Fifth-Graders Experience Nature at Deer Valley YMCA Camp

During the week of October 2, 2023, the fifth-grade students of Penn-Trafford School District took part in the annual trip to the Deer Valley YMCA Camp as part of the district’s environmental learning program.   Each 5th-grader spent two and a half days at the Meyersdale, PA campground, with Level Green, Sunrise Estates, and Trafford Elementary Schools attending Monday through Wednesday morning and Harrison  Park and McCullough Elementary Schools attending Wednesday afternoon through Friday.


During the trip, students participated in classes such as archery, teambuilding, fishing, stream studies, PA wildlife, and ecology.  One of the highlights of the week is climbing Mt. Davis, the highest point in PA, which is located within walking distance of camp. 

 

Trafford 5th-graders Jackson Botti, Josh Keefer, Cooper Bost, TJ Neel, James Hudson, and Xavier Wade use natural materials to build their creature creation

Trafford 5th-graders Jackson Botti, Josh Keefer, Cooper Bost, TJ Neel, James Hudson, and Xavier Wade use natural materials to build their creature creation

 

Trafford Elementary 5th-grader Lucas Daykon displays the fish he caught while Mr. Marasti looks on

Trafford Elementary 5th-grader Lucas Daykon displays the fish he caught while Mr. Marasti looks on

 

McCullough principal, Mr. Joe Marasti, leads a fishing lesson

McCullough principal, Mr. Joe Marasti, leads a fishing lesson

 

Level Green students Mason Murry and Troy Ferguson display their dreamcatchers

Level Green students Mason Murry and Troy Ferguson display their dreamcatchers

 

Elizabeth Urso of McCullough tackles the ropes course

Elizabeth Urso of McCullough tackles the ropes course