Archives

Field Trip to Raleigh

Jan31

  Image from DA Teacher

On January 27th, the 6th grade of DA went on a field trip to the Museum of Natural Sciences. It was a fun and educational experience, and even though I didn’t really learn all of the science at the museum, I think it still taught me a lesson. Getting out of school and classes and having a change in the schedule was refreshing, and getting to talk with your friends was nice. 

In the museum, there was a RACE exhibit, and I think that’s what I took in most. What I especially remember was reading that race didn’t exist. That might sound strange. African American, Asian, white, etc, aren’t those some out of many examples of race? Well, yeah. But race is a social concept. There really isn’t anything biological that separates a Japanese and Mexican person. We’re all people. My question is, why did we create a barrier between skin colors? All that’s different is melanin. 

In the museum, there were lots of animals, dead and alive. The fossils were intriguing, and the replicas of skeletons and dinosaurs were interesting to see. There were live turtles, fish, and insects. 

My group took a walk outside in the state buildings, and we saw some statues of North Carolina historical figures. You’d have no way of knowing this, but half of the statues were of white supremacists or friends of white supremacists. The quotes on the statues were positive, they weren’t racist or anything, but it was interesting because I knew they were the same people that made racist comments. 

Overall, I’m just really happy that we spent the day in Raleigh learning rather than learning in a room. 

 

Camp Hanes

Oct27

I woke up at 4 in the morning, on Thursday September 29, ready for my first overnight trip to Camp Hanes. It was my first time sleeping away from home. I was really excited – I’ll have a sleepover in the mountains in a cabin in the middle of nowhere.

I got on the bus and it began to roar – 6th’s grade’s adventure’s starting. The whole ride was a blur of trading snacks, braiding hair, and penguin movies. Someone threw a bag of starbursts. I slept a little. And then, we were there. 

First, we arrived at a big room while the counselors introduced themselves. Then we played some games like four corners and this other one where you try to not repeat your moves. After that, we arrived at our cabins and were put in teams. The cabin’s wooden with bunk beds and a bathroom with showers. I was on the top bunk, which was what I was hoping for. I was also put on team 2, which turned out to be not the best because I’ll have to miss the hike. Anyway, I did a lot of things that day ; volleyball, tetherball, rock climbing, team building, canoeing, archery, and campfire with s’mores. I got to do them with my friend, because we were on the same team, which made it even better. 

Canoeing was one of my favorites. Me and a friend got on the canoe, and put on life jackets. We started to row with our paddles against the water and wind. The view was beautiful – a greenish blue lake with forest green trees. The sun was setting and sparkles across the water. It was peaceful but fun. Campfire is another favorite. We sat there around the fire while the counselors acted out funny skits. After, we got up team by team to make our s’mores and roast marshmallows. Mine caught on fire and I panicked a little, but it was good nonetheless. Overall, we did a lot of activities in Camp Hanes, and I loved all of them.

All in all, Camp Hanes was a great experience. I had fun and had my first night away from home ever. In conclusion, I’m very grateful for Camp Hanes.