Each spring, the Middle School Level 8 students are invited to attend a week of camping at NatureBridge for hands-on learning experiences in the foothills of the Olympic mountains. This culminating experience develops not only environmental science knowledge but gives students time out of the classroom to continue building meaningful community.

Camp itineraries this year included: hiking to Marymere Falls, hiking Mount Storm King, canoeing in a 20-person canoe on Lake Crescent, team building games, simulation labs exploring erosion and development, field observation of the Pacific Northwest, a night hike, campfire gathering, a simulation game of salmon farming, and a trip to the Lyre River beach, a new camp offering that HRS was the first to experience.

“Level 8 camp at NatureBridge is intentionally placed in the spring near the end of our students’ HRS journey because it asks them to pause, reflect, lead, and step outside of their comfort zones one final time before graduation. It’s a chance for students to recognize how much they’ve grown, not just academically, but as individuals.

It’s a final experience that helps them leave middle school with confidence in themselves, deeper connections with their peers, and memories that will stay with them long after they leave HRS.”

—Josh Phillips, Head of Middle School

As part of Ms. Dahlstrom’s journalism elective class, students had the opportunity to interview classmates who attended NatureBridge for a writing assignment.

Level 8 Camp
Lilli R., Level 7
Ms. Dahlstrom, Journalism P5

Hamlin Robinson Level 8 students went to camp for a week at NatureBridge. Hamlin Robinson does this every year.

This is called Level 8 camp.

Level 8 students go to camp to go on one last adventure before graduation from middle school and to get outside. Level 8 student Marisa G. said, “I think we go to camp to get outside and spend time together before we all graduate.” Also, Level 8 teacher Ms. Kaur said, “We go to camp to explore nature and do science experiments and to connect with our friends for the last year.”

Level 8 students did quite a few activities at camp, including canoeing, hiking and hanging out. Hamlin Robinson School teacher Mr. Wegmeyer said, “My favorite part of Level 8 camp was getting all the way to the top of Storm King with my students.” Also, Level 8 student Vivien L. said, “The most fun was hiking.” Quite a few of the Level 8 students said hiking was the best. Some said canoeing and others said chilling, either way they all had fun.

NatureBridge food disappointed Hamlin Robinson students. Level 8 student Leica P. said, “The food was really bad.

It was either raw or overcooked and was bland.” Although Mr. Wegmeyer said, “Yeah, compared to other camps I liked the food.”