Fifth-Graders Experience Nature at Deer Valley YMCA Camp

During the week of September 30, 2024, 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 Harrison  Park and McCullough Elementary Schools attending Monday through Wednesday morning and Level Green, Sunrise Estates, and Trafford Elementary Schools attending Wednesday afternoon through Friday.

 

During the trip, students participated in archery, teambuilding, fishing, stream studies, PA wildlife, and ecology classes.  One of the week's highlights was climbing Mt. Davis, the highest point in PA, within walking distance of camp.

 

McCullough Elementary student Liam Donovan learns how to shoot an arrow on the archery range

McCullough Elementary student Liam Donovan learns how to shoot an arrow on the archery range

 

 The 5th-graders of Harrison Park with principals Mr. Marasti and Mr. Swartz

The 5th-graders of Harrison Park with principals Mr. Marasti and Mr. Swartz

 

Level Green Elementary students Millie Hatam, Baylee Carr, Claire Korekach, and Geneva Edwards enjoyed a scenic boat ride

Level Green Elementary students Millie Hatam, Baylee Carr, Claire Korekach, and Geneva Edwards enjoyed a scenic boat ride

 

Sunrise Elementary students Fabian Bravo, Alex Shenk, Connor George, and Ben Lee

Sunrise Elementary students Fabian Bravo, Alex Shenk, Connor George, and Ben Lee

 

Trafford Elementary students Natalie Montecupo and Bella Miskanic make paracord bracelets

Trafford Elementary students Natalie Montecupo and Bella Miskanic make paracord bracelets

 

A group of Sunrise Elementary students gather during their climb of Mount Davis

A group of Sunrise Elementary students gather during their climb of Mount Davis

 

Level Green Elementary students Sadie Walterhouse and Kelsey Visco display the dreamcatchers they made during Art class

Level Green Elementary students Sadie Walterhouse and Kelsey Visco display the dreamcatchers they made during Art class

 

McCullough Elementary student Mila Kisel displays a salamander found during Aquatic Safari

McCullough Elementary student Mila Kisel displays a salamander found during Aquatic Safari

 

Harrison Park Elementary students Neil Knaresborough, Tristan Casper, Sylas Storer, Beckett Burmeister, and Jaxon Merola displayed teamwork while building a birdhouse

Harrison Park Elementary students Neil Knaresborough, Tristan Casper, Sylas Storer, Beckett Burmeister, and Jaxon Merola displayed teamwork while building a birdhouse