What is Happening to Grade 8 Camp This Year?

Kate Wong

It is currently unknown if the grade 8 camp will happen this year. However, the camp has not occurred in its usual time frame.

There are currently social activities for the grade 8 students in replacement of camp for now, such as the PC vs Grade 8 challenge and the grade 8 indoor track meet.

According to Mr. C. Smith (Counseling), a significant increase in camp prices has prevented approximately 250 grade 8s, 22 peer counsellors, and 22 teachers from attending Camp Elphinstone this year.

Grade 8 camp in recent years has cost around $54,000, meaning $150 to $175 per grade 8 student.

“We’ve mainly left the Thursday before Thanksgiving and stayed for one night before coming back on Friday,” said Smith about previous years. Typically, the grade 8 students would take the ferry to Camp Elphinstone. For grade 8s that don’t attend camp, there are classes planned for them in the library.

The activities at Camp Elphinstone consist of kayaking, archery, crafts, canoeing, among others. A highlight for many is the skit put on by the peer counsellors.

Smith says that the main purpose of the camp is to build community with in the school.

Grade 8 camp has been a significant event in the Hamber community. “I remember having a lot of fun at grade 8 camp, especially when the grade 12 PCs told all of us eighth graders what their high school experiences were like,” said Amy Tran (11).