Students attend Storer Outdoor School

The sixth grade class taught by Dustin Hessling had a busy and exciting stay at YMCA Storer Outdoor School in Napoleon, Mich.

The students spent five days immersed in outdoor learning.  Hessling selected the curriculum his students used while attending Storer and chose from over 50 different classes that focus on Natural Sciences, Cultural History, adventure learning and alternative energies.  This type of hands on learning can improve test scores by 27 percent according to studies.

“Each group’s experience is unique as they set their own agenda.  The students experience learning in a whole new way,” said Glen King, Vice President of Camping Services.  “We were very happy to welcome St. Mary of the Assumption School students to The Storer Outdoor School and thank Principal Dave Mathew, the school council, teachers, and parents for supporting their students, and making this possible.”

“Our goal is to engage students in a meaningful educational experience, build confidence in the children, and foster greater relationships with their classmates,” said Nancy Burger, Director of Environmental Education at the Storer Outdoor School.

6th grade student Erika Younts wrote “Camp Storer was awesome.  I really liked “GaGa Ball” and the “Underground Railroad.”  I also liked the food.”

Her classmate Caroline Kopack wrote, “Camp Storer is well organized and the activities were awesome.  The staff did an amazing job of managing the camp.”

This type of experience is typical of the opportunities available to students at the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic School.

YMCA Storer Camps serves 16,000 participants each year in its three core programs; The Storer Outdoor School, Specialty Programs and Group Retreats, and traditional summer camping programs.  The camp is located on 1200 acres surrounding Stony Lake in Napoleon Township, Mich., and was founded in 1918.