Gogebic Range students enjoy Camp Superior

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood Township - Another group of Gogebic County sixth graders completed an annual tradition over the past week or so, spending three days at the county's lodge at Little Girl's Point during Camp Superior.

"Pretty much every sixth grader in the western end of the U.P. (is) here," Ironwood teacher Jason Hofstede said.

The tradition dates back to at least the '80s, according to Hofstede, meaning the current campers have heard stories from older relatives.

"Some of these kids I have are third generation through the course, so that's kind of cool," said Hofstede, one of the camp's organizers the past few years.

Ironwood attended the camp from Friday to Sunday, with Bessemer and Wakefield-Marenisco visiting earlier in the week.

"(It's been) great weather," Hofstede said. "That will be the nicest part I think. Sometimes the weather is the hardest thing to deal with."

Over the three days, campers participate in a range of activities - including the high-ropes course, an orienteering activity, archery, educational games and a shelter building exercise.

Campers also had a chance to visit the Superior Range Shooters Club, where they got to try target practice with newly purchased .22s and 20-gauge shotguns.

"Those are all kid guns. I think this will be the first time they've had actual kid guns, before they had adult guns that were modified so kids could use them - shorter stocks and whatnot," Hofstede said.

He thanked those that helped get the National Rifle Association grant to purchase the guns and accompanying safety equipment.

While the three days of activities are designed for the kids to have fun, Hofstede said the camp also allows the kids to learn something about themselves and each other.

"To me, (Camp Superior) is a great equalizer across the board for boys and girls, popular kids and unpopular kids. It really shows they're all on the same plane when it comes to things they're scared of, things they think are fun, things they're worried about," Hofstede said, saying the high-ropes course in particular teaches many kids they are capable of more than they initially thought.

The camp also teaches student the importance of teamwork, even when dealing with those you don't necessarily know or get along with.

"They look at each other as equals after this, they don't have those cliques as tight as they used to be," Hofstede said.

The camp experience not only gives the campers a shared experience between them, but also with the past generations of campers.

"I've talked to grandparents who went, 'I loved when we went to Camp Superior, I can't wait for Joe to go,'" Hofstede said. "I really just enjoy being able to be a part of that for this next group of kids."

In addition to the community and business support, Hofstede said the camp wouldn't be possible without the 25-30 adults and nine high schoolers who volunteer their time to help the campers.

Anyone interested in volunteering at next year's Camp Superior can contact the Ironwood Schools at 906-932-0932.