:  As discussed above the cost for camp is $175 for all participants. Many of our families appreciate a payment calendar for making payments for these dues. You are welcome to pay in one payment or follow the payment calendar. Additionally, you are welcome to make as many installments as you wish up to the $175 tuition fee. Please hold all payments until August 25^th, 2010.

The dates for payments are as follows:  Payments should be delivered to your campus office or to the homeroom teachers.

·         August 25th:                 Payment #1

·         September 8th:            Payment #2

·         September 23rd:          Final Payment

·         All payments are due no later than September 24^th.

Note:  Payments may be made in any amount at any time. However, all payments must be made by September 24, 2010. 

Parent Volunteers: Camp can’t happen without parent support! If you are interested in attending camp as a chaperone with your child please complete your volunteer application prior to completing your chaperone form. Chaperone Forms are Due by Friday, September 3^rd. A mandatory training session will be held for all chaperone’s on Thursday, September 16^th.

We look forward to fielding any questions that you may have. Please call or e-mail if you have questions.

Sincerely,