Camp Superior opens doors to local 6th graders

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - Sixth graders are braving the wilderness this week in the annual Camp Superior experience at Little Girl's Point on Lake Superior.

A total of 110 students from the Ironwood, All Saints Catholic Academy, Bessemer and Wakefield-Marensico school districts are making the annual trip to the Extension camp.

Ironwood and All Saints students stayed at the camp Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning, while Bessemer and W-M students arrived Wednesday and will stay through Friday morning.

Students learn about hunter safety, karate, agate and predator identification, archery, how to use compasses and trapping.

Campers also go on nature hikes, tackle a high- and low-ropes obstacle course and have a dance on their last night with a DJ.

According to Ironwood teacher Tony Bunt, the "good variety" of activities helps students in many ways.

"Many of these activities push the kids out of their comfort zones," Bunt said. "Some are with teams, and others are individual, so it teaches them how to face challenges by themselves or in groups."

Because of the large amount of students, the campers are split by gender, with girls staying in tents for one night and boys staying in the bunks inside the camp. On the second night, the campers switch.

The first night of camp features "nervous kids, excited kids and 'I-don't-know-what-to-expect' kids," according to Bunt.

"By the second day, they calm down and are ready," Bunt said.

During camp, kids eat camp-style meals, including hot dogs, hamburgers and sub sandwiches.

The camp is conducted by volunteers. Bunt organizes the first group of campers and Ironwood teacher Jackie Rowe handles the second group.

High school students from the schools volunteer during the week as counselors. Adult volunteers help with activities, cooking and chaperoning.

"Any volunteers who would like to help out would be greatly appreciated," Bunt said. "The more volunteers we can get, the better."

For more information on Camp Superior, call the Ironwood Area School District at 906-932-0932.