Prince of Peace Catholic School fifth graders continue Camp Cosby trip tradition

Fifth-graders from Prince of Peace Catholic School in Hoover recently spent three days and two nights at YMCA’s Camp Cosby’s “outdoor classroom.” Students experienced what they have been learning in the classroom and took advantage of many other opportunities on this 12th annual field trip that has become a much anticipated rite of fifth grade at Prince of Peace School.

They learned safe and proper canoe techniques on Lake Logan Martin and survival skills on land, including building a fire and shelter and rescue signals. In the Life Learning Lab, fifth graders touched a 6-foot long ball python and discovered how animals adapt to survive in their environments. Another fun part of the trip was the “Ways of Old Days” simulation that took the students back in time to the pioneer days by writing with a quill and ink and making their own toys. Plant physiology, geology, water cycles were also part of the curriculum. 

The students were accompanied by their teachers Donna Hecklinski and Laurie Jones, Principal Connie Angstadt, Father Tom Ackerman and Guidance Counselor Debbie Calvert as well as parent chaperones. 

“I always treasure this learning opportunity with our fifth grade students,” Angstadt said,. “Every student is blessed with special gifts and so many of these gifts rise to the surface at camp. We create lifetime memories.”